June 22, 1863, Tri-Weekly Telegraph (Houston, Texas)
The following letter shows what sort of stuff some of our boys are made of. Good for the little patriot. His example is worthy of imitation by children of larger growth:
Iron Stone House, Two Miles Above Sutherland }
Springs, Wilson County, Texas, }
June 9th, 1863. }
General Baylor: I am not quite thirteen years old, so I cannot join your company to “still hunt Yankees,” though I have a very good young horse, suitable for the service, which I wish to present to you, or through you to some true Southern soldier in your command. I feel very unwilling to part with my favorite, except to assist in driving the hated Yankees from our land. Can I aid a mite in doing this, I will be repaid a thousand times for a horse, that has been my pride and pleasure a long while. Please call the horse “Gus.” Send here to my father’s place for him, when he is wanted.
Augustus Weyman Houston.