the personal correspondence of sam houston: 1839-1845

title: ThePersonalCorrespondenceofSamHouston.Vol.1,1839-1845

author: Houston,Sam.;Roberts,MadgeThornallpublisher: UniversityofNorthTexasPress

isbn10|asin: 1574410008printisbn13: 9781574410006ebookisbn13: 9780585253121

language: English

subject

Houston,Sam,--1793-1863--Correspondence,Governors--Texas--Correspondence,Legislators--UnitedStates--Correspondence,Texas--Politicsandgovernment--To1846,Texas--Politicsandgovernment--1846-1865.

publicationdate: 1996lcc: F390.H8331995eb

ddc: 976.4/04/092

subject:

Houston,Sam,--1793-1863--Correspondence,Governors--Texas--Correspondence,Legislators--UnitedStates--Correspondence,Texas--Politicsandgovernment--To1846,Texas--Politicsandgovernment--1846-1865.

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ThePersonalCorrespondenceofSamHoustonVolumeI:1839-1845

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ThePersonalCorrespondenceofSamHoustonVolumeI:1839-1845

editedbyMadgeThornallRoberts

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Disclaimer:Thisbookispartofavolumeset.netLibrarymayormaynothaveallthecompanionvolumesineBookformat.

©MadgeThornallRoberts1996

ManufacturedintheUnitedStatesofAmericaAllrightsreserved

10987654321

Requestsforpermissiontoreproducematerialfromthisworkshouldbesentto:

PermissionsUniversityofNorthTexasPressPOBox13856DentonTX76203

ThepaperusedinthisbookmeetstheminimumrequirementsoftheAmericanNationalStandardforPermanenceofPaperforPrintedLibraryMaterials,Z39.48.1984.

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData

Houston,Sam,1793-1863.ThepersonalcorrespondenceofSamHouston/editedbyMadgeThornallRoberts.p.cm.Includesbibliographicalreferencesandindex.Contents:v.1.1839-1845ISBN1-57441-000-8(alk.paper)1.Houston,Sam.1793-1863Correspondence.2.GovernorsTexasCorrespondence.3.LegislatorsUnitedStatesCorrespon-dence.4.TexasPoliticsandgovernmentTo1846.5.TexasPoliticsandgovernment1846-1865.I.Roberts,MadgeThornall,1929-.II.

Title.

F390.H833199495-36738976.4'04'092dc20CIP

CoverartbyDanaAdamsCoverdesignbyAmyLayton

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TomycousinCharlotteWilliamsDarby,whotogetherwithherfather,FranklinWestonWilliams,wasresponsibleforpreservingthevastcollectionofHoustoncorrespondence,thisworkislovinglydedicated.

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TableOfContents

Preface vii

ChapterI:July17,[1839]October4,1840 1

ChapterII:November10,[1840]February3,1841 35

ChapterIII:[March22],1841November10,1841 97

ChapterIV:November30,1841February7,1842 109

ChapterV:May5,1842July5,1842 213

ChapterVI:July30,1843September20,1844 277

ChapterVII:January24,1845November10,1845 321

Bibliography 361

Appendix 371

Index 377

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PrefaceInthemid-nineteenthirtiesDr.EugeneC.BarkerandDr.AmeliaWilliamsbeganthemonumentalundertakingofpublishingacompletecompilationoftheavailablewritingsofSamHouston.Itwouldresultinaneight-volumecollectionofmainlypoliticalletterswhichauthors,archivists,andhistorianswillcontinuetouseforyearstocome.SueFlanagan,authorofSamHouston'sTexas,describedthecollectiontomeasthe"backbone"ofherbook,andindeeditwasthestartingpointforresearchonmyfirstbook,StarofDestiny:ThePrivateLifeofSamandMargaretHouston.ItprovedinvaluableasacalendarofHouston'sactivities.

ButHoustonwasaprolificwriter,andTheWritingsofSamHoustonwasbynomeansacompletecollection.IntheprefacetothefirstvolumeDr.Barkerstatedthatitwasnecessarytoemphasizetheword"available,"forHouston'sletterswerewidelyscatteredandbynomeanscompletelyavailable.HepointedoutthatmanywereinthepossessionofdescendantsoftheHoustonswhochosetowithholdthemfrompublicationorexamination.Whilefamilymembersusuallycooperatedwithhistoriansandwritersinreleasingpublicdocuments,thepersonalcorrespondencewasanentirelydifferentmatter,andfamilyprivacywasfiercelyprotected.

InterestinHoustondidnotwane,however.Afterreadingmygrandmother'scollectionofpersonalletters,notedhistorianDr.LlerenaFriendwroteintheApril,1971,issueofSouthwesternHistoricalQuarterlythattherewasa"needforaneweditingofHoustoncorrespondencetoincludeallknownandavailableHoustonwritings,"includingthepersonalletters.

WhenIbeganresearchforStarofDestiny,Icollectedjustsuchafile

ofHoustoncorrespondence,whichsoonconsistedofphotocopiesofnearlyathousandpreviouslyunpublishedletters.1AsIpickedoutpassagesfromtheletterstouseforthatbook,IcouldnothelpbutnoticethewealthofhistoricalinformationIwasleavingout.WhenIwentbacklatertocarefullyrereadeachletter,andtoreadsomeofthecorrespondencewrittentoHouston,IknewthatDr.Friendhadbeenright,andIresolvedtostartontheprojectmyself.

ThemassiveFranklinWilliamsCollection,whichprovidedthe

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frameworkformyfirstbook,alsoprovidedthebulkofthelettersforthismultivolumework.Unlessotherwiseidentified,thelettersinthisvolumearefromthatcollection,althoughtherearenumerouslettersincludedherefromotherpublicandprivatecollections.

Itisamazingthatthevastcollectionsofpersonalcorrespondencehavesurvivedyearsofbeingstoredinvariousbarns,attics,andclosets.Whileafewaretoofadedtoreadandhadtobeomitted,themajorityareinsurprisinglygoodcondition.Someofthemostdifficulttoreadarethosewhichare"cross-written"thatis,afterfillinguponepagewithwriting,thewriterwouldturnthepapersidewaysandwritedirectlyontopoftheoriginalwords,givinga"crosshatched"effectwhichmakessomewordsimpossibletoread.Someotherlettersexistonlyinfragments,leavingthereaderwithatantalizingpuzzleastowhatwasinthemissingpart.Thereaderisleftwithfurthermysterieswheneventsarealludedtothathappenedwhenthecouplewastogether.IncludedinthisgrouparetheincompletestoriesofVernalLea'sfirstmarriage,NancyLea'slegalproblemsinGalveston,theunidentifiedmanwhoslanderedMargaretandhermother,andtheproblemstheHoustonshadwiththeemotionallydisturbedVirginiaThorn.

Onecanonlywonderaboutthecontentsofthemissinglettersandwhathappenedtothem.MargaretHoustonisknowntohavedestroyedagroupoflettersonatleastoneoccasion.Otherswerelostinthelate1930s,whenMadgeWilliamsHearnepresentedtoAndrewJacksonHouston,thelastsurvivingHoustonchild,anumberofMargaret'slettersandpoems.Afewyearslatertherewasafireinhishomeandtheletterswerepresumablydestroyed.Inthespringof1995,IdiscoveredthatanAndrewJacksonHoustoncollectionofHoustonpapershadbeendonatedtotheCatholicArchivesinAustin,Texas.MyhopeswereraisedthatIwouldfindthemissingcorrespondence.WhatIfoundwasawonderfulcollectionofletters

writtentoHoustonbyvariouscontemporaries,severalofwhichIhavementionedinfootnotesinthiswork,2butnoneofthepersonalcorrespondencewasincluded.Inthelastbox,however,Ifoundafragmentofadocumentshowingsignsofhavingbeenthroughafire.ItwasAndrewHouston'swill.Enoughofitwasleftformetoreadtheinstructionsconcerningachestoffamilypapers.Andrewspecifiedthat,uponthedeathsofhisdaughters,onlytheCatholicpriestofthelocalparishwouldbeallowedintheHouston

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home,andhewasdirectedtoburnthechestwithoutexaminingitscontents.Oncemore,personalitemshadbeendestroyedinordertoprotectfamilyprivacy.

Fortunatelyforthehistorian,themajorityofHouston'spersonalcorrespondencehasbeenpreserved,andmanyfamilymembershaveagreedthatnowisthetimetomakeitavailable.NoHoustondescendantrefusedmyrequesttohavehisorhercollectionincludedinthisseries.Ihaveincludedalloftheavailableletterswhichwerepreviouslyunpublished,includingthosewrittentoandfromMargaret,additionalfamilymembers,andsomeclosefriends.

ThisvolumefurnishesnewinformationaboutSamHoustonandhisfamilyconcerningmanysubjectsthatHoustonscholarshavelongdebated.Thelettersshowclearlythathedid,infact,giveupalcohol.Newfactsarepresentedabouthislawpracticeandfinances.InsightsintoHouston'srelationshipwithMargaretandotherfamilymembersarerevealed.BothHoustonandMargaretarequitecandidintheirdescriptionsofpersonsandeventsduringthistime.

Ihaveattemptedtoidentifyallthepeoplementionedintheletters.AlthoughanamazingpapertrailhasbeenleftdealingwiththeRepublicofTexas,thistaskhasnotbeeneasy.Alltoooften,fewclueshavebeenlefttoidentifythefriendorfoe,andsometimestherewasmorethanonepersonwhofitacertaindescriptionandevenaname.Unfortunatelyafewstillremainamystery.

IbeganmyresearchintotheidentitiesandeventsmentionedinthelettersbyconsultingTheWritingsofSamHouston,inwhichAmeliaWilliamsandEugeneBarkerprovidemarvelousbiographiesintheirfootnotes.FromthereIwenttoTheHandbookofTexas,followedbytaxrolls,censuslists,marriageandcemeteryrecords,andvariousbookswrittenaboutlifeintheRepublic.IsiftedthroughthecorrespondenceofHouston'scontemporarieslookingforclues.I

studiedearlymapswhichlistedpropertyowners,andsoughtadvicefromlocalhistoriansthroughoutthestate.Ifevidencewasfoundthatthepersonwastheonlyonebythatnamewhoresidedinthecorrectlocationatthepropertime,Iassumedheorshewascorrectlyidentified.Theoccupation,age,placeofbirthanddateofdeathfurnishedotherclues.AlthoughIoftenlistonlyonesourceforidentificationinafootnote,Iusuallyfoundthepersoninseveralsources.Whenonlyonesourceexisted,Iusedthephrases"possibly"or"probably."

Manyofthelettersinthisvolumeweredifficulttoreaddueto

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thequalityofthepaper.Wordsfromtheoppositesidebledthroughthethinpaper.Someletterswerewaterspotted;othersweretorn;andtheinkonafewwassofadedastomakethemcompletelyillegible.Fragmentsexistandareplacedinanappropriatetimeframe.(Someofthefragmentsandillegiblelettersmaybetheonesidentifiedasmissing.)Afewwerenotdated.Usingcluespresentedinthecontent,Iattemptedtoinserttheminalogicalplace.DuringthetimethatHoustonspentinAustin,henumberedthepagesofhisletters,makingiteasyformetoarrangethoseinthecorrectorder.

Intranscribingtheletters,Iusedthefollowingeditorialprocedures:

Missingwordsorphrasesareidentifiedas[torn]andillegibleonesareidentifiedas[blurred].Whenthewriterhasomittedanobviousword,itisincludedinbrackets.Ifwordshavebeenomittedandthemeaningisnotclear,theletterisreproducedexactlyasintheoriginaland"[sic]"isused.

Houstonconsistentlyusedcertainabbreviations,suchas"yr"for"your"or"oclk"for''o'clock,"andheleftapostrophesoutofpossessivewordsandwordsthatarecontractionstodayusing''mothers"insteadof"mother's,"forinstance,and"dont"insteadof"don't"buthediduseapostrophesliberallyincontractedwordssuchas"wou'd,""Gen'l,""render'd."Thesewordsareprintedinthebookastheyappearintheoriginalletters,withoutlabelingthemas"[sic]."Severalwordsarealwaysmisspelled.Forinstance,Margaretused"thier"for"their"and"realy"for"really,""simpathy"for"sympathy,"andbothspelled"separation"as"seperation."Theseconsistenterrorsareprintedaswritten,withoutcomment,notnoted,buttheoccasionalmisspellingsarenotedwith"[sic]."Wordswhichtodayarecompounded,like"anything,""tonight,"and"therefore,"SamandMargaretusuallywroteastwoseparatewordsorusedahyphentoseparatethem.Thusweread"anything,""tonight,""where-ever"and

"therefore,"andIhavenotaddeda"[sic]"tothosetypesof"errors."Thecouplebothmisspelledpropernamesattimes,andIhavereproducedthemexactlyasintheletters,althoughIhaveputthecorrectedspellingsinthefootnotes.

BothSamandMargaretfrequentlyusedsmallletterstobegindaysoftheweekandotherpropernouns.Alloftheseinconsistenciesandallunderlinedwordsarereproducedasintheoriginal.

Mostoftheletterscontainpostscripts,someattheendofthe

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mainletter,othersinthemarginorontheoutsideoftheenvelope.Intheseprintedversions,allpostscriptsappearattheendoftheletter.

IgreatlyappreciatethehelpofthewonderfulstaffsoftheDaughtersoftheRepublicLibraryinSanAntonio,theSamHoustonLibraryandResearchCenterinLiberty,theWoodsonResearchCenterofRiceUniversityinHouston,andtheSamHoustonMemorialMuseuminHuntsville.Iamindebtedtothewonderfulhistorianswhohelpedme:PaulCulpofSamHoustonStateUniversity,whofoundtheAndrewJacksonHoustonandWoodscollectionsforme;VeraWimberly,whointroducedmetothewondersofthegenealogicallibraryinConroe;CathyHerpichoftheDaughtersoftheRepublicofTexasLibrary,whofoundresearchformaterialsforme;DickRiceoftheSamHoustonMemorialMuseum,whohelpedmematchthemuseumartifactswiththeletters;FrancesCondraPryor,wholetmeuseherpersonallibrary;LindaHudsonoftheUniversityofTexas,Arlington,whofurnishedmewithinformationonJaneCazneau;GiffordWhite,whoseprolificresearchfurnishedmewithmanyidentitiesofthepeopleoftheRepublicofTexas;myson-in-lawBryceJacobson,whohelpedmepreparethemaps;andmanyotherswhoencouragedmyefforts.

Inorganizingtheselettersforpublication,Iobviouslychoseachronologicalarrangement.Beyondthat,IalsodecidedtoseparatethemintochaptersaccordingtotheHoustons'whereaboutsatthetimeSam'scongressionalsessionsinAustinorWashington-on-the-Brazos,forinstance,orMargaret'stripsbacktoAlabamatoseeherrelatives.Thishasnecessarilymadesomechaptersmuchshorterthanothers.

ThisvolumedealswiththeyearsoftheTexasRepublic,beginningin1839whenHoustonmetMargaretLea,andcontinuesuntiltheendof1845.Atthispoint,IplantodividethefuturevolumesbyHouston'ssenateterms,asfollows:VolumeIIwillcoverMarch6,1846-June14,

1849;VolumeIIIwillcoverNovember24,1849-April11,1853;andVolumeIVwillcoverDecember2,1853-April10,1862.Thereisalsoachance,however,thatlettersforthelatterdateswillhavetobesplitintotwovolumes.

MyeffortstofindmoreofHouston'sletterstofamilymemberssuchasNancyLeaandbothSam'sandMargaret'ssiblings,aswellasMargaret'sfriendssuchasEllenReilyandCatherineFlood,have

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beenlargelyunsuccessful.Perhapspublicationofthisfirstvolumewillstimulatethosewhomayhavetheselettersinprivatecollectionstocontactme.

Itismyhopethatpublicationoftheseletterswillprovidevaluableinformationaboutotherhistoricalfigures,aswellasthegovernment,medicalpractices,travel,farming,anddailylifeintheearlydaysofTexasandournation,inadditiontogivingnewinsightsintothelivesofSamandMargaretHouston.

MADGETHORNALLROBERTSSANANTONIO,TEXAS

1BecausemyinterestforthatbookwasinthetimeperiodbeginningwhenSamHoustonmetMargaretLeain1839,Ihaveonlysoughtoutlettersfromthatyearforward.Obviously,Houstonkeptuppersonalcorrespondencesbeforethattime,andmuchofthatmayremaininprivatecollectionsalso.OnepublicationIamawareofwhichcontainsacollectionofHouston'spre-1839personalcorrespondenceisEverThineTruly,LoveLettersfromSamHoustontoAnnaRaguet,(Austin,JenkinsGarrettPress,1975).MostofthecorrespondenceinitisalsocontainedinBarkerandWilliams'sTheWritingsofSamHouston,however.2Thelettersareallpolitical,ratherthanpersonal,andthecopyrightbelongstotheCatholicArchivesofTexas,sotheywerenotincludedinthisvolume.

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TexaslocationsreferredtoinHouston'spersonalcorrespondence.

ChapterIJuly17,[1839]October4,1840July17,[1839]:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

August1,[1839]:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

January29,1840:SamHoustontoRobertIrion

April25,1840:MargaretHoustontoNancyLea

June30,1840:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

July1,1840:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

July2,[18]40:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

August22,1840:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston


September4,1840:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston


September17,[1840]:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

September21-22,1840:SamHoustontoWilliamBledsoe



October3,1840:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

October4,1840:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

Inthespringof1839SamHoustonvisitedMobile,AlabamawiththehopesoffindinginvestorsforthecityofSabine,Texas.TherehemetMartinLeaandWilliamBledsoe.HewasinvitedtoasocialattheLeahomeinSommerville,Alabama,wherehemetandfellinlovewithMargaretMoffetteLea,Martin'ssister.Afterafewweeks'courtshipHoustonlefttovisitAndrewJacksoninTennesseeandMargaretandhermotherreturnedtothehomeofMargaret'sbrother,HenryClintonLea,inMarion,PerryCounty,Alabama.TwocopiesexistofthefirstletterwrittenbyMargarettoSamHouston.Oneisafirstdraftonwhichshepracticedherhandwritingskillsandmadechangesinwording.Ihaveincludedinthefootnotesanychangeswhichweremadetothefinalletter.

Marion,PerryCo.,[Alabama]July17[1839]

YourletterfromNashville1wasreceivedonlastnight.Strangeasitmayseem,itismyfirstnewsofyousinceyourdeparturefromMobile.TheonewrittenfromColumbuswasneverreceived.Iremainedforseveraldaysinconstantexpectationofit,butatlengthIconcludedthatthemailhadbeenmiscarried.Atlasthowever,IhaveheardfromyouandthetidingsaretrulywelcomeIassureyou.Myanswermaybetakenasastrongevidenceofthat,foritisthefirstIhaveaddressedtoanygentleman.

Weareoncemoreinournativecounty,andMarionourownMarionisstillhappyandflourishing.Surroundedbyitsgreenhills,groves,andbowers,itislikeasweetwood-nymphuntarnishedbythewilesandcolddeceptionoftheworld.Iaminthemidstofmychildhood'sfriends,andgreetedoneveryhandwithgentlewordsandsoftendearingepithetsandIamhappy;quitehappy?Ahnotherearethoseabsentwhosestationwithinmyheartremainsunfilled.Alasitiseverthusthroughlife!Happinessisagrandunionoftenderassociations,ties,andfriendships.Letbutthesmallestoftheseberemoved,andthe

wholeisincomplete.2

Ihavetakenmyseatinthelibrary.Forseveralreasonsitisafavoriteresort.Nowintheearlymorningitlooksoutupona3rangeofwildhills,stillslightlyobscuredbythemistofthenight,andintheevening,thesunsetrayswillbeautifullygildtheirrichverdure.Howsolemntheplace!Sacredtoholymusingsandcommunionwith

thegeniusofagesgonebye!Iaminthemidstofabandofheroes,bothidealandreal,andsageswiththierwisdom4arehereand5yetthoughitmayseemsacrilegious[sic],myheartisnotwiththemtoday.Itislikeacagedbirdwhosewearypinionshavebeenfoldedweeksandmonthsatlengthitwakesfromitsstupor,spreadsitswingsandlongstoescape,butah,myheavywordsstillweighitdown,itcannotgoforth.

LastnightIgazedlonguponourbeauteousemblemthestarofmydestiny,6andmythoughtstooktheformofverse,butIwillnotinscribethemhere,forthenyoumightcallmearomanticstar-struckyounglady,andyouknowIwouldbeveryunwillingtohavemyselfputinthatsublimeclassofindividuals.

Iregretthatitwill7beimpossibleformetoseeyouattheBlountsprings.8Mr.Bledsoeandmysister9willbethereandwillbedelightedtomeetyou.Marionisbutatriflingjourneyfromthatplaceandwewillexpectyoutoperformit.Mr.Bledsoeandmysister,motherl0andalargeportionofmyrelationswillsetoffforTexasinOct.Thoseofmyfamilywhoremainareunwilling,underexistingcircumstances,thatIshouldaccompanytheothersuntilyouhavevisitedMarion.Itisnaturalthat[they]shouldwishtoseeyou,andIagreewiththeminthiscourseuponwhichtheyhaveresolvedupon[sic].ThereforeifyoudonottakeMarioninyourhomewardroute,theprobabilityisthatyouwillnotseeyourrusticEsperanza11forages(monthsImean)tocome.MybrotherH.12metwithGen.Parsons13inCahawba1420milesfromthisplace.Heistomakeusavisitverysoon.Deargoodoldman,hespeakssoaffectionatelyofyou!Ihavebecomemuchattachedtohim,andwillsuffernoonetoquestionhisbraveryinmypresence.Well,IbelieveIhavenomoretotellyounowexceptthatyoumustwritetomeimmediatelyandconstantlyuntilIseeyou.IfearifDr.SheperddoesnotreturntoMobileshortly,thepreferencewillbegiventoMeritt.Idonotprefix

Superior.Thatisfortheyoungladytodecide.

ForeverthineownEsperanza15

1Nocopiesofthisletterhavebeenlocated.ApparentlynoneofHouston'sletterswrittenduringthecourtshiphavesurvived.2Margaretwouldaddtothefinaldraftthefollowing:"Whatbeingcaneverbesoblessedastoembraceallatonce?Andevenifthatwereaccomplished,woulditnot

(footnotecontinuedonnextpage)

(footnotecontinuedfrompreviouspage)beinconstantdreadofseveringsomelinkofthebeautifulchain?"3Inthisdraft,theword"beautiful"iscrossedoutinfrontof"rangeofwildhills."4Thewords"andphilosophy"areaddedtothefinaldraftatthispoint.5AtthispointMargaretaddedtothefinalletterthewords"andoratorsandpoetswiththierdustylaurels.Amajestichost!"6Onthenighttheymet,HoustonpointedtoabrightstarintheskyandtoldMargaretLeathatthiswastheir"starofdestiny"inthewesternsky.ForthepoemshewrotethatnightseeMadgeRoberts,StarofDestiny:ThePrivateLifeofSamandMargaretHouston,(Denton:UniversityofNorthTexasPress,1993),26-27.Althoughthispoemwaswrittenearlier,MargaretmaybereferringtoitsincenopoemhasbeenlocatedwiththedateJuly17,1839.7Onthisdraft,"beoutofmypower"iscrossedoutafterthewords"itwill."8AcommunityinsouthernAlabamaknownforitsmineralsprings.JamesT.Sulzby,Jr.,HistoricAlabamaHotelsandResorts,(Montgomery:UniversityofAlabamaPress,1960),59.9WilliamBledsoewasmarriedtoMargaret'ssister,Antoinette.10NancyMoffettLea.11Spanishfor"theonehopedfor,"anamegivenMargaretbyHouston.12HenryClintonLea.13GeneralEnochParsons.ThomasMcAdoryOwen,HistoryofAlabamaandDictionaryofAlabamaBiography,v.4,(Chicago:S.J.ClarkePublishingCompany,1921),1323.14AsmalltowninPerryCounty,Alabama,locatedonthewestsideoftheCahabaRivernearthemouthofOldTownCreek.Ibid,v.1,188.15Thefinaldraftcontainsapostscriptinanotherhandwriting,probablythatofWilliamBledsoe,butitiswaterspottedandtoobadlyblurredtoberead.

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NancyLea,alongwithAntoinetteandWilliamBledsoe,plannedavisittoTexas.HoustonapparentlyhadwrittenMargaretthatitwasnecessaryforhimtoreturnhomeandthatitwasimpossibleforhimtocometoMarion.HebeggedhertocomewithherfamilyandmarryhiminTexas.Herreplyfollows.

MarionPerryco.Aug.1st[1839]

DearSir:

Welearnfromyourletter1thatitisimpossibleforyoutoreturnbyMarion.Yourreasonsaregoodyetwecannotbutregret[the]necessityofyourdecliningthevisit.Istatedtoyouinmylast,thatitwasthewishofmyselfandrelationsthatyoushouldvisitMarion

beforeourdepartureforTexas.Withregardtothatouropinionsareunchanged.Ihaveneveryettakensidesinanyaffairofmomentwithoutbeingguidedinagreatmeasurebymyrelationsandinthiscasealludedto,Ishallrelyentirelyonthierdiscretion.Farbeitfrommetoraisemyvoiceagainstthat[torn]country!No,ifsherequiresyourpresence,gowithoutdelay!Iwouldscorntocallhimfriendwhowoulddeserthiscountryatsuchatime.Goandwhenhercriesofoppressionarehushed,wewillwelcomeyouagaintomynativestate.Letthetimeofyourreturndependentirelyonthestateofyourcountry.Itismywishthatyoushoulddoso.YourequestmetoreconsidertheproprietyofaccompanyingMr.BledsoeandmysisterandMothertoTexas.Iwillnotrefusetodeliberateuponit,butIimaginethatmyseconddecisionwillnotdifferfromthefirst.Iwillpromisehowevertothinkofit.

Mr.[William]Bledsoehassufferedfromalongprotractedillnessfromwhichheisjustnowrecovering.HewillsetoffinafewdaysfortheBlountsprings.WeweredelightedwithhisaccountsofTexas.Hegaveusmanyamusingstoriesofhistravels.

Ihavebeenagreatstudentsincemyreturnhome,sothatIamunabletogiveyouanyofthefashionablenewsofMarion,andatpresenthavenottimetophilosophise.HoweverpoliticsistheengrossingthemeandIprefermybooks,musicandneedle-work.WhenIwriteagainIwillendeavortointerestyoumore,butthemailwillsetoffimmediatelyandIamanxiousthatthisshouldmeetyouinNas[hville].Iwillexpectananswerverysoon.

Jesuistoujourlamême.

Margaret

DirecttoMarionasbefore.

1Theletterreferredtohasnotbeenlocated.

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AfterreceivingthisletterHoustonchangedhismindandmadethetriptoMarion.Aweddingwasplanned,andHoustonreturnedtoTexasbelievingthatMargaretwouldmakethetriptoTexasandmarryhimthere.HewaselectedtoserveintheTexasCongressandwenttoAustin.From

therehewroteofhisplanstohisfriendRobertIrionofSanAugustine.ThefollowingletterisintheIrionCollectionofOriginalDocumentsintheArchivesDivisionofSamHoustonStateUniversityLibrary.

Austin29thJany,1840

PRIVATE

DearIrion

Iwrotetoyou,buthaveheardfromyouonlybychance.Whathasbecomeofyou?Areyoureallysomuchinlovethatyouforgetyouroldfriends?OrisitthatIamabouttomarry,andthatyoucannotbeatthewedding?Icannotsay,mydearfellow,whenthefrolicwilltakeplace,butmynotionisthatitwillbeprevioustothe15thFebruary.Itoldyouallaboutmatters,andtheonlythingwhichhaschangedthenewsistheremovaloftheyoungladyandfamilytoTexas.Sheisa"cleverGal"andIhopetoshowhertomyfriendsassuchinMarchatfarthest.1

TodayIamupandintheHouseafterbeingthreedaysinbedwithamiserablecoldowingtothisaccursedplaceinwhichvillanyhaslocatedtheseatofGovernment.Ahmycountry!Noonecanfancyitsafflictions,andeverydayaddstoitscalamities.Thedayisnotdistantwhentheveiloffuturitywilldisclosescenesofextravaganceandcorruptionthatwillawakenthemostmiserablesensationsandstrikethemindwithhorror.NopatriotcananticipatethefutureofTexaswithoutthemostacuteandheavyanguish.Ihavenotsincetherevolutionbeganentertainedsuchgloomyhopesformycountry.HeretoforeGodhassavedusandcancontinuehiskindfavors,butwithoutthemwearegone.ThenationcannotbeartheburdenofTaxation.Thepeoplearetoopoortopaytaxesonoxen,workhorses,andinshorteverythingandthenobtainnoprotectionforthelittle

remnantleftfortheirenjoyment.

Buttoothermatters.WhenwemeetIwillhaveendlesschatforyou.ImustpassbyHouston,theBayandCityofSabine.Ifitcancomewithinyourpowersee[to]myhorses.DopraysaytoMajorRoberts2tohavemyhousefinishedinneatorder.HehasnottreatedmefairlyandIamdisappointedbyhim.Iwou'dnothavedoneso!IfyouhaveanybusinessatHoustonor"fifthproof,"Iwou'dbe

happytoseeyouateitherplace!Butdonotletmywishesbyanymeansinfluenceyourconvenience.Iwishyouwou'dseeifRobertshasanyoneofmy''DorPlace.''3ASquireJohnG.Easlywastocomeandtaketheplace.Shou'dhebeinTexasandwishit,heistohaveprecedenceofallpersons,butshouldhenotcomedoseethatsomepersonshallbetherewhowilltakecareofit.Iwantnorent,buttheplacetobetakencareofHendersonandhisLady4sendyouallKindwisheswithhighregards.Gen'lRusk5sayshewillseemewellmarried,ashegoeshome,andwillgobyHoustonandtheBay.

SaluteMissA6&thefamilyindeedallmyfriendsIaddmyblessingtothis.

Everthinetruly,SamHouston

1HoustonwasexpectingMargarettoaccompanyhermotherandtheBledsoestoTexasandmarryhimthere.2ElishaRobertsofSanAugustine.ForabiographyseeAmeliaW.WilliamsandEugeneC.Barker,eds.,TheWritingsofSamHouston,v.2,(Austin:TheUniversityofTexas,1938),311-12n.Hereafterthiseight-volumeserieswillbereferredtoasWritings,andthevolumenumberwillbeputinRomannumerals.3JohnM.DorwasHouston'slawpartnerinNacogdoches.W.EugeneHollonandRuthLaphamButler,eds.,WilliamBollaert'sTexas,(Norman:UniversityofOklahomaPress,1956),107.SeealsoWalterPrescottWebb,et.al.,HandbookofTexas,I,(Austin:TheTexasStateHistoricalAssociation,1952),514.HereafterthiswillbereferredtoasHandbookofTexasandthevolumenumberwillbeputinRomannumerals.4JamesPinckneyHendersonandFrancesCoxHenderson.FormoreinformationaboutthisfamilyseeAnnieDoomPickrell,PioneerWomeninTexas,(Austin:StateHousePress,1991),172-79.5ThomasJeffersonRusk.SamHoustonDixonandLouisWiltzKemp,HeroesofSanJacinto,(Houston:AnsonJonesPress,1932),57.

6AnnaRaguet,whomHoustonhadpreviouscourted.ShewouldmarryRobertIrion,March20,1840,afewweeksbeforetheweddingofSamHoustonandMargaretLea.NormaRutledgeGrammer,compiler,MarriageRecordsofEarlyTexas,18241846,(FortWorth,Texas:FortWorthGenealogicalSociety,1971),61.

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NancyLeaandWilliamandAntoinetteBledsoecametoTexasearlyin1840toinspectlandinvestments.NancyrefusedtoletMargaretaccom-

panythemtobemarriedinTexas,tellingHouston,"Mydaughtergoesforthtomarrynoman.Hewhoreceivesherhandwillreceiveitinmyhome,andnotelsewhere."TheweddingwaspostponeduntilHoustoncouldmakethetriptoAlabama.Houston'slettersduringthisperiodofthecourtshipdidnotsurvive.WhenMrs.LeawasinGalveston,Texas,MargaretwroteherthenewsfromMarion.

AcopyofthefollowingletterisinSamHoustonStateUniversityLibrary.TheoriginalisinthecollectionofMargaretHoustoncorrespondenceattheBarkerHistoryCenter,UniversityofTexas,Austin.

Marion,April25th,1840

DearestMother

Ihadhopedlongbeforethistohavebeenwithyou.Ithereforedeemeditunnecessarytowrite.Thiswillaccounttoyouformylongsilence,butIdonotofferitasanexcusebecauseImighthaveforeseentheprobabilityofadisappointment.Wehavereceivedseverallettersfromyouandbro.Martin,andeachonehadustothinkthatourfriendswouldbeherebeforewecouldfinishreadingit.Wehavebeentantalizedinthiswayforthreeweeksatleast.Ishouldnotbesoanxiousaboutthem,ifbro.M[artin]hadnotmentionedthatGeneralHouston'shealthwasbad.AndyetIhopethatthisisnotthecauseoftheirdetention.

DearMotherIwillnotnowattempttoreconcilemyfeelingsduringyourvoyage,northesweetthankfulnesstoHeaventhathasenlivenedmyhearteversinceIheardofyoursafearrival.No,mypenwouldgrowlamebeneaththeardourofsuchfeelings.Iwillreservethedelightfultaskofnarratingthem,untilwemeetagain.Marionismuchthesameaswhenyouleftit.Oneortwomarriageshavevariedthemonotonyalittle.MissMillerandMr.Wytt[?nameblurred]are

married,1Mr.CrookandMissSanderson,2andMr.CoggodandMissLoveland.3ItissaidthatLucindaTarrantwillmarryDr.Yarborough,butIdonotknowthetruthofit.AmongthedeathsinthecountyareMr.KentandoldMr.Locket,Mrs.Watson'sfather.Averymelancholythinghappenedafewdaysago.Mrs.VincentSanderscommittedsuicidebyhangingherself.Herlittlesonfoundherdeadinaclosetsuspendedbyatrunk.

Ourrelationsherearegenerallywell.SisterSerena's4healthis

delicate,butshemanagessoasnottobeconfinedbyit.Sumpter5hassufferedintensivelywitharisingbutithasbeenlancedandheisrecoveringrapidly.SisterSerena'sonlybrotherJaquelin6isinAthens7withhiswifeandthechildren,andIexpecthewillbehereinafewdays.Br.Henrysays,ifitishisintentiontoremovetoTexas,thathethinkshewillgowithhim.SisterS[erena]seemstobeperfectlywillingtodoso.ShesendsherloveandsayssheexpectstoseeyouallbeforelonginTexas.BrotherRoyston's8familyareallwell,andhethinkshewillbeoffinthefall.Hehasplantedhislandincornentirely,ashedoesnotwanttobedetainedbythetroubleofgatheringcotton.Thechildrenaregrownverymuch.Sarah9isnearlyastallasIamandtheothersaregrowninproportion.Theschoolsareflourishingstill,especiallyMr.Wright's.10Hehas116scholars.IdonotknowMr.Jewett'snumber.11GeneralThomasistoenclosealittlenotefrommetoMaria.12SoImustbidyouadieuandwriteheralineortwo.Iamdelightedtohearthatyouhavemetwithher.IwillalsoenclosealettertoMr.andMrs.BledsoewhichIwishyoutodirectformeasIdonotknowwheretosendit.Myhealthisverygood.Mycoughdisturbsmeoccasionally,butdoesnotcausemeanygreatinconvenience.WethinktheGen.willcertainlybeherethisevening.IfheisyoumaybesureIwillnotdetainhimlong.Ihavemademeawhitesatindress,apurplesilkandabluemuslin.Ihavenotgonetoanyexp[ense]whichIthoughtyouwouldobjectto.

YouraffectionateMargaret

1AnElizaAnnMillerandaWilliamWyattweremarriedFebruary26,1840.AltanKartaltepe,EarlyAlabamaMarriages,Vol.M,(SanAntonio:FamilyAdventures,1991),311.2ACorneliaSandersonmarriedaJamesCrookonFebruary24,1840.Ibid.,Vol.S,22.3AnAnnLovelandmarriedaHenryGaddenonMarch11,1840.Ibid.,Vol.L,182.Margaretmayhavemadeamistakeonthesurnameofthegroom.

4SerenaLea,thewifeofHenryClintonLea.MadgeW.HearneCollectionofpapers,inthepossessionoftheauthor,SanAntonio,Texas.5SumpterLea,Margaret'snephew(thesonofSerenaandHenryLea).Ibid.6JaquelinRootes.Ibid.7ProbablyAthens,Georgia.8RobertusRoyston,husbandofVarilla(alsospelledVirilla)Lea,Margaret'ssister.HearneCollection.9SarahAnnRoyston,alsocalledSallieand"Tose,"wasMargaret'sniece(thedaughterofRobertusandVarillaRoyston).Ibid.

Rev.S.R.WrightwasinchargeoftheMarionFemaleSeminary.SamuelA.Townes,"HistoryofMarionandSketchesofLife1844,"reprintedintheAlabamaHistoricalQuarterly14(1952):222.11Rev.ProfessorM.P.JewettofJudsonInstitutehadseventystudentsforhisthirdterm.Ibid.12MargaretisprobablyreferringtoherfriendMariaBlassengame.

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SamHoustonandMargaretLeaweremarriedatthehomeofherbrother,HenryLea,onMay9,1840.ShortlyafterthattheytraveledtoTexas,landingatGalveston.HereMargaret'smother,NancyLea,wasrentingahouse.ThecouplevisitedwithMrs.LeawhiletheywerebuildingahomeonpropertyHoustonownedacrossthebayatCedarPoint.TheirfirstseparationashusbandandwifeoccurredwhenHoustontraveledtoHoustonCityonbusiness.HereHoustonwroteherhisfirstletteraftertheirmarriage.

Mrs.M.M.1HoustonGalveston,TexasbyTucker2

ontheDayton330thJune1840

LikeoneofyouroldBeauxIamatalosshowtoaddressyouwhenaWife!Somuchforbashfulness!Iwasintimetodayandwillusemytimewell.IwalkeddowninsuchhastethatIcanhardlywriteyouanintelligibleletterornote.

IpraythatyoumaybeashappyasIdesireyoushouldbe.Havenobaddreams,asIintendtofurnishexcusesfornow.IwillattendtoJoshua!4

Ibegyoutobehappyorashappyasyoucanonaccountofthemusquitoes[sic].Ihearnonewsfromabove,andifmattersareeasythere,Iwillhavethelessdetentionfromyou,whichwillbeacauseofmuchfelicitytome.IwriteonlyfortworeasonsoneisthatIhavelittleelsetodo,andtheotheristhatIloveyou"verriemuch."

MykindregardstoMrs.Lea,andbeassuredofmydevotedloveandimperishableaffection.

ThyHusbandSamHouston

Mrs.M.M.HoustonMyfriendDr.Tuckerwillhandthisnotetoyou.

ThinetrulyHouston

1MargaretsometimessignedherlettersMargaretMoffettLea,andsoherhusbandisaddressingherasM.M.HoustonratherthanM.L.Houston.2Dr.EdmundTucker,asurgeonintheTexasarmy(Writings,II,263n)andamemberoftheMedical&SurgicalSocietyofHoustonformedin1840.PatIrelandNixon,TheMedicalStoryofEarlyTexas,1528-1853,(SanAntonio:MollieBennettLupeMemorialFund,1946),461-62.3ThesteamshipDaytonranfromHoustontoGalvestoninaten-hourtrip.Thechargewas$5.00forcabinand$2.50fordeckpassengers.MarilynMcAdamsSibley,ThePortofHouston:AHistory,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1968),40.4JoshuawasoneoffourLeaslaveswilledtoMargaretbyherfather,TempleLea.SeeTempleLea'swill,AlabamaWillBook,v.A,57-58(acopyofwhichisinthepossessionoftheeditor).SeealsoPatriciaSmithPratherandJaneClementsMonday,FromSlavetoStatesman:TheLegacyofJoshuaHouston,ServanttoSamHouston,(Denton:UniversityofNorthTexasPress,1993),2.

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July1,1840

ToMrs.M.M.HoustonGalveston,TexasCapt.Cannan1willhandthisinpersonHouston

CityofHouston1stJuly,1840

MyDearestMag,

AthousandthingsIcou'dsay,wereIpresent.Yespresentinperson,formyheartandaffectionsarealwayswheremydearMagis.ThismomentIhavebeentenderedafeeof$1,000,butifitwou'ddetainmefromyou,Imighthesitateastoitsacceptance.

Iintendtoseeyou,asIhaveproposedascribeittobusinessifIamdelayedbutIcannotremainfromonetowhomIamsomuchdevoted.IleftJoshuawell,andallwellatSpillmans.2Yates3wasdefeatedwhenhecalledatthePoint[CedarPoint].YoucharmedMr.Fleming,4andIcanonlysay,"Somuchforawife."MyaffectionateregardstoyourMother.

AlwaysthyHusband,Houston

1ProbablyWilliamTravisCannan,aSanJacintoveteran.ForabiographyseeWritings,II,194nandDixonandKemp,227-28.2JamesSpillmanownedpropertyatSpillman'sPointandSpillman'sDocksonGalvestonBay.Seemapof"OriginalLandGrantsandSelectedLandmarks"inDorothyKnoxHoughton,et.al.,Houston'sForgottenHeritage,(Houston:RiceUniversityPress,1991),xv.3AnthonyJanewayYateswasinvolvedinadisputewithHoustonoverownershipofCedarPoint.HandbookofTexas,II,942.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,491n.4AngusFleming.IdentifiedinDaughtersoftheRepublicofTexas,DefendersoftheRepublicofTexas,(Austin:LaurelHousePress,1989),271.

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ToMrs.M.M.HoustonGalvestonCity,TexasMr.Sturdivant1

Houston2ndJuly40

MydearMargaret,

YesterdayIwrotetoyou.TodayIwriteagainbyMr.Sturdivantwhowilltellyou,andourexcellentMotherallaboutAnto[i]nette.2Youwillbehappy,andIamso,onlythatIcannotseemydearMag,whichleavesmemiserable.

Wereshetoseeme,shewou'dpardonmanyfaultsofmine.Theheartthatonlythrobsforonemustbewretchedwhenabsenceseperatesthem.Thereisnothingnewhere.Iwillarrangemybusiness,asIhave

meanExpressfromRedLand.IwilldoallthatIcantobeoffforthere.IprayyoumyLove,tobecheerfulandhappy!Inheart&soulIamthinetruly.

MyaffectiontoyourMother,andtoyou.IcansaynomorebutthatIam-

ThyHusbandSamHouston

Mrs.M.M.Houston

PSPersonsarewalkingonthefloor,andIcannotwriteafairhand.

Thine

Houston

CapBlacks3familyareallsick.TheThomsonian4practicehasfailed.

1HoustonmaybereferringtoFrancisSturdevantofWashingtonCounty.IdentifiedinGiffordWhite,ed.,1840CitizensofTexas,Vol.I(LandGrants),(St.Louis:IngmirePublishers,1983),243.2NancyLeaandAntoinetteLeaBledsoe.3JohnS.Black.SeeRobinMontgomery,TheHistoryofMontgomeryCounty,(Austin:PembertonPress,1975),171-72andWritings,III,348n.4Amedicalsectwhose"botanicsystemwasbasedonthetheorythatvegetableremediesandsteamdoctoringprovidedtheheatnecessarytocurealldiseases.Itsfollowerswereagainstbloodlettingandtheuseofcalomel.Thissectwasopposedby'regular'doctors."WilliamRansomHogan,TheTexasRepublic,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1969),236-37.W.A.NewmanDorland,TheAmericanIllustratedMedicalDictionary,(Philadelphia:W.B.SaundersCompany,1937),definesitasasystemofmedicalpractice,chieflybotanic,foundedbySamuelThomson,aNewHampshirefarmer(402).

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Inthelatesummerof1840,theHoustonsbeganatourofeastTexas.MargaretbecameillwithmalariaandHoustontookhertothehomeofAntoinetteandWilliamBledsoetorecuperate.Hethencontinuedhistrip.

Mrs.MargaretLeaHoustonWashingtonTexasCareofCaptainW.Bledsoe

CrockettTexas22ndAugust1840

Mydear,

ThiseveningIcametothisplace,afterridingtwentyeightmilesinthesun.Iamyetquitewell,butbledmyselflasteveningforfearoftoogreatpletharge[sic].IlearnedthattherehasbeensicknessintheEast,butisnowabating.IndeedsicknesshasbeenuniversalinTexas.Ihopeitwillcease,withthecoolnightsandmornings.Thereisnonewsthatwouldinterestyou,andIfearthatyouwillnothearfrommeasnomailisnowrunning.Iwillwritebyprivatehand,withthehopethatitmayreachyousafely.

Iammorelonelyeachdayinmyestimation.Toseeyouengrossesmygreatestdesires.ButforthewhileImustbereconciledandprayforyourhealth,safety,andhappiness.IntwodaysIhopetoreach

Houston'sTravelsMid-August,1840toOctober4,1840

Nacogdoches,butinthemeantimeIwillwritetoyou.Walling1isstillthefaithfulattentiveman,andreallywithouthim,Iwou'dbeataloss.Tomyhorses,heiseverything.Theyarealldoingwell,andimproveonthejourney.

Thepeopleallexpressmanyregrets,thatyouarenotwithmesoyoumaybepreparedtoplaythelyoness,asyoupassthejourney.Ihopetohavesomeamusingincidents,whenIamsohappyastoembraceyou;YouwillnotallowmetosingorIwou'dlearntochaunt"Begonedullcare"etc.AsitisI'mquitemiserabletaciturnandsad.Thusyouseewhataspiceofgoodhumourhasdone,withmymusicalfaculties.

Nowmybeloved,presentmekindlytoourdearsis,andtheCaptain.MayHeavenblessthee!

ThineaffectionatelydevotedhusbandSamHouston

1CouldbeeitherJohn,Jesse,orThomasWalling.ThethreebrotherslivedafewmilesfromNacogdoches.HandbookofTexas,II,858.JessewasaclosefriendofHouston's.

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Mrs.MargaretLeaHoustonWashingtonTexasByColRichardson1

NearSanAugustine28thAugust1840

MybelovedMaggy,

OnyesterdayIarrivedatthisplace(myfriendSubletts2)andfoundallwell.Myfriendswereall"appie,"andonlydeploredyourabsencebut

rejoicedatyourrecovery.Newshadreachedthatyouhadceasedtoexist.Youarenotawareofthesadnesscausedatthisreport.WhenIarrivedthejoywascorrespondenttothedepressionwhichhadexisted.Youarelookedforwithpleasureandanxietybyallclasses.Ihavedeclinedadinnerinvitation,buthaveagreedtoaddressthepeopleinTown,onthe3rdSept.3Youwillseethecorrespondencewhichhastakenplace.Init"Icryaloudandsparenot."Itwillpaysomeofmypoliticaldebts.Tosomeitwillbeworsethan

thesquealof"Lynchy"hog.IwillenclosetoyouaslipfromthepaperoftheRedLands,foryourperusal.Thespirittowhichitiswrittenisveryfine,andcomplementary!Inmyabsencefromyou,Ifeelastho'Iwasdeprivedofmybetterpart.IwasawarethatIwouldbelonesome,butIreallyfeelinsulated,andtho'hopelingerswithme,yetIfeelasmiserableasifyouwereacrosstheocean.IneverdidrealizethehopewhilesinglethatIwou'dfindinawifeaperfectcompanionandonewhowou'dbecapable,byherwisdomandprudencetosustainme,oronewhowou'dendearlifetome,andblotouttheinfelicityofthepast.Iamdisappointedinthiscalculation.IhavesupposedthatIwouldbekindlyandjustlytreatedbyawomanoffidelity,andthatIwouldbeallkindnesstoher,cherish,protect,andsustainher.Ithoughtthatmutualdependencewou'dmakeusagreeable,contented,anddiminishthecareoflife.Ionlydeplorethesituationofourcountrythatrequiresmyabsencefromyou!Ilongtoseeyou,thatwemaytalkovermatters.IfeelthatIhavemyfullconsent,toretireandpursueacourseadaptedtoourmutualfelicity.Iaminclinedtobelievethatpublicstationwillnotpromoteourindividualhappiness!Youarehighlycapableofreflectingandjudgingofthesesuggestions.Ifeelonlyconcern,intheperfectionofyourhappinesssofarastemporalmattersareinvolved.Theholyreligionwhichyouprofess&practicewillenableyoutolookwithaneyeofHopetothemediatorialcrossofyourblessed,andatoningRedeemer!Thisreflectionwillsustainyouinthetrialsofyourearthlyprobation!Youwillfindnoconductofmineastumblingblocktoyourpath.Thestudyofmylifeshallbetorenderyouhappyintemporal&spiritualaffairs!

YesterdayIrec'dalongletterfrommynieceMrs.Peland4inwhichshesaysourrelativesareallwell,andnomisfortune!SheurgesthesubjectofReligionwithmuchearnestness,andrendersmuchscripture!Inthissectiontherehasbeenmuchsicknessandfrequentdeaththo'themortalityisnotsogreatasrepresented.

Thegreatdrought,inmyopinion,hasbeenthecauseofdisease.Mybusinessissomewhatembarrassedinthisquarter,andsomeattemptstorobmeofmyrights!"Itwillbeso,awhileatfirst."Myhopesofsuccessandwealtharesanguine,andIhopetoseeyourfacelongadornedwiththesmilesofcontentmentandinspiritedbythemusicoftheGuitar,andotherlittleetceteratones!!!!

Youwillbegrievouslytiredinperusingthedull,andheavycon-

tentsofthisletter!ThereforeIwillcloseafteraskingyouonyourcontemplatedtriptotheEast.

RequestCaptBledsoetohavetwogoodlockchains,ahatchet,ropesandnailsletyourselfandsistergetoutatallbadplaces.LettheCaptainridebefore,andforGods-sakelettherebeagooddriver.Theonehehadwon'tdo!ItwillrequirefourmulesinthecarriagelettheCaptaininquireatCincinatti5forthenearestandbestroadwhenhecrossestheRiver.Thebottomisverybad!ifheshouldtakethewrongroad.AndwhenhecomestoBradshaw,6lethimtakethelefthandroadatleastuntilhecomestoBeans7thenifheshouldwishtocomebyMrJohnDurst's,8hecangetdirections.Ineverpassedanydifficultpartoftheroad,butwhatIfeltsolicitudeforyoursafety.Iamhererusticating,andourfriendJudgeScurry9isnowwithme.Hebidsmetocommendhimtoyoumostkindly.Hewillhaveafinebatchofstoriesforyoubythetimeyouarrive.

IprayyoutocommendmostcordiallyandtrulytoourdearSisterandtheCaptainwithmysolicitudefortheirhappinessandprosperity.

ForthefuturemayGodallowmetobethecarefulandsuccessfulguardianofyourhappiness!Thedayisspent,andthepeoplereturningfromcampmeeting.ImustconcludethiswearyEpistle.Youwillbetiredwhenyouhavereadit.

ThyhusbandTrulyaffectionatelySamHouston

[Onenvelope:]23rdSept.nonewssinceSunday.AchillisjustleavingmeandmusttodayGodblesstheemylove

ThineHouston

1ProbablyColonelDanielLongRichardson,thefather-in-lawofDavidKaufmanofSabine.ForinformationabouttheRichardson/KaufmanfamiliesseeEdnaMcDanielWhiteandBlancheFindleyToole,SabineCountyHistoricalSketchesandGenealogicalRecords,(Beaumont:LaBellePrintingCompany,1972),20.2PhillipSubletwasHouston'sboyhoodfriendfromTennesseeandason-in-lawofElishaRoberts.Writings,II,371n.3SeeWritings,II,350-52,Houston's''ReplytoaDinnerInvitation,''August28,1840.4PheobeJanePenland,thedaughterofHouston'ssister,ElizaMoore.HearneCollectionofPapers,SanAntonio.5AsmallsettlementontheTrinityRiverwhichwaslocatednearthepresentcityof


(footnotecontinuedfrompreviouspage)Huntsville.BobBowman,The35BestGhostTownsinEastTexas,(Lufkin:BestofEastTexasPublishers,1988),127.6TheBradshawfarmwasontheroadtoCrockettwestofNacogdochesjustpasttheDurstfarm.ArchieP.McDonald,HurrahforTexas!TheDiaryofAdolphusSterne18381851,(Waco:TexianPress,1969),59-60.7ThefarmofEllisP.Bean,twenty-eightmilesfromNacogdochesontheroadtoCrockett.Ibid.,44.8JohnDurstsettledatNacogdochesintheOldStoneFort.HandbookofTexas,I,527.9RichardsonScurry,anoldfriendfromTennessee,whosettledinSanAugustine.HandbookofTexas,II,584andWritings,I,512n.

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ToMargaretLeaHoustonWashingtonTexasMyfriendMrVance1careofCaptBledsoeSamHouston

SanAugustine4thSeptember1840$100cashTexas

MyLove,

TodaybyaMrCartwrightfromWashington2Iheardthatyouwerewellenoughtobeshopping,andthisgavemepleasureItwasmyfirstandonlynewsofyousincethepainfulmomentofparting.ButIheardthatourdearsis,Antoinettewasveryill.Ihopeitisamistake.Godpreserveher,longandhappy.

Myaffectionsburntoseeyou.Youarethelightofmypath;andtheonlybeingthatcanorcou'dcheermyheart.Toseeyouwou'dbejoyinexpressible.Whenthisishandedtoyou,andyoushouldbeatCaptB'sIpraytogethimtosee,iftherewasnotsomeonetravelingEast,thatyoumaywritetome,andnotrelyonthemail-'tisuncertainandnottobereliedupon.AsIcannotseeyou,mybusythoughtswillpursueyou,andfancymakesmewretched.Ithenrely,foryoursafety,andhappinessuponourGodwhomyouserve,andinwhomIbelieve!!!Hewillsustainusinvirtue,&happiness.Withouthisaid,wecannotbehappyorprosperous.

OnyesterdayIspoketothepeople,andtheyseemedhappy,&satisfied.Theelectionwilltake[place]onthe7thInstant(Monday).3Tomorrow,Iexpecttovisitcampmeeting,butIdonotknowwhat

denominationitis.YouwillknowforIhopesoontoseeyouhere."Everybody"isanxioustoseeyouintheRedLands.Iwou'dberight"appie"toseeyoumyself.Mrs.Sublett4wou'dbegladtoseeyoutospendsometimewiththem!Ifyoursistercan'tcomewithyou,andyoubringMaria5along,don'tcome,butletmeknowit.IfCaptB,&sis,comes[sic]withyou,lethimbringfourmulesinthecarriage.Theywillbeneedful,andallthecautionpossibletosavetheLadies&thecarriageGetoutatallbadplaces.ComebyCincinnati,aspersonsarekilled,ontheupperroadbytheIndians!!!Ineednotwritemoreasthenewsherewou'dnotinterestyou.Myhealthimprovesmuchinmyopinion!Mystockoffinehorsesaredoingwell.Iamtradingforafinesaddlemare,foryou,andahackney.

Thepeopleimproveinhealth,andIhopebythetimethatyouread[,]hereallwillhaverecovered!

MrVance,theGentlemanwhobearsthisletter,isanoldfriendofminefromTennessee!Lethimbetreatedassuch!!!IwishmydearwifetobecomeacquaintedwithMrVance,ashewillbepleased,andcantellthetruthwhenhereturnstoTennessee.

ByMr.V.Isendyou$100inTexasmoneyandonlyregretthatIcannotsendyouaMillioninGold.AsMr.Vanceisontheeveofdeparture,Iwillonlyaddmyinfinitelovetoyou,andmyaffectiontoourdearSis,andtheCaptain.Ifnecessaryforyourhappiness,sendanexpresstomeandIwillbewithyou.Allmyfriendsheredesiremetopresenttheircordialesteem&estimation.

Dowritetome,andshouldyousetout,comebyCincinnati.Becareful.Idolofmyaffections,Adieu.

ThyhusbandSamHouston

Mrs.M.L.Houston

MylovetoSisAntoinette&theCaptain.WritetomeallaboutMother!!!

Houston

PSIhaveheardthatTomandEsau6aresafeinHouston.Iamgladofit!Thereisnomoneyhere,butdon'tyouregardthat.Iwillhaveenoughforyou,ifIshou'drobthehighways!orthebyways!!!

SamHouston

MaggyHouston

[ontheback]Mrs.NancyLeaCareofMr.A.C.Allen7CedarPointTexasByMr.Vance

DearMother,

IwishyoutopaygreatattentiontoMr.Vance,heisagreatfriendofGenHouston'sandamanofhighstandinginthestates.Myhealthisverylow,andGodonlyknowswhenIshallrecover.IamunderthecareofaThomsonian.YouwillseethattheGen.stillexpectsusintheredlands.8Wehavenomeansofundeceivinghimasourletterscannotreachhim.Mother,ifyouareinneed,wouldyounotborrowfromJudgeJohnson9orsomeotherfriendofGenHoustonsinhisname?Iwilltaketheresponsibilitymyself.

ThychildM.L.Houston

1ThiswasprobablyAndrewVance,apartnerofVance&DicksfromClarksville,Tennessee.HediedinGalvestonNovember12,1840.SilasEmmetLucas,ed.,ObituariesfromEarlyTennesseeNewspapers1794-1851,(Easley,SouthCarolina:SouthernHistoricalPress,1978),377.2ItisuncleartowhichCartwrightbrotherthisrefers.Matthew,Peter,andWilliamallownedpropertyinWashingtonCounty.WorthS.Ray,AustinColonyPioneers,(Austin:PembertonPress,1970),75.3Houstonwasre-electedascongressmanfromNacogdochesinthiselection.M.K.Wisehart,SamHouston:AmericanGiant,(Washington:RobertB.Luce,1962),363.4EasterJaneRoberts,Mrs.PhillipSublet.HandbookofTexas,II,683.5ALeafamilyservant.6TwooftheslavesownedbyHouston.LenoirHunt,MyMaster,(Dallas:Manfried,VanNort&Company,1940),97.7AugustusChapmanAllen,oneofthefoundersofthecityofHouston.Fora

biographyseeWritings,II,181-83n.8EastTexas.9JudgeRobertD.JohnsonofGalveston.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,I,917.

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Mrs.MargaretLeaHoustonNearWashingtonTexasTobeleftatCaptBledsoe'siftheGentlemancan'tseeMrs.Houston

NacogdochesTexas13thSept1840

Mybeloved,

AnhoursinceIarrived,andonmywaythismorning[I]hadthepleasuretomeetyourletterofthe1stinst,withthe[torn]andthepapersenclosed.1Isnatchedthemandopenedthemwithintensefeelingofanxiety.Mydistresswasgreat,asIhadnotheardofyoubutoncesinceweparted!Iwaswearyofconjectureatyoursituation.Ihadwrittensomesixorsevenletters.Thefactofyourrelapseaccountedfororcou'dIanticipatedIwou'dneverbeseperatedfromyouforanhour.ButIamintheRedLands,andifIleavewithoutarrangingmatters,Imustloose[sic]manythousands.IhaveeightfinebloodedhorsesforwhichIpaid$9000.00,andtheymustbedisposedof.Ihavealsofourorfivesaddlehorses,andmustsellthreeofthem.Ihaveadvertised822acresoffinelandneartothisplacetosell.2ThismeansmoneyImusthave.Theotherdaymylove,Isentyou$100byMr.Vance,andonlyregretthatIhadnomoretosend.Idonotsay"spare"foritwasallthatIhadthelast,andonlycent.

Ihadforebodingsthatsomethinghadhappenedandthatyouwou'dnotcomeon,butintheeventyoudidI'vesentyoueveryadvice.Itwasbestthatyoushou'dnotcome,andasIhavebeensolongdetained,donotnowattemptit,asyoumaymissmeontheroad,&theIndiansarekillingpeoplewithin28milesofNacogdoches,residingonthemainroad,bywhichyouwou'dbecompelledtotravel!Don'tbyanymeansattempttocome,butwaitformyreturnwithpatiencemyentireloveiswithyou,myspiritischeeredbytherecollectionofyourcharms&worth,andmyprayers[are]totheGodoftheuniverseareforyou.[torn]myanguish,andnothearingfromyou.IthrewmyselfuponthemercyoftheGreatEternalintelligence,whomIhaveathearteveradored,andwhohasinallmyearthlytrials

sustainedme!ToHimandtheeIlookforallmyhappinessonthisglobe!Heavenwillprotectandguideus!Dr.Smith3wrotetomefromonboardtheSteamBoatourblessedMotherwasonboard,goingtoCedarPointtoseeJones4andthehandsassheheardtheyweredoingnogood!Thedoctorpromisedallassistanceandprotectiontoher,whilethereandsaidthatshewou'dnotvisityouuntilmyreturnNowyoumayrelyon

myreturnassoonaspossible.IwillbecarefulnottoseeanyIndiansonthewaybecauseIwillhavecompanyenough.ItwillbenecessaryformetoattendSanAugustinecourtonthe4thMondayInst,andwhereIhavebeenofferedverylargefees.5Onelittleoneof$500.00.WeneedallthatIcanmake.Imustnowtellyouthatforsixdays&nightsIhavesufferedwithageneraldiseasehereTheDiarrheawhichhasinsomecasesbeenfatal.Today[sic]Iambetter.Inevertooktomybed,butrodeinthesuneveryday,littlemore.AtonetimeIdidnotthinkthat[Iwould]survivetwohourswithoutrelief.Iwillbemorecarefulofmyhealth!IhavetakenmedicinefromtheGreatWilson,6asmyfriendwasnotathand!(Irion).

Ithankyoufortheprayersofaffectionwhichyourenderforme,andIwilltrytoactworthyoftheoffering!Notwithstandingmydiseasehasreducedmeinflesh,mycolourisfastreturningtomyformerredlandhue!Therehasbeenmuchsickness,butithasbeenthefirstforfiftyyears,andmaynotagainoccur.Astowherewesettle,Iwilltalktoyouofthat,andmanythingswhenwemeet.MyLove,whatItoldyouofMissE....7wascorrect.Youmaythinkofthematterbutletitbekeptaprofoundsecretbealwaysguardedyouare"Houston'sWife"andmanywouldjoytodashourcupofbliss.Myjoyisinyourlife!Ihaveonlytimetowritetoyou,butnomoreasthebearerisinwaiting.GivemylovetoourdearSisandtheCaptain.PleasesaytohimthatIhaverec'dthepapersbutnotyetseenGowans8ofthesubjectDon'tattempttocomeon.Iwillwriteeverychance.Iwishyoucouldbyprivatehanddoletmeknowhowyourbreastis,9andindeedeverything.Godblessandkeepandpreserveyou.

ThyHusbandtrulySamHouston

Mrs.M.L.Houston

1Thisletterhasnotbeenlocated.

2HoustonownedpropertyonthewestbankofSandsBayou.ForfieldnotesdescribingthepropertyseeR.B.Blake,"TranscriptsofDocumentsfromRecordsoftheDistrictCourtofNacogdochesCounty,ConcerningIndividualsWhoParticipatedintheTexasRevolution,1836,"(n.p.,1995),95.BarkerHistoryCenter,UniversityofTexasLibrary,Austin,Texas.3Dr.AshbelSmith.4ProbablyWilliamJeffersonJones,afarmer,lawyerandstatesmanwholivedinGalvestonCounty.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,I,927.

HoustonwasrepresentingtheGalvestonBayandTexasLandCompanyinseveralsuits.SeeWisehart,3626Dr.StephenWilsonwasawell-knownphysicianwholivedfourmilesnorthwestofSanAugustine.G.L.Crockett,TwoCenturiesinEastTexas,(Dallas:SouthwestPress,1932),261.7ElizaAllen,Houston'sfirstwife.TheyweredivorcedbeforehemetMargaret.ApparentlyHoustonisreferringtowhathehadtoldMargaretconcerninghismysteriousfirstmarriage.8WilliamGoyenswasafreeblackfreighthaulerandblacksmithinNacogdoches.HeservedasaninterpreterindealingwiththeIndians.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,I,713.9Margaretwassufferingfromatumorofthebreast.

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[Onenvelope]ThisissenttoMrs.MargaretLeaHoustonWashington,TexasbyCol.J.Snively

Nacogdoches17thSept[1840]

MyDearWife,

OnyesterdayIsentyouapackagebyMr.Gantt.1ColSnively,2myfriend,willstartonSaturdaynext(twodayshence)andthotodayIamnotsowell,Icannotforgothepleasureofwritingtoyouagain.Youcanhavenoideaofmytroubledspirit.Toseeyouwouldbehappiness,iflessthedivine,atleastextreme.Icannotseeyou,assoonasIwoulddesire,butourmutualinterestcompelsmetoremainforawhileinthisregion.

Everydayisanagetome,despitethekindnessandrespectshownme.

TwodayssinceImadeadefenseinacriminalcaseandtho'thisissaidtobethecountymostadversetome,youwouldhavethoughtIwasapopularGentleman!!!

Sincethentheclientsinanimportantcasehavecalleduponme,[and]shouldIbehereatthespringcourt,IexpectinSanAugustineandthiscountytoclearfrom$10to$20,000perannum,bythepractice.WereIamsingleman,Iwouldnotmakethesecalculations,butmydearIamnowBenedictthemarriedman!!!Thissmalliteminlifewillchangemycourse,ifnotmynature!OhMaggie,IonlywishthatIcouldseeyou,thatImightfeelthatIwas[blurred]companion

andanequalinwhosepresenceIwashappyandonewhowouldfeelthatIwasdevotedtoherhappinessherhonorandherfuturefameandglory!ThenIwouldindeedbehappy.Youcanhavenoideawhenyouareabsentfromme,howmuchIrealizecommunionwithourpasthoursofmutualconfidenceandbliss.Ifeelthatwhenwewereunited[blurred]andventuredmuchtoomuch!ButIwillconvincetotheworldthatevenwithonewhoisthoughttodisregardlife,andallitsclamor,thatwomancanredeemhim,andbringhimwithinthefold.

Dearest,IprayyoumyLove,thinknotforonemoment,thatIwilldelayseeingyoutheinstantthatIcanreachyouaftermybusinessisconcludedinthissection.Myhouseinthisplaceisnotfinished,butisinprogress.Ipaidtwoyearssinceforit,$5500forit,butasIalwayshavebeentreatedsoIamagain.Iwastohavehaditfinishedtwoyearssince.ItisaprettyplaceandanextensiveLot.FinewaterandbeautifulGardenPlaces.Youwouldbehappytoseethissectionofthecountry,andthepeoplewillhardlyforgivemefornotseeingyouinthisquarter!

Itellthemfamilymatterspermitting,thatyouwillvisittheminthespring.Thissuitsthemonlyasa[blurred]apology.Indeedmylove,IwishyouhadcomeonwithmebutthiswillofProvidenceforbadit!

YoumustsaytoourfriendBledsoethathisletterandtheDoctorshascometohand,andIamhappythatheisnotinvolved,butifhewantsthat,Iwouldhelphimout,sofarasLandwouldgointhebusiness.Mywishistoaidallourfamilyandseethemenjoyeaseandplenty&characterinthecountry!

Youwillbewearyofmyovermuchwriting,andImustwriteshorterletters.ReallythepleasureincommunicatingtoyouincludesallunhappinessandthereforeImustcontinuewriting.IonlyfeelmiserablethatIcan'tseeyoutotellyouallthatIfeelforyou!Loversprofessallthattheyfeel,buthusbandsarenotsohappy!Ifeelmore

thanlanguagecanexpress.Thatyoushouldfeelequallytheendearmentsofaffection,isbutreasonable,andforthatreason,Iwishtobecomelocated,settledandinasituationwherewecanbeunitedinplaceaswellasinaffection.Thedayswhicharedeparted,wecannotrecall,butwehavearighttoanticipatethefuture.InlifeIhavebeeninthehabitoflookingforward,andyetIcherishthesamehopeWitheveryhopeyouareblendedandidentifiedasthemost

preciousobjectofcreation.IfeelthatIhavegivenyoupainandboundlesssolicitude.Forallthisyouwillpardonmeandfeelthatitwasnotdispleasuretoyouinanyrespect,butanerroronmypart.MydearMargaret,wehaveabrightfuture,Ihopetolookto.Onethatwillsecuretousallthatmortalsshouldanticipate,andallthatvirtuecandeserve.WithyouIfeelthatweareresponsiblenotonlytotherulesofmorality,buttotheholypreceptsofoursavior,JesusChrist!!!Thatabelievingwifemaysaveanunbelievinghusbandismysinceredesire.Mydear,Imustclosethisletterandwithit,Ireposemyhappiness,myfault,myhonor,andmyallonearth!!!OhthatIcouldseeyoubutonehourthatImightenjoyyoursmileButthismydearMaggy,istootrite.Imightbesosituatedthatmy"facewou'dhurtme"were[it]tobeseenbytheworld!

IprayyoutogivemykindlovetoourdearsisterandCaptainBledsoe.Assurethemofmykindaffectionandwishesfortheirprosperity.

MydearWife,Iprayyoutobeassuredofmyentiredevotion,andthatIwillnotbehappyonemoment,untilwemeet!MyLove,Iamdoingallinmypowertopromoteourmutualinterest.[blurred]iswellandshallbearmetomydearMaggylookformebythe10thproximo.IhavewrittentoourdearMother!Theoldladyrequiresanddeservesallourreverenceandlovewemustnotfailtopayherthehomageduetoher.3

IamtrulythyhusbandSamHouston

Mrs.M.L.Houston

1WilliamGantwasacongressmanfromWashingtonCounty.Hediedshortlyafterthisletterwaswritten.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,I,670.

2JacobS.Snively,asurveyorwholivedinNacogdoches.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,II,631.3Houston'slettertoNancyLeahasnotbeenlocated.

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WilliamBledsoeWashingtonTexas

SanAugustineCounty

21stSept1840

MydearBledsoe,

YesterdaywasSundayandIpassedmuchofthedayinwritingtomydearMaggyandmusinguponthepastaswellascontemplatingthefuture.MysituationhasbeensuchthatIcannotleaveherewithout[inkspot].Ihavehorseshereworthsome$12,000dollars.Theycostmeinthestates$8,500andsomeIhaveaddedsincetomystocks.Allthesewou'dhavegonetowaste.IneedallthatIhavetobeindependentandthereisduemeonthisquarter$18,500ofthis.Ishouldhavesomething.Imusthavemoneyatleastenoughtomeetpresentdemands.AllthatIcareforisto[blurred]Maggyinastylethatwillatleastpreventherfromfeelingembarrassment.Toaccomplishthis,ImustexertmyselfandIdohopetoHeavenshewillnot[blurred]whenshereflectsthatitisforhermorethanmyselfthatIwishtosecurethepropertywhichIhaveacquiredundercircumstancesofriskandathazard.

MydearMargarethastoomuchmindnottoappreciatemysituation.IfeelconfidentthatsomeonehastoldmydearMargaretthat[Iam]in"Sprees"hereandthishasmadeherveryunhappyandforthisshesenttome.Imighthavethoughtofthis,andfindherfeelingsagainstreport.Itisthusthatmiseryisinfusedintothebreastof[blurred]mustsaythatitwasunkindaswellasuntrue.

WhydoesmydearWifelistentosuchtalesasrendercredencetofalsehood.Imustgotoherthefirstmomentinmypower,andwhensheseesmeshewillbesatisfiedthatIhavebeenslandered.IwillnotjustifymyselfbecauseIamnotaccused.Tellmydearwifenottobesosillyastobelieveeveryreportwhichshemayhearofme.TellherthatIamwillingtoquitpubliclifeandneverbeabsentfromherforoneweekagain.Idislikepubliclifeasmuchasshecan.Withit,Iamsatisfied,I'vedoneenoughformycountryandmorethanitcandofor

me!

22ndSept1840

Iamjustinanagueandasitisfirst,Ihopeitwillbethelastthisseason.Mylovetomydearwife,toSisterAnn,etc.

EverthinetrulySamHouston

WilliamBledsoe

InafewdaysIhopetosetouttoseemydearWife.TodayImake

dispositionofmybloodstock.IhaveafillyforMargaret,youmaysaytoher.

Houston

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OnSeptember23,1840,HoustonwroteMargaretfromSanAugustine.Intheletterheexpressedhishopethatshewouldhearnomoreslandersofhim.Althoughitdidnotbotherhim,hewasupsetbecauseheknewitdistressedher.Healsopromised,''ifyouhearthetruth,younevershallhearofmybeingona'spree.'''ForacompletetextoftheletterseeWritings,II,352-53.

Mrs.MargaretLeaHoustonGalvestonTexascareofMr.Moore1

SanAugustine25Sept1840

MybelovedMargaret,

Todaymyanguishwasrenderedalmostinsupportablebytworeportswhichreachedmethatyouwereworse,butoninquiryIfoundthattheindividualshadnotbeenwithineightortenmilesofyou.ThisdayIcarefornothing,ifyouareworse,orshou'ddeceasebeforeIcanseeyou;butruintothose,onwhomtheblamemayfall.Iwou'dnothopeforhappinessagainwithoutyou!

Cou'dIbeassuredthatyouwereawareofmysituation,anddemandedmypresence,Iwou'dbeforetheGodofHeaven,leaveheretoembraceyou!Ihaveowingtome$19,000Ihavethisdayinhorsesavalue$12,000,andIamtendered$4000infeesatcourt.Thisis

$35,000besidesmyridinghorses.3arevaluableandthatIwouldsellatcourt.Shou'dIleavefortendays,andabandonallthatIhavehere,wewouldsuffertheagonyofpoverty.Youmydearhavealwaysenjoyedabundance,andwereyoudestitute,youwou'dbemiserableandmyselfwretched!!!Iknownotwhattowrite,norcanIhopeforhappinessortranquillityuntilIseeyou,andifIshou'ddepartandleavemybusiness,soastoloose[sic]myinterestinthissection,Iwillneverhopeforhappinessagain.Mydearyouhaveheard,andwillhearreportsandshouldyouregardthem,youwill

bemiserable,andImustbeforeverdestroyedinmyhopesandhappiness.Ihaveendeavor'dtosustainyouduringmyabsencebywriting,butitisallinvain.Withthehopeofblessingyou,IamonlymoremiserablethanthoIhadbeensilent!Itisvainformetohopeforhappinessonearth!Ihavealwaysbelievedinaheaven,andanEternityinwhichvirtuewou'dberewarded.Ifthereshou'dbenone,mylosswillbeinfiniteandmyhappinessincomplete.TobeabankruptonearthIfearmuch!andIdreadtheawfulbankruptcyinHeaven!Forsolvencyinthelatter,Ihadhopedassistancefromyou,butyoucannotfeelfaithinmeandImustfeelthemostwretchedofmortals!

Ohmylove!forthesakeofourdearSavior,Iprayyoutobesustaineduntilwecanmeet!WereitnotforthelovewhichIbearyouIwou'dnotwishtoinhabitearthasinglemoment!WillyounotbecomposeduntilIcanreachyou!Mustourruinbemortal,orwillyouincuritalone!!!!MyLove,Iprayyouagain,donotdispond[sic],donotbeunhappyuntilIcometoyou.DidIundercircumstances,whichexist,flytoyou,andabandonourmutualinterest,Iwou'dneverbeenabledagaintosmileuponyou!Iwou'dbeunboundedinmywretchedness!IwillnotbemyselfuntilIcanagainembraceyouThobusinessrequiresmyattention,andthemostimportantsuitswhichhaveeverbeentriedinTexas,atthecomingtermwillcomeout,IwillnotbeinasituationtorendertomyClientsareturnfortheirmoney!Iwillwaitforthefirstdayofcourtand[bottomofthepageistornoff]

IfeelassuredwhatMr.VancereportedcausedtheExpresstobesenttome!!!ThismuchIwassatisfiedofbytheExpress.Ifmywifeandmyfriendswillnotconfideinme,Imustfeeltoomuchdegradedtowishevertoembracethem!Thedayswhichhavedealedouttomemuchmisery,havenotequaledthefewwhichhavepassed!!!

Nothingcan,nothingeverwillabatemyloveforyou,mydear

WifebutohforHeavenssake,pityme!MyLove,Iwillnotwaitaninstantlongerhere,thanwhatdutytoyouandmyselfwillcompelmetostay!

GivemylovetoourdearSister,andmyregardstoCaptBledsoe!TodayIsawMrGowans,andhesayshewillgowithmetoWashington,butifheshou'dnot,thathewillsendthemoneybyme,toCaptBledsoe.

Everthydevotedhusband[signaturehasbeentornoff]

1ThisprobablyreferstoJohnW.MooreofHarrisCounty.ForabiographyseeE.L.Jennet,BiographicalDirectoryoftheTexanConventionsandCongresses,1832-1845,(n.p.,1941),143.

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Mrs.MargaretLeaHoustonGalvestonLt.Moore

SanAugustine27thSeptember1840

MyBeloved,

Yesterday,Imailedalongletterforyou,andnowholysundayisdrawingtoaclose,andwearsthesolemnityofanautumnevening.Ithasbeenadayofsadnessandsoberthoughtswithme.Tho'personshavecalledtoseeme,andconsultwithme,onthebusinessofcourt,whichcommencetomorrow,Icou'dnotregardtheirapplicationwiththeinterestwhichIwou'ddounderothercircumstances.TheimprobableandpainfulsolicitudewhichIfeelforyou,precludeseveryjoy,&pleasurebutwhatmayarisefrommyassociationwithyou,andthehopethatImaysoonembraceyouagain.Myspiritsaresomewhatcalmedinthelastdayandnight,butthenightbeforelast,Iwassleeplessandaroseinthemorningthewretchedanddistanthusbandfromabelovedwife.Onyesterday,Ihadthehappinesstoreceiveyourkindandgreatlyvaluedfavorofthe5thInstantwhenyouhadrecoveredfromyourrelapse.1Ohmylove,hadInotreceivedtheExpressfromyou,myjoywou'dhavebeencomplete.Iwasdoomedtothisplace,whichInowregardasaprison,andshalluntilonemore

weekmustlapse.Imustbehereatcourt,andstayoneweek.Thatwillcommencetomorrow,sothatinfourteendays,ItrustinGodtobewithyou!!!Myhealthwasimprovinguntiltheexpresscame,andtho'itisnowtolerable,myanxietyandinquietude,hasnotbeenofadvantagetoit.

Frommydearkindred,Ihaveheardthat"MrWallaceisnomore."2MySisterMaryisnowawidow,buthercircumstancesarequiteabundant,andsheisagoodmanager.Theremainderofthe

relationsarewell,andsendmuchlovetoyou!Theregretshere,thatyoucou'dnotcomeontotheredlands,isuniversal.Imakeeverypromiseofaspeedyvisit,andappointnextMarch!IhopethatkindHeaven[will]enableustocomplyunlessyoushou'dmakeanexcusetoo!Mydear,IhopethechillswereentirelyowingtothechangeoftheSeasonandwou'dsooncease.Ohmylove!youoccupymythoughtsandmyprayers!ThatIshou'deverhavegivenmythoughtstoanearthlyobject,IdidnotbelieveevenintheHalcyondaysoflife!ThatyouwilleverbelesstheobjectofmyloveIcannotnayIwillnotevensuppose!thanwhatyounoware.WithoutyouIcou'dnotwishtolive,unlessIwereahermit,thatnowcou'dorwou'ddisturbmythoughtsofyou,andthosehoursofhappiness,whichIhadpassedwithyou.Myheartoften,andalways,recurstothescenesofthepast,afterhopingforthefuture.Onlypityme,formydetention!butformysake,donotblameme!Itwasloveanddutytoyouwhichcontrolledme!MylovewhenIcanseeyou,andtellyouallyouwillcommendmycourse,andblessyourhusband!!!

'TisnightthineeverHouston

Itisnowmondaymorning,andIhavecometoTowntoattendmydutiesincourt.Ifindapressofclientsandmyansweris,"Icannotstayuntilcourtisover."Thesehardtimes,thisisreallyharduponme!Mylove,Icareonlyforyou.Whenmyworldlywantsaremet,yourcomfortwillconstituteallthatIdesire.Wereitnotthattheelectionwasover,Ishou'dnotrun.Icannotdomore,thanIhavedoneforTexas;andyouwou'dbebettersatisfiedtoseemeathome.Orwherewemightchoosetobe!!!IamhappythatyouapprehendthesituationofourdearMotherisnotcomfortable.Wou'dtoGodthatIcou'dassistherinanyway.Itoldherofhersituation,butshedidnotcreditme!Ihavewrittentoher,andtoldhertodoasshepleasedwiththehandsat

thePointwiththeirhireandthosewhichshehas.Shecannotwantforanything,butyourpresencetomakeherhappy!IfeelallfortheoldladythatIcou'dformyblessedParentweresheliving.Bothwou'dbeentitledtomyaffectionandafilialduty!Iwillnotdetainhereonehour,butthemomentthatmybusinessisover,Iwillstart,ifitismidnight!Nightbringsbackthe

memoryoftwosleeplessnights,whichhavepassedoverme.Butasyouwerethesubjectofmyreflections,Idonotregretthewantofrepose.BeyouhappyandImustbecontented!

IamhappymyDear,thatyouaregratifiedatwhatCol.Butler3said,andthemannerofit.Hewrotemealongletteronthatandothersubjects.Mylove,IhaveseenourfriendDr.Irion&Lady4forafewhours,onmywayhere,butnotsince.Iwillseethemonmywayhome.Mrs.Durst5wasnotabletobeseenfromfeverorsomethingelse.Imaywritetoyoubyprivatehand,butnotagainbymailaftertoday,asIhopetobeoffbeforeasecondmailwillstartfromthisplace.

Iexpecttoreachyouwithallpossibleexpedition,whenIsetoutfromthisplace.UntilIcanseeyoudonotdespair,IbeseechyoumydearWife.

Youmayneedfunds,andIwilldoallinmypowertoreachyouthatyoumaywantnothing.Don'tregardanyfibs,whichyoumayhearofme!BeassuredthatHoustonfeelsandremembersthatMargaretishisWife!!!Iwillobeyyoubywritingtomybrothers&DearSisters.IwillbehappytosendyourloveandtospeakofyouasIfeel!

Iwillrememberyourreligiousadmonitions,andHeavencanbearwitnessofmyprayersforyourrecoveryandhappiness.

Mylovetoourdearsisterandthecaptainprovidedhekepthispromisetome!Writetoourmotherandspeakofme!Givemylovetoher!

ThydevotedHusbandSamHouston

M.L.Houston

1Margaret'sletterofSeptember5,1840,hasnotbeenlocated.

2Col.MatthewWallacewasthefirsthusbandofMaryHouston.Shelatermarriedhisnephew,GeneralWilliamWallace.HearneCollectionofPapers,SanAntonio.3ColonelAnthonyButlerwasacongressmanfromWashingtonCounty.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,248n.4Dr.RobertandAnnaRaguetIrionofSanAugustine.5TherewereseveralDurstfamiliesinSanAugustine.ThismaypossiblybeDelilahDill(Mrs.Joseph)DurstorHarrietJamison(Mrs.JohnDurst).HandbookofTexas,I,522.

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Mrs.M.L.HoustonByMr.Crawford1

SanAugustine3rdOct1840

Mybeloved,

Mr.Crawfordwillleaveheretomorrowmorning,andIamcompelledtowriteonaplankinthecourthouse.Icanonlysaythatbusinesshasdetainedmeandmayforafewdayslonger.Atrialisnowbeforethecourtofgreatimportance,andIamtheleadingcounselinthecase.

Mylove,Iwou'dgivemillionstoseeyouatthismoment.Iprayyoutobeassuredthatnothingdetainsmebutdutytoyou,aswellasmyself.Thecounselisnowspeaking,andImustfollowsoyouwillexcusethisnote.IwillnotdetainanhourlongerthanImaybecompelled!Myanxietyisboundlesstoseeyou.TodayIhadtwochills.Theweatheriscold,butIwillnotshrinkfromduty,oraffection.Dr.Wilsonsaysthathewillrestoremeperfectly,andbeassuredbythelovewhichIbearyou,thatIwillindulgeinnoshadeofintemperance,andifnotwellthecauseshallnotbeproducedbyme.

Ihadmadearrangementsaboutmyhorses!andwillsavemyselfandyouafewthousanddollars!

Iamalmostdelirioustoseeyou,andagainembraceyou,withmyaffections!Ihopetosetouttoseeyouinfourdays.Mybrainburnswithpain,andthefeveroftwochillsisuponme.

MylovetoSister&Bledsoe.

ThyHusband,AffectionatelyHouston

Mrs.M.LeaHouston.

Genl[JamesPinckney]Hendersonissickintownbutmending.

H.

1HoustonisprobablyspeakingofJamesW.CrawfordofWashingtonCounty.Ray,85.

ToMrs.MargaretL.HoustonWashingtonTexasCareofCaptainBledsoe

SanAugustine4thOctober1840

MydearestMargaret,

FromthePostOffice,IhavethismomenttakenaletterfromCaptBledsoedatedthe13thult.1IneednotIwill[not]attempttodescribemyfeelings.Hestatesyourillhealth,andthatisenoughtoagonizeme.Iwillgo,andseeyou,tho'itshou'ddestroyme!Everyonewhoknowsmydevotiontoyoumightbeassuredthatnothingbutimperativedutyandnecessitycou'ddetainmeonemomentfromyou!Mypresenceshallshew[sic]thatIwillpretermitboth,andleavetoHeaventheresults.Iwillstartandleaveallmyinterestheretodestructionandruin.Ioweyouthisasyouaresickandcannotbeimpressedwithmysituationandbusinesshere.Iwastohavehadanegroboy,tohavetakenhomewithme,butImustloose[sic]himandgohomealone!IfIcanbutseeyou,Idon'tregardtheloss.Wemaygetalongwithouthim,buthewillbethelastitemofmyloosings[sic].Donotregardthemasmymindismadeup,andIdonotwishyoutothinkofthem!

Wehavehadtwoseverefrostsherethelasttwonights.Ihavehadthedumbague,andthatthreetimesin24hours.Iamtakingmedicineinhopessoontobewell.YesterdayIwasengagedinanimportantcause,andsufferingalldayfromthechillstho'ofthisIwroteyou.ThismorningIamwritinginaroomwithoutfire,orfireplace[sic]andmyhandsarecoldasice.Youwillexcusemywriting,asitisverybad,andIamnotquitewell,tho'notabsolutelysick!

Iwishtowriteyouathousandthings,butwillreservethemtillwemeet.Oh!Margaret,ImustbeunhappyuntilIcanseeyou,whenIhopetoforgetallcares!andifpossiblerenderyouhappy!BledsoethinksthatIhavenothingtodo,buttomountmyhorse,tostartfromthissectionofthecountry.IwishthatIhadneverleftyou,Iwou'd

haveeschewedtenthousandpangsofanguish,andwou'dhavebeenmorehappy,nomatterwhatmylossesmighthavebeen!

Yourpeaceandhappiness,unitedwithyourhealth,are,andoughttobe,theobjectsofmypeculiarcare,andsolicitude.Youwillbelievethis,butshouldyoudoubtit,Imustbeamiserableman!Shou'dthisreachyoubeforeIcan,forthesakeofHeavenandourmutualfelicity,becontentedandcherishtranquility.Ifyouwillnot,yourhealthmustsuffer,andmyjoywillbediminished.Dopraybehappy!

Iamsochilly,thatIcanwritenomore.LastnightIremainedintownowing[to]theJurys[sic]notcominginwithaverdict.Gen'l[JamesPinckney]Hendersonissickwithague.Ihavebeentoseehimthismorning.IfIlivebythe8thIwillstarttomeet,andembracemybelovedMargaret.MakemykindlovetoourdearSister,andregardstoCaptainBledsoe.

ThymostdevotedandaffectionateHusbandSamHouston

1Thisletterhasnotbeenlocated.

ChapterIINovember10,[1840]-February3,1841November10,[1840]:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

December3,1840:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston


December10,1840:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston







[December25,1840]:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston


[December,1840]:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

January7and13,1841:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

January8,1841:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

January12-13,1841:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston



January18,1841:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston


January27,[1841]:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

[January]29,[1841]:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

[January,1841]:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston



February1,1841:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston



HoustontraveledtoAustintotakepartintheFifthCongressofTexas.MargaretandhermotherleftGrandCaneforGalvestonwheretheywouldspendthewinterinNancy'srentedhouse.Margaretwrotethefollowingletteronthetriphome.

HoustonNov.10[1840]Tuesdaynight

Mydearhusband,

Wearrived(Mr.Winfield's)labout4o'clockthisevening.Wehadaprettyjoltingjourney,butIfeelquitewellafterit,andnotatallfatigued.WespentthefirstnightatMrs.Dunham's2whowasexceedinglykindtous,somuchsothatIwishyoualwaystospeakinveryfriendlytermsofthefamily.Theoldladyseemstodoteonyou.Lastnightwestaid[sic]atBurnet's3&todaycameonwithoutanyaccident.Capt.[JohnS.]Blackcalledonusthisevening.Hisfamilyisingoodhealth.Janeismendingrapidlyandabletosew2hourseachday.HesaysArmstrongcalledathishousetogetdirectionstoCedarpoint,butwehaveheardnothingfartherofhim.TheCaptexpectstogoupinafewdaysandhehaspromisedmetourgeyoutoreturnwithhimifyourhealthcontinuesbad.OhwhatwouldInotgivetoseeyou!HowIwouldthrowmyarmsaroundyouandtellyouagainandagainhowmuchIloveyou!Mybelovedtakegoodcareofyourself.Rememberthereisaheartwhoseeveryfibreisentwinedaroundyou.Thereisonewhomustlivewithoutyou,orsinkwithyou!MotherandIexpecttoleaveontheGen.Houstonthedayaftertomorrow.Ihavenodoubtwewillgetalongverywell.Philips4andMoreland5areinthisplace,butIhavenotyetmadethecollections.IfIshouldfailinthemandshouldfinditnecessarytomakesomelittleextrapreparations,Isupposeitwouldnotbemuchamisstoextendourcreditalittle.HowevernohumanbeingcanhaveagreaterhorrorofitthanIhave,andIshallnotdoitunlessnecessitycompelsme.IthinkI

shallsoonhaveexcellenthealth.Thesymptomsarecertainlyveryfine.OhifIcouldonlyknowthatyourhealthwasimproving,howhappyIwouldbe!Howcoldanddesolateistheworldwithoutyoumylove!Perhapsthedaywillsooncomewhendrearydistanceshallnotthusintrudebetweenus,buteachhourshallbringitsownbrightjoy,anddayafterdayshallpassonandfindmestillwithhimIlove,gazingfondlyuponhim,andlisteningtohissoftendearingvoiceandwillyoufinishthepicture

love?Athousandfanciesareflittingacrossmymind,butyouwillreadilyimaginewhattheyare!

IhavebeentoldthatseveralpersonsareexpectedtodepartforAustinearlyinthemorning.ForthatreasonIthoughtitbesttowritetonightalthoughitisgettingquitelate.IamwritinginMrs.Winfield'sdrawingroom,anditisprettymuchfilledwithcompany.Thiswillaccounttoyoufortheconfusedandhurriedmannerinwhichmyletteriswritten.Mrs.Winfield6sendshercomplimentstoyouandsaysshehasafinelookingdogcalledSamHouston.OhandithasaprettylittlemateforhimnamedMaggy.

IwillwritetoyouagainbyCaptBlackifhegoesupandIwillendeavortointerestyoumorethanIamabletodoatpresent.Dowritetomeveryoften.Itislateatnightquitelate.

Farewellmybestbeloved.ThyowndevotedMaggy.

P.S.Dr.Watson7begstoberememberedtoyou.Oh,ifIcouldonlyseeyou!MyloveyouwillhearofpoorMrs.Brown'sdeath(formerlyMrs.Mann.)8Mr.Winfieldsendshiscompliments.Maggy

P.S.Mydearhusband,afterIfinishedwritingtoyoulastnight,IreceivedaletterfromYoung9containingtheintelligencethatSisterRoyston'slittleMargaretAntoinettewasnomore.MyheartisoppressedwithgriefandIfeelasifIcouldscarcelybearit.Ohthatyouwerewithme!HesaysthatSisterV[arilla]isalmostbroken-hearted.Mr.BledsoehasjuststartedtoCedarPoint.Hewillreturntomorrow.

1EdwardH.WinfieldwasassistantquartermasteroftheTexasArmy,taxassessorofHarrisCounty,andlaterlivedinWashingtonCounty.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,402-403n,andHandbookofTexas,II,923.

2TheDunhamfamilyresidedinMontgomeryCounty.Montgomery,276.3MatthewBurnetthadaplantationonLittleCypressCreekeightmilesnorthorHarrisburg.WilliamPhysickZuber,MyEightyYearsinTexas,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1971),80.ForahistoryoftheplantationseeMaxFreund,ed.,GustavDresel'sHoustonJournal,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1954),162.4AlexanderH.Phillips,alawyerinGalveston.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,II,372.5MajorIsaacN.Moreland,chiefjusticeofHarrisCounty.SeeWritings,I,463n.

AnnGrayVernonWinfield.ForabiographyseeAnnieDoomPickrell,PioneerWomenofTexas,(Austin:TheSteckCompany,1929),108-15.7Dr.RobertWatson,asurgeonintheTexasArmy.See''NominationofElevenGovernmentOfficials,''HoustontotheHonorableSenateofTexas,December5,1837,Writings,II,164.8PameliaMann,(Mrs.T.K.Brown).IdentifiedinGrammer,34.ShewasproprietorofMansionHouseinHouston.MariePhelpsMcAshan,OntheCornerofMainandTexas:AHoustonLegacy,(Houston:HutchinsHouse,1985),29.9YoungLeaRoyston,Margaret'snephew.HearneCollection,SanAntonio.ForabiographyseeWillisBrewer,Alabama:HerHistory,Resources,WarRecordandPublicMenfrom1540to1872,(Spartanburg,S.C.:ReprintCompanyPublishers,1975),497.

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HoustonreachedAustininlateNovemberandimmediatelybecametheprincipalsupporteroftheCherokeeBill.AdolphusSternedescribedthisaslegislationthatwouldhaveconfirmedthetitleoflandsawardedtotheCherokeeNationbytheTreatyof1836.Itwouldultimatelybedefeated.[McDonald,19]

ToMrs.MargaretL.HoustonGalvestonTexasByColonelT.Johnson1

Austin3rdDec1840

MyDearMargaret,

Yoursofthe14thult.hasjustreachedme,andIleavetoyourfancytodeducethepleasurewhichitgaveme.2IwasintheHall,andwou'dhavemadeaspeechtoday,buthadtwoseverechillsbeforeeleven

oclock,anddidnotfeelthatIcou'ddojusticetotheCherokeequestion.TomorrowIhopetomeetitwithsomeability.3TodaytheHousewascrowdedtoover-flowingLadiesandGentlemenOwingtocircumstancesIwasmortified,butatthemoment,Ireceivedyrletterandthistomewaseverything.FortwomailsIheardnothingofyou,andreallyIwasdistressed,andpainedtotheheart.NowIfeelhappy,andwritetoyouallthatIdeeminterestingtoyou.NomortalcanapprehendhowmuchIloveyou,andtheanxiety,whichIcherishtoseeyou.ColJohnsonwillstarttodayandisteasingmetofinishmyletter.AllthatIneedassureyouofismyboundlesslove!!!Inotewithpleasure,alltheitemsofnewswhich

yourinterestinglettercontains.Mylovepreserveyourhealth,forIregardyouastheonlyhopeorsolaceonearth.

YoudidnottellmehowourexcellentMotherwas.Don'tforgetmetoher.TellTilly4&[Dr.Edmund]Tuckermyregards&youmaysaluteourfriends.Bythenextmail,Iwillwriteatlength,andbyeveryprivateopportunity.Afteryrletterwashandedtome,IsawMrs.andColonelFloodtheysendgreatlovetoyou,andtheMadamesaysshewillwritetoyouthisweek.Shewilldoso.TheColiscoolandmuchrespected.Ifeelbetterthisevening,andhopetohavenomorechills.TomorrowImustspeakontheCherokeeBill.YouwillhearthatIhavenotbeendisgraced.

Iprayyoumylovetobehappy,andremainassuredofmyendlesslove!Bledsoehaswrittentome,andallwell!ColJohnsoncanwaitnolonger.Ican'tlookovermyletter.LovetoMother.

ThydevotedHusbandHouston

ToMargaret

P.S.Col.JohnsonwaselectedJudgetodayoverTodRobinson627to17.Shelby7rec'd1.IvotedforJohnson.ThisisthelastitemofnewsthatIrecollectof.

ThineHouston

Maggy

P.S.MyletterlikeaLady'sisallintheP.S.Col.,Mrs.Floodandmyfriendssendathousandkindsalutationsandgoodwishestoyou.Theylookknowingatme.H.

1ThomasJohnsonwaselectedjudgeofthefirstjudicialdistricttoservea

termbeginningJanuary30,1841.CompiledIndextoElectedandAppointedOfficialsoftheRepublicofTexas1835-1846,(Austin:StateArchivesDivision,TexasStateLibrary,1981),66.2NoletterdatedNovember14,1840hasbeenlocated.3FortextofthisspeechseeWritings,II,354-62.4CarolineMatildaMaffit(alsospelledMoffitt),Margaret'sfriendandneighbor.ElizabethBrooks,ProminentWomenofTexas,(Akron:WernerCompany,1896),22.5GeorgeFlood,theUnitedStatesrepresentativetotheRepublicofTexas,andhiswifeCatherine,wereclosefriendsoftheHoustons.SeeHoustontoMrs.GeorgeFlood,Writings,II,363,andKatherinePauls,Gannie,(Printedprivately,n.d.).AcopyisintheBarkerHistoryCenter,UniversityofTexas.

AmemberoftheHouseofRepresentativesfromBrazoria.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,II,491.7HoustonisprobablyreferringtoAnthonyB.ShelbywhohadbeenelectedJudgeoftheFirstJudicialDistrictin1839.Writings,IV,430n.

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Mrs.MargaretL.HoustonGalveston,TexasDr.E.Tucker

Austin9thDec1840

MyLove!

Iwroteaprettylonglettertoyoulastnight.1TodaywhileMr.Kaufman2isspeakingImustwritetoyou.Iwillhavetoanswerhim.Thiswillnotgivememuchtrouble.Ihavemanyassailants,butdonotbedistressedatthenews!Iwillnotbedefeated.Ionlysaythistoyou,thatyoumaynotbeunhappyitisnotegotisticalinmeIhope.Dr.Tuckercantellyouallthenews.Hehasreposedwithme,andwilltellyouthatmyhealthisimprovingeveryday.Thismaymydear,assureyouofthefalsityofidlereportwhichmayreachyou!MybelovedMargaret,youcanhavenoestimationofmyanxietytoembraceyou.Iwou'dratherbewithyou,thantowearacrown,orwieldasceptrewithoutthee!Tometheworldwou'dbeawasteandmiserywou'densuetoeveryhopeoffuturefelicity.MybelovedIaminthemidstofsomuchnoise,thatImustconclude.

MyregardstoMother.MyregardsIpraytopresenttoyourfemalefriends.Iwillspeakthisevening!

Thyeverdevotedhusband

Houston

ToMargaret

1Noletterforthisdatehasbeenfound.2DavidSpanglerKaufman.AdolphusSternereportsforthisdate:"Kaufmanhadthefloortomakeaneloquentspeach[sic]againsttheCherokeeBill."McDonald,9.

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AgroupofTexianscommandedbySamuelJordanhadcrossedtheRioGrandeandjoinedwiththeMexicanforces,ledbyAntonioCanales,whowereattemptingtooverthrowSantaAnna.CanalesmadepeacewiththeCentralistsandbetrayedtheTexianauxiliaries.MargaretwroteHoustononthenewsshehadheard:

GalvestonDec.10th[1840]

Mybeloved,

Icannotbelievethatmyletterswillwearyyou,notwithstandingthierfrequentrecurrenceandthierwantofvariety.InmyseclusionIamfurnishedwithveryfewsubjectsexceptthechangesoftheweather(whichinthisplacearecertainlynotwithoutvariety)andthesimplecaresandamusementsofhome,thathomethatonlyneedsyoursocietytomakeitmyworld.Perhapsmystockofinformationwouldnotbesufficienttoamuseamereformalcorrespondent,butIamsurethesubjectsthatinterestmeatallmustinterestmydearhusbandverymuch.Andwhyshouldtheynot,forindeedIscarcelyeverthinkofanythingunconnectedwithhimself.ThegreatworldhoweverisatthistimeexcitedonasubjectofwhichnoneofuscanbetotallydisregardlesstheunionoftheFederalforcewiththeCentralists.Youseeyourpredictionsareverified.Whatdoyouthinkwillbetheresultofthecombination?IsitprobablethattheMexicanswillnowinvadeTexas?Idarenotsuffermyselftoindulgesuchafear.Andyethowuncertainareallourcalculations.Whilstwearelookingforwardtothetimewhenbeneath"ourownvineandfigtree"weshallrestfromthecaresoflifeanddreamingofthehappinessthatistoencircleourfireside,thedarkcloudsmaybegatheringatadistancethatistowreckoursweetesthopesandvisions.Yesterdayamanofwar1arrivedbringing23oftheTexianswhohadjoinedCanales2andretiredonhisunionwiththeCentralistsandalsothebodyofourministertoMexicowhohadbeendead6days.3The

passengerswereingreatdistresswhentheyarrived,beingentirelyoutofprovisions.4TheNewYorkalsoarrivedyesterdayandbroughtthenewsofourrecognitionbyEngland.ThecircumstanceIamtoldhasaffectedachangeinfavourofourcurrencyinNewOrleans.PoorTexasmayyetriseandoccupyastandamongstnationsthateventhathaughtymonarchyherselfmayenvy!"theGodofbattles"andthe"Kingofkings"isalonetodecide.Icouldwishthatourmindswerelessdisturbedbypoliticalsubjectsand

thatinsomequietspotofearthwemightworshipGodinthesimplicityofourhearts,butthatGodhassoarrangeditthateventhesimplejoysofhomeareinsomedegreedependentonthepublicgoodandsocietyisunitedbylinksthatmustbepreservedinvisible.EachdayImissyoumoreandthereisnotamomentofthedullheavyhoursthatrollslowlyawayinwhichyouarenotpresent

[incomplete]

1TheSanAntoniounderthecommandofLt.AlexanderMoore.HandbookofTexas,II,540.2AntonioCanaleswasagainstSantaAnnabeforetheTexasRevolution,butremainedneutralduringtheconflict.Helatersponsoreda"RepublicoftheRioGrande"alongwithZapata.CanalesbecameageneralintheMexicanArmyafterhejoinedforceswithSantaAnna.HandbookofTexas,III,141.3JamesTreat,whodiedonboardofconsumptiononNovember30,1840.HandbookofTexas,I,798.SeealsoTelegraphandTexasRegister,December16,1840.4ForHouston'saccountofthisincidentseehisspeechmadetotheU.S.Senate,August8,1850.Writings,V,212-14.

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Mrs.MargaretL.HoustonGalvestonTexasCareofColWilson1

Austin12Dec.1840

Mydearlybeloved,

SomedayshaveelapsedsinceIwrotetoyou.Thereasonwas,thatIhadnoopportunitytosendmyletters,andIwilladdanotherreason.

Mr.Mayfield2madeaspeechofthreedaysandtodayIrepliedforsomethreehours.3Tospeakofmyownactstoyou,mydear,byletterIwillnot,butMrs.FloodandColwhowerepresent,andformedapartofacrowdedauditorysaytheywilltellyouallaboutthematter.Shewaskindenoughtosaythatyouwou'dhavebeenmuchgratified,andbecauseyouwerenotpresentsherejoicedforyou.Iwasprettywellsatisfiedwithmyself.Themainreasonwas,thatIwaslabouringfortheinterestofmycountry.OhmydearWife!TheonlypleasurethatIhaveistoperuseyourletters!againandagain.YouwillbelievethiswhenItellyou,thatallmyeveningsandnights,arepassedinmyroom!TobesureIhavemuchcom-

pany,buttheyaresobermen,andmyroomisadryone,forthereis[sic]nospiritsinit.

Mr.Wilsonhasroomedwithme,andbyhim,Isendthisletter!HecantellyouofthepainfulanxietyIfeeltomeetyou,andtoremainwithyou!Icannotbecheerful,norhappy,untilIseeyou!Ievenenvypoor"sis"theprivilidge[sic]whichshehasofsalutingyouwithaffection.Excusememylove,forsuchtrifles!Theyaretruths,aswellastrifles.WhenIcanseeyou,Iwillhavemuchtotellyouof,anditwillamuseyou,ifitshou'dnotedifyyou!TodayIquotedyouinmyspeechbutIdidnotgivetheauthor!NotthatIdidnotdeemithighauthority!Iwillwritebyeveryopportunity,untilIcansetouttoembraceyou,mybeloved!MyhealthIhopewillsoonbefine,andwhenwemeet,thatyouwillfindmeinhealth.Ifyouchuse[sic]tostayattheIsland,Iprayyoudoso.Youwillgratifyme!MylovetomydearMother!SaluteourfriendsandIprayyoutoacceptmytenderestandmostdevotedlove!

ThyhusbandHouston

Margaret

Iknownothingofthecontentsofthisletter,buttakethelibertyofsalutingyou,mydearMadame,asabrother.

Hockley4

TheGeneralwriteswithabadpen.

1PossiblyRobertWilson,anassociateoftheAllenbrothersofHouston.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,II,921-22.2JamesMayfield,arepresentativefromNacogdochesandSecretaryofStateunderLamar.SeeHandbookofTexas,II,164.AdolphusSternereportedthatMayfieldspokeforthreedaysagainsttheCherokeeBill.McDonald,20.

3AcopyofHouston'sspeechhasnotbeenlocated.4GeorgeW.Hockley,alongtimefriendofHouston'swhoservedashischiefofstaffatSanJacintoandlaterasSecretaryofWar.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,33132nandDixonandKemp,73-75.

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Austin14thDec.1840

MyLove,

Col.Wilsondidnotdepartsosoonasheintended.Sundaypassedandintheevening,IvisitedCol&MrsFlood,andpassedashorttime.Iliketobetherebecausetheytalkofyou;andthatpleasesme.IlettheMadamereadsomeofyourletters.Shepraisesthemverymuch,andsaysthatImustbehappy!"Howgenerouswecanbewhenitcostsusnothing."Thisisthequotationusedinmyspeech,andastheMadameandColhadreadit,theyunderstooditandsmiled!OhHowhappyIwou'dbecou'dIpassbutonedaywithmydearMaggy.Iwou'dknowthatshewaswell,ifitwereso,andifnotwell,Icou'dministertoherinsickness.OhhowtenderlyIdolove!!!Tho'IhavenotexpressedtoyouthepleasurewhichIfelt,athearingthatthetumourwasdisappearing.IneverthelessfeltthehighestgratificationsIknewthatitwouldrelieveyourfeelings,andridyouofmanyunhappycares.Againitseemedtoindicatethatmypredictionsinrelationtocontingenciestouchingthefuturewereverified.Doyoutake?Theyaretalkingontheflooranditconfusesmealittle!asIhaveaslightpaininmyhead.Ihavecaughtcold,tho'itistrifling.

IprayKindHeaventopreserveyouinthemostperfecthealth,andjoyousfelicity.WhenIcanmeetyou,astheFrenchmansaid,"Iwilldiesoappy."Ihavenotindulgedintherelationofanecdotes!Iusedtwoinmyspeechtheotherdaywithfineeffect!andmortifiedtwogentlemenattheexpressionofahardylaughtoallpresent.

Onewasthe"Buck"that"jumpedsohigh,"andtheotherwasthe"oldwastnesses[sic].''OneIappliedtoMrVanzandt,landtheotherwasappliedtoMrMayfield.Itoldapigstorythatproducedmuchexcitementamongsomepeople."Woundedpigeonswillflutter."Theyhadassailedmeforseveraldays,andIsat,andcalmlylookedonwithoutemotion.Theyhavefeltthelashandwilldoso,whenevertheycalluponmeindebate!Onematteryouwishtolearnandthatis

astowhatmycoursewillbeinrelationtocertainGreatMatters.Ihaveforthesakeofmycountry,concludedtorunforthePresidency,"providedalways''thatyoucheerfullyconcurinthemeasure!Ifnot,youhaveonlytosayso!Thecountryisinadeplorablestate.Lamar2hasobtainedleaveofabsencetovisittheStates!Burnetandhe'tissaid,havequarreledandBurnet3sayshewillresign'tisaconsummationmostdevotedlytobewished,forourCountryDr.Jones4whoisprotemPresidentoftheSenatewou'dbePresi-

dentdefacto.HeisaGentlemanofhighintelligence,andworth,andisanablestatesman!

Mrs.Floodtheotherday,saidtome,Gen'lHouston,youhaveanoblewife,andhighlyambitious.Ireplied"ohno.Youdon'tthinksoMadame.""Ohyesindeed"saidshesoIsaidIhadbeenasfortunateasmyfriendColFlood.Shelaughedheartily.Maggyshemayhaveguessedwell!Don'tdeemmeasreproachingyou,mylove,forifyouweretoconfessthecharge,Iwou'dnotloveyouless!Butyouwillbecomewearyofreadingmytediousepistles.

IhopeMartin,Young&Vernalhaveallreachedyouire[sic]now.ColandMrsFlood,andthelittleonesendyoumuchlove;andallmyparticularfriendswishtoberememberedtoyou!

ThydevotedhusbandHouston

Margaret

1IsaacVanZandt,representativefromMarshall.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,113-14nandHandbookofTexas,II,882.ForanaccountofthisanecdoteseeAlfredM.Williams,SamHoustonandtheWarofIndependenceinTexas,(Boston:Houghton,MifflinandCompany,1893),256-57.2PresidentMirabeauB.LamarwasillhadandtraveledtotheUnitedStatesformedicaltreatment.LlerenaFriend,SamHouston:TheGreatDesigner,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1954),100.3DuringLamar'sabsence,vice-presidentDavidG.Burnetwasinchargeofthegovernment.Ibid.4Dr.AnsonJones.

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Austin16thDec1840

MyLove,

LasteveningIwassorelydisappointedbylearningthatMr.Case1fromGalvestonhadarrivedwithaletterfromyou.Ifoundhim.Hehandedmefourletters,butnotonefrommybelovedWife!IsoonmetagentlemanwhohadseenyouatapartyatMrsMaffets2[sic].Iaskedhimifyouwerewellandcheerful,when[he]repliedyouwere!IaskhimhowourMotherwas?Hesaidshewasnotthere!!Iaskednootherquestion!NeitherastothedurationofthePartyoritsextent.NordidIaskwhohadwaitedupon!Youhadtoldmethatyou

wouldpayonevisitthereincompanywithMother.ThiswasafterafreeconversationtouchingMrs.M.Iwassomewhatsurprisedbutdidnotcensureyou!Iwasdepressedthatnight.IhadapainfulillnessbuttodayIattendedthehouseasusual.Itwasnotthenewsthatproducedmyillness,mystomachwasaffectedbyeatinghalfcookedbeets!Notabletosleep,thro'mywindowIbeheldthesolitarymooncoursingthro'thesweetHeavens.Igazeduponitwithmelancholypleasure!Icontemplatedthebluecanopy,andsmileduponthebrightstars!(foryouknowwhyIlovethem)!!Tho'variantinamagnitude,theyallpresentedthepurestlustreandoh!howmybosomswelled,inviewoftherichconstellation!IsaidinmyspiritsuchisthepureassociationinwhichtheWifeofHoustonshouldappear!!Hisbeloved,andadorableMargaret!!DoyouremembertheadviceofNapoleontohiswife?Iloveyoumorethanheevercou'dloveJosephine!Youaretomethebeaconlightofhappiness!!!Youareatalismanoflifetome!andIcherishyou,inmyveryheartscore!

ButenoughofthisIdonotdesirethatyoushou'dbecomearecluse.Nomylove,suchisnotmywish.Iwishyoutobehappy,tobecheerful,andtorecreateyourself!Thiswillconducetohealthandhealthwillgivefelicity!OhmydearMaggy,youcanfancynothingoftheanxietywhichIfeelforyou.Tome,youarea"goodthing."

OnyesterdayIwasdaredtobecomeacandidateforthePresidency,whenmetthechallange[sic]withamostperemptory,andemphaticassurancethat"Iwou'd"atthesametimemakingtomyselfmentalreservations,(ifyouarewilling).DonotletwhatIhavesaidinduceyoutoyieldanyobjections,whichyoumayentertain.Formyself,Ihaveflungawayambition.Iwishtoretiretoquietandrurallife,whereIcanliveandlovemydear,dearMargaret!TheseIlooktoasdaysofbliss,ofjoy,ofhappinesstous!Wecan'tinthisvaleofsorrowescapethecaresoflife.Retirementistheplaceofholinessandsuitedtothecontemplationofeternalhopes&joys.IpraythatGodmay

renderusapious,andholypair.Isometimesfear,thatyouwillbeveryunhappybecauseIamnotreligious.Rememberthypeoplearemypeople,andthyGodismyGod.Iseekreligion,andmyheartisdisposedtorevereourGod,butitisnotreceived.NottoHeaven,noryou,caniteverbedeceitful.Cou'dyouwitnessitsconstantrecurrencetoyou,youneverwou'ddoubtmyidoltry[sic]!MyregardsandthankstoourdearMother!

ThyconstantandthymostdevotedhusbandHouston

Margaret

1ProbablyJoelTitusCase,editoroftheDailyCourier.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,I,305.2Mrs.JohnNewland(AnneCarnic)Maffitt(sometimesspelledMoffitt),themotheroftwindaughtersTillyandHenriettaMaffitt.Mrs.MaffittoperatedaboardinghouseinGalveston.PhilipGraham,TheLifeandPoemsofMirabeauBonaparteLamar,(ChapelHill:UniversityofNorthCarolinaPress,1938),49.FormoreinformationaboutthisfamilyseeBrooks,22-24.

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Mrs.MargaretL.HoustonGalvestonTexas

Austin17thDec1840

OhmydearMargaret,howhappyIwasonlasteveningbythereceiptofyourvaluedletterofthe7thinst.1Ihadbeendepressed,butyourletteragainrevivedme;norwou'dIfeeltherealityuntilIhadthriceperusedit.NowIamhappy,andtho'depressed,IwilltellyouthatyesterdayorratherToday,wasthefirsttimethatIhadwalkedupCapitolHillwithoutthearmofafriend.TodayIascendeditwithoutmuchfatigue,andfeltthatIwillbewell!Youcansustainme,myonlybeloved!Youcanpreserve!Youaremylife,andlove,asIhavesuggested.OhIfeelthatmyspiritisrevivedwithinmebyyourletter.Thepiousandsweetchristianspirit,whichyourletterbreathesalmostpersuadesmetobeaChristian.(Wou'dtoHeaven,Iwereone).Hearme,mylove!!!ARev'dMr.Richardson,2pastorRutersvillechurchandchaplainoftheSenate,metafriendofmineafewmilesfromthis

placeonhisway"toconference,"andaskedhimastomyhealthHeindicatedsomemysterybyhislooks.MyfriendaskedhimifIwasregular?andwhenIlefttown,Isawhimsittingwithsomepersonsonalog,andseemedsobererthanIhadbeforeseenhim.NowwhenIhavelaidmyhanduponhishead,andheknew[what]hestatedwasuntrue!ButIwillexplainthematterforyoursatisfaction.HeknewthatIhadaBaptistwife,and

theMethodistwishtoobtainanunconstitutionalcharterforRutersvilleCollege.HeandIvotedtolayitonthetable.Thiswasmyoffence[sic]!Shou'ditagaincomeup,Iwilltakeastand!Theobjectwastochokeallotherreligions!Now!Tho'youwillsayyoucarenothingaboutthesematters,yetyoumustfeelIamthehusbandofaproudandgenerousandnoblewoman!Yetsheiswoman!!!Adorable!IamintheHousewritingandaconstantnoise.Iamcompelledtowritetoyou!Ihavediscoveredagreenflower,andasitrepresentsournationalemblem,andonethatItrustyou&Iwillalwaysloveonetowhichyouhavesofreelyalluded,Iwillsendyoumanyforyourself,andspecialfriendshavehandedonetoMadameFlood.'Tisthestarflower.Ifounditinmyfriend[George]HockleyslotIthinkpretty,orIwou'dnotsendittomyMargaret!YouwilldeemitprettyIamsure!Butshou'dyounot,youwillappreciatethetributeofadevotedheart!ItisatrifleMargaret,butitbringsbacktomyheart,pasthappyhours!

Mylove,IdonotknowthatIcanwriteyouanythingmoreandIfeltwellassuredthat[you]mustbeweary,andtho'Iwillnotclosemyletteruntilsomemessengermayleave,youmaythereforebeteased,bysomeadditions.Butinthismylove,youmustbearwithme!IonlyfeelhappywhenIamreadingyourletters,orwritingmypoorepistlestoyou!Ihopeire[sic]thisMartin[Lea]andourfriendsarewithyou!Itoocanrealiseyourhappiness&ourMothersattheirarrival.Iwillsendyousomescrapsofpapers&aletterfromourbrotherHenryItisold,butyouwillwishtoseeit!OursisterS[erena]isnotwell,butIhopeherafflictionisnotandwillnotbemortal.

Ladiesareliabletoqualmsandtoothaches!

Ihopewhenthespringrendersitsmildandgenialinfluences,thatmanyblessingswillreturn,orcomewithit!Ohhowtenderaretheanticipationsoffuturehopesandjoys,andlittlecares!!

18thDec

Todayonlyrenewsmyanxietytocommunewithyou,orifpossibletobewithyou!LasteveningIsatwithCol&MadameFlooduntiltenoclock,thenretiredtomyroom.Today,youcanhearaboutthestreets,that"Gen'lHoustonwasinaspreelastnight!"Thishasoftenbeenthecasewhen"SamHouston"wasinhisbed.TherearetwoGen'lHoustonsorHustons3here.Myshouldersare

verybroad,andsuchreportsIcondemnanddefytheauthors!Thuswagstheworld!Ionlyapprehend,thatmydearMargaretmayfeelmortifiedshou'dsuchreportsreachherears.

Butbythistime,mydearWifeshou'dknowthattherearemotivesforabusing!Hadthisnotbeenmyfortunethro'life,IhadneverbeeninMobileandofcourseIwou'dnothavehadthefelicityofseeingmydearlybelovedMargaret!'TwasawishtolettheworldseethatIwasslanderedwhichtookmetotheUS,whenIlearnedfromyou,tolovethebrightstarofevening.Oh!Howbrightandbeautifullydiditshineonlastnight!IcontemplateditspurityandfanciedthatIagainfeltyourgentlepressureuponmyrightarm!ButwhenIwaswraped[sic]inthought,andmysoulwasallfire,IrealizedthatIwasfardistantfrommylovedMargaret!Ihatethiscommonworld,andonlywishthatIcou'denjoyaworldwhereyouwou'dbethebright,andonlyorbtowhichmyeyewou'dturn,anduponwhichIwou'dgazeandbehappy!Thedaymayyetcome,whenIwillbehappy.TothattimeIoftencastthelightofmyspirit,andwhentheintensityofhopedirectsmetothefuture,IembraceMargaretastheonlyonewhoistoministertotheblisswhichIanticipate.

MydearIalwayswriteintheHall,forindeedIcannotwriteinmyroom,asitisathor'ofare[sic]whenIaminit.Thereforeyouwillexcusetheconfusedmannerofmydiction!Aconstantpratingisgoingon,andmyearsaredeafenedbynonsense,andsoundwithoutreason.Imustclose,asmyintentionwasnottowriteabook,buttowritealetter,andIamsureyouwillbeweary,ireyouhavereadthislong,verylongletter!


Margaret

[Onenvelope]Very[blurred]loveandgoingtochurch.ThydevotedH.

1ThisletterisreportedtobepartoftheFranklinWilliamsCollection,buttheoriginalhasnotbeenlocated.ForexcerptsfromthisletterseeWilliamSeale,SamHouston'sWife,(Norman,Oklahoma:UniversityofOklahomaPress,1970),45,47,50.2TheReverendChaunceyRichardson.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,II,469.

GeneralFelixHoustonwasalsoinAustin.(HisnamewasalsospelledHuston.)ForabiographyseeWritings,I,515n,andHandbookofTexas,I,869.

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Mrs.MargaretLHoustonGalvestonTexas

Austin22ndDec1840

Mydear,

TodayIwastohavespokenonthegreatlandBill,butwhenIcametotheHouse,IfoundthatIhadaslightchill,notsevere,butsuchastopreventmefromdebate.Iamgreatlyimproved,inmygeneralhealth,andhopesoontobeinbetterhealththanyouhaveknownmetoenjoy.Mylove,yourfavourofthe12thinst1cametomepleasant&mildasthedewsonHeaven.Ifeltsomelittleregret,asyouwerenotwell,butasyousaidthatyourillnesswasnotserious,buttobe"expected,"IfeltnotsomuchdistressedasIotherwisewou'dhavedone.Thefeverisnowabating,andIfeelbetterthanIhavedonefordays.OhmyLove,ifIcou'donlybeinyourpresence,andfeelthatyoupillowedmyhead,howhappyIshou'dbe.Yes,whenIamwithyou,ImustbehappyImustthinkmyselfwell!!WhereyouarenotIfeelasthoughIwereinaworldwithoutasun!Withyou,Ihopeonedaytorealizethatyouarewithme,andaSon!IletMadameFloodreadyourlastletterandshewasvery"appie."Theyareallwell!Mrs.B.2Ihaveseenforthelasttendays.IdonotknowhowshegetsonwithherBeaus,butsupposeverywell!YourprettylittlefriendstheMissLees3Iamtoldarewell.Ihaveneveryetbeentoseethem!Theystandveryfairinsociety.Ihavepromisedtovisitthem,buttobecandidwithyoumylove,Ifeelunhappytoseefemaleswhereyouarenot.Youare

theonlybeingthatIwishtoseeonthisearth.Ohmylove,whenwemeethowhappyIwillbe,whentellingyouallthatIfeel,andthinkofyou!

Owingtosomematters,Ifeelmuchdiscontent,andmayabandonsomeofmyviewsexpressedtoyou.Iamwellassuredofonething,andthatisthatIcanneverbehappy,onlywhenIamwithmybelovedMargaret!!!Ohhowrichwou'dbemyjoysandhappiness

cou'dIonlyenjoyyoursociety.Thenindeed,Iwou'dfeelthatIwasmorethancompensatedforallmycares&privations.Idetestmypresentcondition,andwillgetridofitsosoonaspossible.

Ifindthatallmythoughts,mywishes,andfuturejoysareallcenteredinyouandincidentsconnectedwithyou!

MyLove,whenwecanbesettledonCedarPoint,4orLiddesdale,wecanbehappy.Iwillunitewithyou,whenyouwillinvoketheblessingsofHeaven!IwillnotallowmyselftoactinanymannerwhichcandistressortorturemybelovedWife!

Fromdaytoday,Ireadandperuseyourletters.Theyaretomeasolace,andwhenIperusethem,Ifeel,atmoments,astho'Iwereinsweetcommunionwithyou;andheardmyMargaretsvoice.ThenIfeelagain,thatIamfardistantfromthespiritofmyearthlyhopes!Icannot&willnot,stayonehourlongerthanIcanavoid.Mylove,Iwillflytoyou,asthewearydovewou'dreturntotheArkofold,whenitwasweariedanddesiredrest!Suchmylove,istheconditionofmydevotedheart.Ifearmylove,thatIhaveactedinTexastolittleadvantage,andthatIwillhavetosurrenderit,initspresentcrisis.Ilovemyadoptedcountry.Ihaveperiledlifeforit,butIfearitwillbeunavailing,andImustlookforsomenewabodesomerestingplace!

ToseemeninCongress,whohavenotbeeninthecountryforoneyear,andtheyassumetobecomelawgiversdistressesme!TheSagesofantiquitydictatedwisdom,andyoungmenlistentothewisdomofothers.Asitnowistheyoungmengovernedbypassion,decideaccordingtofeeling,tointerest,andtopassion.IfIcannotsendthisletteruntilLt.Moore5leaves,IwillamenditasperhapsImayhavesomethingnewtowrite.Butmylove,Ipraythatyouwillnotallowyourselftowantanythingnomatterwhetheritisnecessaryornot.Doyoucommendit,whetheritisnecessaryorfanciful.Iwou'dhatemyselfifthewifeofHoustondesiredanythingandcou'dnotrealize,

andenjoyit.Mylove,Iwillneverleaveyouagain.IwilltrulyabandonallthethingsbutMargaret.Whenwecanbeathomewithourstockourpoultry,andsuchlittlematters,aswemayclaimourpeculiarcare!Itrustwewill[be]happy!ThenIcanfeelthatIamhappy,andsustainedbythewisdomandadviceofmydearMargaret.Yes!heradviceisalwaystome,asubjectofgratification,andItrulytrustinHeaven,thatitmaybealighttomypath,andalamptomyoutgoing!

Ialwayswritesomuch,thatIamfearfulthatyouwillbeweary,andthereasonisthatmylettersaresovapid!Theintention,youwillappreciate,'tissimply,thatIamcommuningwithmybelovedWife!

23rdDec.1840

Mydear,theBillonwhichIexpectedtospeakhasnotyetbeenconsideredandthereforeIhavenotspoken.TheHouseisnowengagedinpostofficemattersadrybusiness!Iwillsendyouthelastpaper.

SomecorrespondenthereinwritingtotheHoustonStarhastakenuponhimtoabusemeinunmeasuredterms.Onmyownaccount,Idonotcareforanythingthatmaybewritten,orsaidButmydear,Iregretitonyouraccountifitshou'dreachyou.Tho'youarethewifeofapolitician,ifnotagreatman!YoumaysupposethatIreallydofeelonmyownaccount.Thiswou'dbeerronious[sic]conclusions!

Youwritetomedearofwar!!!Thisisproducedby"panicmakers"andmenwhowantplaces!ThebattleofSanJacintomustberivalled[sic],andHonorstalkabroadinuniform.Thishasproducedthefever,butwewillneverbeinvadedbyaforcefromMexicothatwillpenetrateourcountry!'Tisidletothinkofit!Ifwehavetofight,wecanalwaysdrubthemwhentheycometous.Wearetoopoortoinvadeanation,butweareabletodefendoursoilwhenweareassailedItwou'drequire$5,000,000ofparfundstofitoutanexpeditionof5000men,andlessthanthatwou'dbeuseless.Weshou'dbewiseandprudent.Thenationisnowinvolvedtoanimmenseextent!

IamnowintheHouseofCongress,andColFloodisatmyrightshoulderHeisverywell,andtodayMadameFloodrequestedmetopresentheraffectionatelytoyou!TheCol,withhisusualpolitenessbidsmetocommendhimkindlytoyou!Thefamilyareallwelland

happy.Theyhavenotyettakenahouse,fornonecanbeobtained!Thehousesherearemiserableshanties!Iamhappythatyoudidnotcometothiswretchedplace!

TodayIhadaveryslightchill,andfeelwell.Ihavetakenmedicine,butnotcalomel!Cou'dIonlybeathomewithmydear,dearMargaret,Iwou'dbewellbecauseIwou'dbehappy!

Iwou'd[be]gladtosendyousometrifleasamemento,butitis

sodestituteofevery[torn...]itdoesnotcontainmanymeninwhomthepeoplehaveconfidence.Icanliveapartfromtheworld,orratherhavewithmydearMaggy,aworldofmyown!IfsparedbyHeaven,Ihavemuchtomeditateuponandreviewofthepast.Ihavemuchtowrite,andmanyerrorstocorrect,ifatruehistoryshou'deverbewrittenoftheeventsofthewaroftheTexianRevolution.ThisLove,concernsyouasmuchasit[does]myselfandshou'ditnotbepossibleformetoaccomplishit,andIshouldomitit,myfriendsoughtnottoexcuseme.Shou'dIbedetainedlongerthanthefirstofFeby,Iwillwriteyoueveryday!Gentlemen,whositnearmesaythatifIlovemycountryaswellasIdomywife,thatIwou'dbethebestpatriotonearth.Thisisprettytrue!Don'tyouthinksoMaggy?[incomplete]

1Thisletterhasnotbeenlocated.2Houstonisprobablyreferringtoanactress,Mrs.EmmaBarker.SeeMarquisJames,TheRaven,(NewYorkCity:BlueRibbonBooks,1929),301andMrs.DilrueHarris,"Reminiscences,"SouthwesternHistoricalQuarterly,7(January1904):215.AdolphusSternespeaksofMrs.BarkerfurnishingthevocalmusicfortheBalloftheMasonicFraternity.McDonald,75.3LydiaandJuliaLeewereontheshipthatbroughtMargarettoTexas.ForbiographiesoftheLeesistersseePickrell,304-12.4HoustonwasbuildingahomeonCedarPointacrossthebayfromGalveston.Hisneighbor,JamesMorgan,describedthehouseas"trulyalogcabinofoneroomabout14feetsquare."FerisA.Bass,Jr.,andB.R.Brunson,eds.,FragileEmpire:TheTexasCorrespondenceofSamuelSwartoutandJamesMorgan,(Austin:ShoalCreekPublishersInc.,1978),13.5HoustonisprobablyreferringtoLt.AlexanderMoore.

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Austin24Dec1840

MyLove,

Lastnight,Iclosedmyletterstoyou,expectingthatLtMoorewou'dstartthismorning.AshewillnotIcanwriteagain,butIhavebutlittletowrite.TomorrowwillbeChristmas,butIamwillingtoattendtobusinessandnotadjournover.ItwillbethefirsttimeinmylifethatIhavedoneso.Thereasonisobvious.IwishtoseemydearWifeandeverydaythatIamdetainedbyanymeans,seemstomeanage.ForthisreasonIamwillingtositnightanddayinthis

houseuntilwecanadjourn,anduntilIcanembracemybelovedMaggy!!Everydayonlyincreasesmydisgustwiththeassociationswhichsurroundme,andthedutieswhichdevolveuponme.

Youcanhavenoideaofmywishesonthesubjectofbeingwithyou.Thenyouwillnolongerbeannoyedbyreportsaboutme.Youwillseeme,andcanbetterjudgeofme.Inyoursituation,mylove,Ifeelthemostintenseanxietytobewithyou,andsustainyou!Icanfancyyoursituation,andIapprehendthatyoumustfeelgreatdepression,andwereIpresentIcou'dcheeryoutosomeextent.Icou'damuseyou,bytherelationofincidentswhichhaveoccured[sic]sinceweparted.Theyareallmoralandsinless!Thesewillamuseyou,Ifearthat[you]thinkofmemylove,asonewhosemindisnotsufficientlypure,tocombinewithyourspirit.Mylove,shou'dwelive[to]meetagain,Iwilltryandaccomodate[sic]myselftoyourhappinessandnevertocauseyouunhappiness,orsolicitudeastotheactsofmylife.

Ifeeltoday,thatmyinclination,andperhapsmyduty,wou'dinducemetoleavethisplaceandflytothesmilesandthebosomofmydearlybelovedMargaret.

IhavenottoldyouthatTilly[MatildaMaffitt]andJudge[RobertDabney]Johnsonhadwrittentomealetter,butIhavenotansweredit.Youwillhavethegoodnesstocommendmetothemaswellasmyotherfriends!TellTillythatIwillwritetoher,sosoonasyouwritemeleavetodoso!Tobecandid,Iwishtowritetonoone,butmydearMaggy!Tohermyentireaffectionscling!Yes,sheistheveryspirit,whichanimatesandcheersme!SheisthegeniusofmydreamsTheyembraceherpresence!Thefrequencyofmyletters,andtheirgreatlengthwillsatisfyyou,ofmyfeelings&devotion.

Thehouseisabouttoadjourn,andIwillclosethisletter.Adieumylove!

Houston

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Mrs.MargaretLeaHoustonGalvestonTexasLtMoore

[December25,1840]Austin,Texas

MydearMargaret,

ThisisChristmasnight.TodayIwasatChurch.IwaiteduponMadameFlood,andM.Saligny1wasoneoftheparty.ThiswasmyonlyactofGallantry.Iregardthisladymostkindlybecauseaftersittinguntilthetimeofrepose,shewillkindlysaytome,''Gen'lHouston,donotgoouttonight.''Thisiswhatyouwou'dsaytomethisiswhatmysisterswouldsay!Therefore"Iaffectionher,"andhermanyothervirtues!AnexcellentMotheradevotedWife,agenerousfriend,andapureChristian.Iamhappythatyouplacemeunderhercontrol!IneedaguardianGeniustogovernme,andbyyourmandateIwillsubmittoherLadyshipsruleandorders.IwishyoumydearMargarettowritetothemadameoften.WhenyoudoIwillhearofyouandbehappy.Mylove,IcanonlybehappywhenIhearfromyouorofyou.Mylove!Ionlyregretthehourstedious,dull,andhateful,whenIseethepossibilityofbeingdetainedfromyou!

Myfriend(onbattlefields)DickScurryisatmyelbowandhebidsmetosaluteyou,withhiskindrespects.MyfriendsallcommandmetorenderyouthesalutationsoftheSeason!

Mylove,Ipresentthewishesofmyheartformany,happyChristmas,andnewyears.

Mylove,thydevotedhusbandHouston

ToMrsMLHouston

P.S.MyregardstoMother,andshou'dMartin,Vernal,andYoungarrive,salutethemkindlyforme.Houston

Ihaveopenedthis,asitisnowthe26thDecandalliswell!GodBlessthee,mydearMaggy.

Houston

1AlphonsedeSaligny,theFrenchministertotheRepublicofTexas.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,65-66n.

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31stDec1840

MrsHoustonGalvestonTexas

MyLove

Ihavenoletterpaper,onwhichtowriteyou!Youinpartrealizethepovertyofthecountry!Ihavetoldyousomethingofthisbefore!ThisismostdistressingtotheheartofaPatriot.

Mylove,yourletterwithitsinterestingenvelopehasjustreachedme,andyoucannotfancythepleasurewhichIenjoyedintheperusalofyourhighlyinterestingepistles.Mrs.Floodhadrec'dherlettershoursbeforeIrec'dyours.ShewaskindenoughtosendittomebytheColonel!Ohitwasaprettyletter!ImettheSargtatArmstodayandwhenhegavemeyourletters,Iwas"soappie."

BishopTimon1leftheretodayandbyhimIsentanote(introductory)andaNewsPaper.Youwillbeamusedatthevariousslandersagainstme.Mydear,dearMaggy,Iwou'dnotwritetoyousooftenasIdo,wereitnotfortworeasons.Oneisthatmylovecanonlybegratifiedbycommuningwithyou!!Thisisthefirstandmostimportant,consideration.ThenextisthatyoumayormightsupposethatIwasina"spree"andcouldnotwriteyoumyaffectioneverymomentofmytime.

Margaret!'Tisasourse[sic]ofgreatdistresstome,thatyoumayhearsomanyfibsuponme!thatyouwill,inyourpresentsituationbedistressed,anditmayinfluenceyourhappiness.ByandbyeyourletteranditsenclosureIhanditovertoMrsFloodtoperuse.ThisIknowwasagreattreasonagainstyou,but'tisdone,andyouwillforgiveme,Iknow!'TwasfamilymattersIknow,butsheisacapitalmother,andyouwillexcuseme!oratbestpardonme.

YourlettertoMrsFloodwasdeemedsofineandbeautiful,thatmanyofthemostintelligenthaveseenitasaspecimenoftheexcellentepistolarycorrespondence.Ideeminveryfine!ButofthisIneedsaynothing,forwhatevermydearMaggydoes,itisexcellentintheeyes

ofherdevotedhusbandi.e.Ifhehaseyes?for'tissaidloveis"blind."OhmydearWife!ifIcou'donlybewithyouIwou'dbethehappiestofmen,yes,ofmortals.

IamintheHall,andIcanhearBobPotter2(theinfamous)abusingmeintheSenate!Itdoesnotdistressme,mylove,becauseinfamycanneverreachthemoralelevationofhonororhonesty.Thenewsof"GenlGreen,"3Iamhappytosaytoyouisnottrue.Heishere,andwishestobeMinistertoSpain!Poorpuppy!!Iwou'dpityhimifIdidnotdispise[sic]him!Hisintellectualandmoralqualitiesdebasehimsomuch,thatIcannotthinkofhim!

Thisisaplace,thatwillaffordnonewstointeresttoyou!Iamsorryforthis,butsorrowneveryetsuppliedadefectinhappiness.

13thJany.Untiltoday,Iwou'dnotclosethisletter,thoitisofolddatewehadnomail,andifthingskeeponashorttime,wewillhavenoMalesinthecountry!!'Tis8oclockPMandweareinsecessiondoingnogoodbutwastingcandles,withoutcredittobuymorewhentheyareburnedout!

Icantellyounonews.

ThyeverdevotedhusbandHouston

MargaretLeaHouston

[Ontheoutside]OurexcellentfriendHockley,&fiftyotherspraytobepresentedtoyou!

ThineHouston

1BishopJohnTimon,senttoTexasbytheCatholicBishopofNewOrleansin1839,wasofteninvitedtospeakatthecapital.Hogan,203.2RobertPotter,SenatorfromtheRedRiverDistrictandSecretaryoftheNavy.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,441-42n.3ThomasJeffersonGreen,abrigadiergeneralintheTexasArmy.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,515nandHandbookofTexas,I,738.

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ThisletterwasnotdatedbutitwaswrittenbyHoustontoMargaretwhenhewasinAustinservingasamemberoftheCongressoftheRepublicofTexascircaDecember,1840.

Asitisnottimeformetoretiretorepose,Iwilljustwriteasmuchas

Iplease.Idothisbecausepersonswilltalklesstome,knowingthatIamwritingtoyou,thanifIwereidle,andIcanthinkofyouasmuchasImaychuse!AsImaywriteofeverything,IwilltellyouwhatIhaveofMrs.Barkereverydayfromsomebeauofhers.Sheissaidtobegayandmuchadmired.Ireckonsheisagoodwoman,buttoothoughtlessfromwhatIlearn.Isaythismuchonly.Ihearnothingculpableinherconduct.Thatshewou'dfancyto

marry,Ihavenodoubt!ThisyouknowmyLove,wou'dbereasonableforalonewomanisverylonely.PerhapssheistheblackeyedLadythatyousawinthecards.ItoldMrs.Floodwhatyousaidonthatsubject,andabouttheblackeyes.ThenforthefirsttimeIlearnedthatMrs.B'seyeswereblack,soyouwillnotsupposethatIwasoglingwithherLadyship.IfIhad,Iwou'dhavediscoveredthedifferencebetweenblueandblackeyes.ForthefirstglancethatIevercastuponyou,Iknewthecolourofyoureyes!Yes,IfoundthereattractionsthatMadamcou'dneverpresenttomyprudentaffections!Enoughofthis.Ihopeshewilldowell!IdonotthinkthatshevisitsMrs.Floodoften,tho'IthinktheMadamF.thinkswellofher!

TheMissLee'saretheprettiestLadiesthatIhaveseenhere!Ipromisedtogoandvisitthem,buthavenotdoneso.Ithinktheyareprovokedatme!Iguessitwillnotbeinmypowertoseethem,previoustomyleavingAustin,asIhopemystaywillbeshort.IsawthemwhenIwasspeaking,butIdidnotapproachthemwhenIceased.Idonotknowahalfdozenofladiesinthecity.'Tisenough,asIcou'dnot,byanymeans,playthebeauwiththem.Theywilllosenothingbythewantofmyattentions,asIcou'dnotmakelovetothem,tho'evenifyoushou'dneverfindoutmyaddresstothem!IsupposeImightsaysomeverycivilthingstothem,butIhavethoughtthatIhadexhaustedallmyrhetoricofloveincourtingyou.Atallevents,Ihaveusednonesince!Yes,Ihave.Ihavecourtedyoueversince,andwishverymuchtomakemypersonaladdresstoyouagain.Ohthebeautiful"softthings"thatIpurposetosaytoyouwillmakeyousmileveryprettily!YouwillthinkthatyouareagainaBelle!!!YouaremyBelleofallevents,andIassureyoumyfeelingsaremoretender,andmyadmirationasvividasitwasthefirsteveningthatwemetatSommerville.1Theseweredaysofvastidlenessanddissipation,buttheyweretomedaysofhopeandhappiness.'Twasthere,Isaw,admired,andlovedmyMargaret.Ourmeeting,our

jesting,ourpromenade,ourconverse,ourgazingonthe"Lonestar,"myconfessionandthesealofmypenitence!!!ThenourwalktotheflowerGarden.OurwalksinBledsoe'sGardenOhmyLovetoallthosescenesIrecurwithextatic[sic]pleasure.Youtoo,maysometimesthinkuponthosedayswithpleasureanddelight!Wemayyetenjoydays,ifnotaswelltheymaybeequallypleasingtousmutually!!!

YouseemyLove,thatIamreallyinloveyet!Yes,Iamconstrainedtoloveeitherbynature,ortheforceofcircumstances.IfeelthatIamnottoblameforOhIhaveaveryfairapologyforloving!Don'tyouthinksoMaggy?Doyoutake?

Mylove,Ishowedyourpoetrytoaspecialfriendwhowasgreatlypleasedwithit.Ideemmyselfgreatlyyourdebtorforthecompliment.Itaxedmymuse,butitwasallinvainIcou'dnotstirupmyPegasus;horsesareverypoorhere!andtothatIwou'dhaveyouascribemyfailure!ButIknowyouwillpreferthatIshou'dwriteprosebecauseIamalwaysprosingwhenIwrite!

Mylove,Iembraceyou,buthopesoontoclaspyoutomyheart!andpressyoutherecontinually.Saluteallthatweareindutyboundtoregard.

Mosttenderlythyhusband

Margaret

1ThispassagereferstothenightHoustonandMargaretmet,onMay31,1839,atthehomeofMartinLeainSommerville,Alabama,andtolatervisitstothehomeofWilliamBledsoeinMobile,Alabama.SeeRoberts,18-19.

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Austin,7thJany1841

Ohmybeloved,

HappywasIlastnightwhenMajorNeighbors1calleduponmewithyour"ChristmasGift"2metmeinasadandsorrymoment,butbro'ttomeabalm!YesabalmthatallthespicesofArabiacou'dnotcombine.Ihadbeengloomyfromthefactthatwehavenomails,andIhadlost

allhopeofintelligencefrommybelovedMargaret.DearSpirit,howmuchIhadreflectedonyoursituationanduponmyownAbeingthatIlovedsomuchmightnotbewell,andlanguishingonasickbedandnonetowatchherheavingheartandministertohersituationandmitigateheranguish!ThisIfanciedthatIcou'ddotosomeextent,wereIwithher!ByyourdearletterIwasadvisedthatyouwerenotwell,butnotdangerous!Eventhisgavemesomerelief,thoveryimperfect,Imustconfesstoyou!Myprospect[is]ofremaininghere,untilthelastofthepresentmonth.ItmaybethatIwillbedetainedhereuntilthe6thor7thPoximo![sic]

Thereforeyoumaywelljudgeofmymiseryofheart,attheanticipationofhappinessdefered[sic]!

Howfondlywou'dIflytoyou,wereitnotthatdutydetainsme,andwereItoleaveImightberegardedasadeserterfromtheinterestofmycountry!ThisIdonotwishtodo.Nortoincurachargethatwou'dwoundthefeelingsofafriend![torn]dearWifewillappreciatemost[torn]nonecou'dmoreproperlydoso.Iwrotebythelastopportunitythat[was]offeredtome,andhavehadaletterwrittenonmytableforseveraldays!

[Attheendofthisletter,onthesamepage,Houstonwrotethefollowing:]

13thJany41

AbouttosealthisletterwiththebalanceofmymanyincongruousEpistleswhichIsendyou.Imustexpressmyhappinessatlearningthismoment,thatVernalhasreachedGalveston.AtthisIamrejoicedbecauseyouandourdearMotherwillbesohappy!

Ibegyoutosalutehim,withmygreataffection,andsaythatIwillbeproudtomeethim.Whatabouthispretty"Flame"ofwhichwehaveheard!Isupposetherewassomeflirtationinthisbusiness.Nomatter.'Tiswellenoughandheisofage!Iwou'dliketohearourdearMothercatecize[sic]Vernalonthesubjectofhis"lovescrape"!TheOldLadywilllookgraveandsolemnontheoccasion!Itwillnotonlybeastothepastandpresent,butshewillcastaneyetothefuture!OhhowhappyIwou'dbe,tojointhelittlecircle,andbehappywithmywife,myMother,&myBrother.


Margaret

1ProbablyRobertSimpsonNeighbors,quartermasteroftheTexasArmy.ForabiographyseeWritings,V,165-67.2NoletterfromMargaretdatedDecember25,1840,hasbeenlocated.

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Austin8thJany1841

DearMargaret,

Havingwrittenapartoftwoletters,ImustcommenceathirdonebecauseIhadnoopportunitytosendthemtoyou.InafewdaysIexpecttohaveanopportunitytoforwardallmycommunicationsbyMaj.Zavala.1Thisyouwillseeinthe8thofJany,a"Nationalday"oftheU.S.2Henceat12oclockColFloodgaveaWineParty.Iwasthere,andgavemysalutationstoMadamFloodbydrinkingasingleglassofwine!ThiswasdueandHoustonwasnotforgottenontheoccasion!But,Iwasnothappy!Thecompanywasmixed!!Ithoughtofyoumylove!andyouweredistant,fardistantfromtheeyesandarmsofHouston.notdistantfromhisheart,foreverythoughtofyouswellsmybosomwithwarmestemotions!

SosoonasIcametothehallat3oclokjustbeforetheHousemet,IwitnessedafightwhichtookplacebetweenasenatorandmemberoftheHouse!Theywerepartedbyothermembers!Nogreatdamagewasdone!'TwasthewineofColFlood,Ipresumethatproduceditinpart!Ihopeneveragaintowitnesssuchanotherscene!

Oh!butIamwearyofpubliclife.Howhatefulareevenitshonors!Ifeelmylove,thatIcanonlybehappywhenIwillbewithyou.Ifeelmyonlylove,asthoIcou'donlybecalm,intelligentandhappywhenIcou'dhearyourvoiceandenjoytheadmonitionofyourwisdom!Iwou'dthenbearational,cheerful,andhappyman.Ourtimewoud[sic]passinrationalconversations,inreading,andinexercise!Therearedays,andyears,towhichIcastthevisionofmyspirits.Youtoomylove,Ifeelassured,looktothemwithintenseinterest!

IhavenotfortwoweeksseenthefairMrs.[Emma]B[arker],nordoIexpecttoseeherbeforeIleavethishorribleplace!IdofondlylooktothedaywhenIcanembracetheonlyobjectofmyaffection!

13thJany

Iwou'dnotclosemyletteruntilImighthaveanopportunitytosendit

withotherstoyou!


Margaret

1LorenzodeZavala,Jr.,whotookpartintheBattleofSanJacintoandactedasaninterpreterbetweenSantaAnnaandHouston.JohnHenryBrown,IndianWarsandPioneersofTexas,(Austin:L.E.DaniellPublishers,1880),127.2HoustonmaybereferringtothefactthatinmanyplacesJanuary8wascelebrated


(footnotecontinuedfrompreviouspage)inhonorofAndrewJackson'svictoryatNewOrleansintheWarof1812.ItwasalsocelebratedastheanniversaryoftheDemocraticNationalCommittee.JaneM.Hatch,TheAmericanBookofDays,(NewYork:H.W.WilsonCompany,1978),49-51.

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Austin,12thJany1841

MydearMargaret,

TodayIamintheHall,andinbetterhealththanusual.Tohearallthefearfultalksofwarwou'dmakethesweetbloodofyourgentleheartcurdle,andrunchillsthro'yourveins.Youneedbeundernoapprehension,mylove,ofinvasion.Ifyourchevalliers[sic]chusetomakewaruponMexico,theymaydoso,buttheywillhavemoretorepentofthantocheerthemselveswith!

Panicmakersaretobefoundineverycountry.TheynowexistinTexas&areinfullmeridianandbeamingsplendor.Menwhowantplacesandhavenotgotthemwou'dmoveHeavenandEarthtocreateandoccupythem!Thismyloveisthereasonofallthistremendousfuss!!!Youmayrelyuponthisfactmydear,thatyouwillneverbedisturbedbytheapproachofaMexicanforce.Certainmenwantfameandwishto"bangSanJacinto."Letthemtryit!Iwillneverenvythemanwhorivalsthattransaction!Butmydear,menareambitious,miserablyso!Themanwhowou'dwishtoexcitehiscountry,andwithadesiretoagrandisehimselfatthecostofhiscountry'sgoodisapoor,verypoorcreature!

Texasatthistimeisinaworsedilemmathanitwasonthe20thofApril1836.Fewcanrealiseitssituation,butwithinlessthaneightmonthsyouwillseethecatastrophy[sic]whichwillberevealedto

thispeople!Youshallbealooffromalltheinfluencesofagitation.Wearesopoorasanationthatwecannotprocurestationary.Howthencanweinvadeanationwithminesandeightmillionofsouls?

(13thJany)

MylovetodaypapersarrivedfromGalveston,butnoletters!Iamcrazytohearfromyou.ButasIdidnot,Iamlefttosupposethat[you]arenotindisposed.Ifitwerethecase,Dr.Tuckerwou'dwritetome!TodayIheardfromBledsoe,andourdearSister.Theyarewellandhappy!Iwasmuchgratifiedtolearnthenews,butatthesametimeColCole[s]1said(forhewasdownathome)thathedidnothearfrom"fartherEast"Soyouseehowwell'tisknownthat

myheartisalwayswithyou!Idonotmakeanoiseaboutyou!MywritingandmyassociationsprovethatImusthavesomeobjectofattractionsdistantfromthesceneswhichsurroundmedailyandhourly.Forsomedayspastwehavehadwetanddampweather.Iwasgettingwellveryfast,andlookedbetterthanyouhaveeverseenme.Ihopetheweatherwillsoonchangeforthebetter!ThismomentIhavebeeninvitedtoawedding!'TisGenlHarrison2toMrs.McInstry.3Soyousee,shewillsoonbeMrs.GenlHarrison,andthewifeofanoblefellow!IaminformedthattheLadiesofAustinwillbethere.Iexpecttoattend,butforashorttime.Iwillnotplaydebonair,norwillIshowoftheGallant!Myheartandmyaffectionswillnotallowmetobeanythingbutdevotedhusband.Ahusbandwhoneverlovedbutoneobject,andthatobjectishisbelovedMargaret.Butfancyhowpainfulitmustbeformetoremainatadistancefromtheonlyobjectonearth,thatIloveorevercanlove!Ohhowsupremelyblessedwou'dIbeifIcou'doncemoreseeyourdearsmileandpressyoutomyboundingbosom.Idetestthevapidsceneswhichsurroundme!IcandonogoodinthisBody.Imaypreventinjury,butofthisIamdoubtful.

Ihavesaid,weareinacrisis,andIamsorrytoreviewtheassertions!Itispainfultocontemplate,theimpendingruintoourcountry!Themurkycloudwhichhangsoverusmustburstinafewshortmonths.Warisnotintheelements(intruth)whichcomposethiscloud.Fearfulasitmaybe,thecountrywillsustainits-self.TheGovernmentmustdissolve,butthejudiciarywillremainandsustaintheNationorthepeoplewillsustainthejudiciary!

IamapprehensivethatyouwillsupposethatIdesigntomakeapoliticianofyou!ThisIleavetoyoumydear,anddoubtingnothing,Ifeelthatyouwillmaketheproperchoiceonthisaswellasallothersubjects!ItrustthatyouhavenotbeenvisitedbyaNortheroflateandoh!thefearfuldampnesswhichhassurroundedyou,hasdistressedme.Somuch!UntilIcanseeyou,Iwillnotbe"appie."Todaya

propositionwasmadetoadjournonthe20inst.,butwaslaidontheTableuntilthe18th.ImustbreakofftoGalveston.Imustseemy"weewife"andattendtoourinterest(mutual).Nothingcanevergivemepeaceandhappiness,butmyMargaret&myhome!

YoumustsaluteMotherforme&Tillie,Henrietta&[Dr.Edmund]Tucker.Byallmeans,commendmetoMrs.Taylor&Mrs.

Price.4Mr.Taylor5ismybedfellowandyoudoubtlessarethebedfellowofMrs.Taylor!Iamneveroutatnight,soyouseehowdutifulIamtoyourwishes.Icanrenderyounoadditionalnews,only,thatMr.Saligneyproposestogivetomyselfandfriendswithinthepresentweek.Itwillbepleasantandagreeable,andallwillleavetheresober.Frenchmennevergetintoxicated.IknowthatyoudonotsuspectthatIwou'dbecomeheated,butIliketoanticipatesolicitude,whichmightbypossibilitybeawakened.Thusyouseetheconsciousrebukingwhichformerbadconducthasincurred!Youwillappreciateallthesematters.TheyareonaccountofmyowndearMaggy!Theyarerightandmydear,jestornotjest,itistrue.IfeelthiseveningthatIcannotstaylonger!TodayItookaplaindinnerwithHockleyandpresentedyourkindnesstohim.Hewasveryhappy!!aswasthyhusband.

MajorZavalawillbethefirstpersonthatwillleavethisplaceofGalvestonandIwillwriteuntilhemaydepart.'Tismyonlyhappinesstothinkofyou,andtowritetoyou.Youcannotestimatemyvastfelicitywhiledwellinginsweetmemoryofthepast.Itrustthefuturewillbenolesshappyandjoyfulthanthepast.Myspirit,mylove,myheart,mustabidewithyouanddwellinyourbosom!Butoh!Maggy,youinyourlastdidnotmentionthe"tumor."6Hasitleftyou?Ihopeithas,oryouwou'dhavetoldmeofit.Myloveeverythingmentionedbyyouimpartstomemuchinterest.ThenwritetomethatImayreceiveitbythe6thofFeby.Again,mylovetoourmother.


Margaret

1ColonelJohnP.ColesofWashingtonCountyservedintheSenatefrom1840-1841.Hollon,314.2G.W.Harrison.Grammer,76.

3AnnC.McKinstry.TheyweremarriedonJanuary14,1841,inTravisCounty.Grammer,76.4HoustonisprobablyreferringtothefamilyofJamesH.Price.Margaret,inaletterofJune16,1846,mentionsstayingwiththePricesandavisitfromtheMorgans.PricewouldlatermarryElizabethMorgan.Grammer,36.5BenTaylor,readingclerkintheTexasSenate.IdentifiedinJennet,n.p.6Margaretwasstillsufferingfromthebreasttumor.

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Austin14thJany1841

MyLove!

TodayIsealedonlyfourletterstoyouallnumber'dindueformaccordingtodate!1

WeareagainintheHouse,andthereappearstobenooneattentivetobusiness.Iwou'dbehappytoberelievedfromthepositioninwhichasenseofdutyholdsme.

JustasIwasonmywaytothecapitol,ImetMrs.Flood,andshebademetosaluteyouwithgreataffection.Youwillembraceherwishes!SheisafineLady!ShelovesyousowellthatIlovehersometoo!ThelittleGirls,2whentheyseeme,runandaskabout''MrsHouston''or"Margaret"fortheyhavelearnedyourname.

Ohmylove!Whenothersloveyou,whohavebutseenyou,howmuchoughtI,thehusbandtolovethis?Tomorrowthewarquestionwillcomeup,andyourhusbandmustdohisduty.

TheCicero'softheHouse,aswellastheHotspurswillbeinthefield,andnodoubtbut"sevenRichmonds"toowillbeinthefield.3IwillwiththeblessingofGodsustainmyself,andmygoodLady'sfeelings!!!Theyaretomemorethanmyownindividualvanity.

Tomakeyouhappyisallmydesire.Toseeyoucheerful,smiling,andapprovingmyactsandconduct,ohhowblessedIshou'd[sic]be.Therecollectionofotherdayscou'dneverobtrudeuponme,butIwou'dfeelthatallmyexistencewascombinedintheconsciousnessofthepresenceofmydearMaggy.

Iwillceasewritingforthereasonthatyouwillsupposemeintendingtocourtyouagain!Onecourtshipandeternallove!Thisismymotto.TheHousehasthismomentadjourneduntil10A.M.tomorrow,and'tisonly1oclockP.M.ThisdoesnotlooklikeaspeedyadjournmentoftheBody.Isay"Body"forithasnosoul.

AdieumyloveHouston

Margaret

1Houston'sfourletterstoMargaretwhicharenumberedincludethoseofDecember31,1840,andJanuary7,8,and12,1841.

TheFlooddaughterswereFloridaandLaura.IdentifiedinDaughtersoftheRepublicofTexas,FoundersandPatriotsofTexas,v.1,(Publishedprivately,1963),27,504.3HoustonisprobablyreferringtoShakespeare'sKingRichardIII,ActV,Sceneiv,Line9.JustinKaplan,ed.,FamiliarQuotations,(Boston:Little,BrownandCompany,1992),166.

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Austin16thJany1841

Mylove,

ThisisoneofthedarkestdaysthatIrecollecttohaveseeninTexas.Earlythismorningwehadaviolentthunderstorm!Ityetlowersaroundus.Wehavehadmuchrain,andintheanticipationofanortherweareallshiveringwithdread!Gloomyasthedayis,Imustwritetoyou,andsendyouthewarDocuments.Youwillseehowsupremelyridiculoustheevidence,aswellasthereportappear!Isendyouthe"Sentinal"1andmarkapiecewhichIamsurewaswrittenbyourgoodfriendDr.Moore.2Ihavereadtheprettyeffusion,andmarkeditforyourperusal!YouneednotsupposethatIamunhappy!IfIwere,Iwou'dnotmarkitforyournotice!Asthepieceisuntrue,Icarenothingaboutit!

Youmylove,willsmileatthenonsensewhichmalignityinspires.WereIasIamrepresentedtobe,myenemieswou'dbesatisfiedandsilent.Itwou'dbegratificationtoseemea"drunkensot!"Butmydear,theyseethatmyconstitutionisdailyrenewingandmycomplexionbecomingpureandclear!Thesearepainfulsymptomstomyadversaries.Othercausestooobtaintoirritateandinflamethebaseanddesigning!WhenitisknownthatIamtospeak,theHalliscrowdedandtheLadiesattendthedebates!WhenIcease,theladies

leaveandthegalleriesareempty!Thesefactsarecalculatedtocreatehatred,andhatredwillinduceslander!Donotbedistressed.IcannotforgetmyloveandadmirationforMargaret!Iwou'dnotinflictonepangtoyourdearheartforEmpires!

Maj.Taylorhasbeen,andyet[is]inmyroomandbedfellow!Fromhimyouwillderiveallthenews!IamsohappytohearthatVernalhasvisitedyou&ourmother!YouwillnowhaveaprotectoruntilIcanbewithyou!

ButtheweddingthatisoverandIwastherequitegravebut

verygenteel!

Idrankonecupofcoffee,butnotevenoneglassofwine!NoranythingstrongerasIfindthattotalabstinencewillmakemeallthatIeverwasinpointofhealthandconstitution.Butthereismorethanthistobeconsidered!ThefeelingsofmydearlybelovedMaggywhoseonlydreadisthatImayabandonmyself(atsometime)tointemperance!Don'tdoubtme!!!Itrustthatwhenwemeet,youwillbesatisfied!

TodayDeZavallawastostartfortheIsland,butitissounfavorablethatIsupposehewillnotdepartuntilMaj.Taylorwillalsogo,asheisanxioustoseeBledsoe.IbelieveIwillpassatMr.Saligney'sparty.Hesaysitisintendedasacomplimenttomyselfandfriends.ADiplomatistwou'dnotcompromit[sic]hisstanding&characterfora"drunkensot."Thisisacommentaryonthereportsagainstme!Youwillsoesteemthefacts!ButthisisidleandIwillonlysaybehappyandassuredofmylove!Thishopeshallbuoyme!Iappreciateallyourfeelings!Yescorrectlyandverytenderly!

GivemylovetoourmotherandourbrotherVernal,Tilly,Henrietta,Tucker,JudgeJohnson,andourLadyfriendssaluteforme!TakecareofpoorSisforme!

IamthydevotedhusbandYesthineowntrulySamHouston

ToMrs.Houston

1Austin'sTexasSentinalwasanti-Houstontothepointofprintingslander.HandbookofTexas,II,760.2Dr.FrancisMoore,Jr.,publisheroftheHoustonTelegraphandTexasRegister,andanoutspokenfoeofHouston.ForabiographyseeWritings,VIII,127-28nandHandbookofTexas,II,221.

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AddressedtoGen.SamHouston,AustinTexas

Jan.18,1841,Galveston

Mylove,

TherearesofewpersonspassingfromthisplacetoAustinatpresentthatIhavedeterminedtowritebyTom1andgethimtosend

itfromHouston.IamnotwithoutsomehopethatyouwillbewithmebeforeitcanreachAustin,butyoumaynotbe.Ithinkitnecessarytowrite.WehavehadthecoldestweatherduringthelasttwodaysthatIhaveeverknownandthelandlooksbleakanduglyIassureyou.Todaythenortherhasabatedbutthecoldisstillintense.MyhusbandIhopeyouarenotvexedwithmeforurgingyousomuchtocomehome.IfyouareIdonotknowwhatatonementtomake,forIcannotrecal[sic]whatIhavesaid,tho'muststillbegyoutocometome.BishopTimoncalled&deliveredyourletter2andhasbeenuponcesince.IhaveseldomfoundanacquaintancewithwhomIambetterpleased.Hismanners&conversationsareentirelyelegant.HeintroducedafriendofyoursbutIdidnotunderstandhisname.

ThefurniturewhichIsentforarrivedthismorning.Itwasterriblyabused.IthinkHarrisburgshouldbemadetopayforit.

Mydearitisdisagreeabletocommunicatedisagreeablenewstoanyonebutabovealltomydearhusband.NeverthelessIthinkitmydutytoinformyouthatmybelovedmotherisingreatdistressaboutherlot.Cody3hasdeterminedtomakeherpayanotherhundredinadditiontothe600shehasalreadypaidandhasemployedanattorneyforthatpurpose.Idonotknowhowitwillterminate.Bro.V.hasemployedMr.Rose4toattendtoit.

Everyonetellsmethatyourhealthisimprovedagreatdeal.IthankGodthatisso,andthoughImaysoonrecoverfrommypresentlowstate,yetwhenIhearthatyouaredoingsowellIconsidermyselfblessed.IfIcouldbelievethatyouwouldbewithmesoonitwouldgivemenewstrength,butasyousaynothingaboutitinyourletters,Idonotknowwhentoexpectyou.Bro.V[ernal]willnotdecideuponhiscourseuntilheseesyou.HewillgotoCedarPointagainshortly.ThenmyLove,ifIlive,howhappywillwebeinthatsweetplace!Youshallassistmeinplantingmyflowersandtrainingmyvinesand

wewillwanderthroughthosesweetgrovesandbeashappyasthespiritsofsomeenchantedisle.Andthereisanotherhopewhichsometimesthrowsalightoverthefuture.5Oh,shallIlivetorealizeit!IfIdonotyoumayperhapsandIlovetothinkthatyoumayberemindedofme.

DearestIknownotwhyIwritethusforIwouldnotwillinglycauseyouonesadthought,butthetruthisthatwithoutyouIamsosadmyselfthatmylanguageisnecessarilyso.Donotletthefearof

meetingamopingwifedetainyoufrommeforIcannotbesadwhenyouarewithme.MathinkswewillgotoCedarpointsosoonasyougethome.Thisis[torn]tomakemyhealththerewithoutyou.Itisagloomyday,colddarkcloudsarehoveringabovethiscityandthestreetsarecoveredwithice.ItisquiteaNorwegianscene.MyhandsaresocoldthatIfearyouwillnotbeabletoreadmywriting,butmydearhusbandwillexcuseeverything.WhenIlookbackoverthelongsundrydaysthathavepassedsinceyoudepartedIcanscarcelyrealizemyownidentityorbelievethatthepalemelancholyfacethattheglassreflectsisthesamewhoafewweeksagowasthehappywifeofHoustonandblessedwithhissociety.

IhavenotseentheMissMaffets6for[torn]while.MatildaisverysickwiththecroupandDr.Tuckerisattendingonher.AsshehasdiscardedJudgeJohnson,IshouldnotbesurprisediftheDr.offeredhimself.

18th

Mydear,

IexpectthiswillbehandedtoyoubyMr.[EdwardW.]WinfieldwhowilltellyouaboutMa'sbusiness.Thereissomeaspectofsettlingitwithoutalawsuit.Iwouldwritemore,butIamnotable.

ForeverthyownM.L.H.

1Houston'sslave.2SeeHoustontoMargaret,December31,1840.3ThisispossiblyA.J.Cody,theonlyCodyrecordedinGalvestonduringthe1840census.IdentifiedinGiffordWhite,1840CensusoftheRepublicofTexas,(Austin:PembertonPress,1966),53.4RobertRose,alawyerfortheGalvestonBayCompany.MaryVirginiaHenderson,"MinorEmpresarioContractsforColonizationofTexas1825-

1834,"SouthwesternHistoricalQuarterly,31(April,1928):314-15.5Margaretisprobablyreferringtotheirdesireforachild.6MatildaandHenriettaMaffit.

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Austin18thJany1841

Mydear,

Ihadhopedtodaytohavesentmypackagestoyoubyhand,butinthisIamdisappointed.ThedayisthemostinclementthatIhaveeverexperiencedinTexas.Theearthiscladinwhite.Lastnightitsnowedfinelyandthoitisnotdeepyetthedayissocoldthatthesnowremains.ThoIambyalargefireIamsocoldthatIcanhardlywriteandhavetokeepmyinkatthefireoritwillfreeze.Itiscoldenoughtofreezeinthepen.Mr.Taylor&myselfdidnotquitechilltodeaththo'ourroomisascoldandopenasabarn.Firewoodtoo,isveryscarceandourLand-lord1isalordlydog!Heisoneofthefatgentryofthisworld,claimsnothinghimself.Saysallbelongstohiswife,andwou'dpickstrangersofalltheyhavebyborrowing,andrefusinginBillstodiscountwhatheborrowsinthewayofcash.

YouseeImustindulgeinmildabuse.Tistheveryworstabuse,fortisalltruth,andthatisthemostcruelabuse.Wereitfalse,itwou'dbepersecution,butastistruth,tiscruelty!

Subrosa:Idetestthisplace,andwillneverloveit.Iamsure!Imaybehereagain,andyoumayalso,butmydear,Ireallythinkthatwewou'dbemorehappyathomeinourlittlefamily,whereourdearmothercou'ddirectandsuperintendusboth!

Notwithstandingmywretchedaccommodations,youwou'dbeastoundedtoseehowmuchmyhealthimproves!Tisvisibletoallandeveryonecongratulatesmeuponthefacts.

Todayaconsistent&veryinveterateopponentofmineforyearscameandgavemehisadhesion,andwhenwemeetIwillamuseyoubyalittlenarrative.Thisisaqueerworldinwhichweareplaced,asadwarfoncesaidtome,"humannatureishumannaturestill."SoIfind

it.

Membersareprating,andIamwearyofnonsense.IhavenotopenedmymouthfordaysThewarquestionissuspendedforthepresent,andforMr.Mayfieldtopreparethebalanceofhisspeech.Heistoabusemewell,andfromthestart,whichhehasmade,hewillallowmetoexplainmattersforwhichIhavebeensomuchmisrepresented!andabused.Imeanthe"retreat"andthebattleof"SanJacinto."Irejoicethatmyhealthpromisesoneampleabilitytodomyselfjustice!Myspeechwillbereported,andthisIintendforyoursatisfaction,andthegratificationofourfriendsinAlabama!

Thisisdueto

[incomplete]

1ProbablyRichardBullock.HoustonroomedatBullock'sHotelduringthissessionofCongress.PatsyMcDonaldSpaw,TheTexasSenate,VolumeI:RepublictotheCivilWar,(CollegeStation:TexasA&MUniversityPress,1990),103.Thehotelstoodatthecornerof6thandCongressstreetsandhadbeenhastilyconstructedtoreceivethenewgovernment.Italsoconsistedofaseriesofsmallerlogbuildings.HandbookofTexas,I,244.

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Mrs.HoustonGalvestonTexas

[January]19th11o'clockatnight[1841]

Tonightmylove,Mr.Saligneygavetomyselfandparticularfriendsaparty.Ileftthereat9,anddidthinktohaveretiredirethishour.Butcompanykeptmeup!Thepartywasselectandpleasant.Iwishedyouhealth,butdidnotdrinkevenaglassofwine!Therewasgoodhumourbutnoexcess.MrS.sentyouaflowerfromthesummitofthekissespresentedtotheguest!Iencloseittoyouwithhisrespects!ThisIexecutewithmuchpleasure!

Today,'tissaidthatImadeoneofthemostfelicitousoftheeffortsofmylife.Iwasmostsatisfiedwithitmyself,orratherIwassatisfiedwithmyself!

Itwasinformative,andforthatitwasthebetter!Dr.Herburt1waspresentandasheisfromAlabama,Iwasgratified.Hewaspleased!MajTaylor,myfriendwasalsopresent!Hesaiditwasfine.Thisisenoughtosayaboutit!MyloveIfearforthestabilityofour

Government!ButTexasmustbesaved!!!

EnclosedyouwillfindasketchofSanAntoniopresentedtoyou,byMajBonnell,2formereditorofthe"Centinal"[sic]ofthisplace,thatabusedmesomuch!Thuswags!!Ohwhenwemeet,whatabudgetofnewsIwillhavetoopentoyou!ButifIwritemuchmore,Iwillhavebutlittletonarrate,forneverdidadevotedhusbandwritesomuchtoabelovedwife,asIhavedonetoyouwhileabsent.Youwillhaveaweeksreading,andthatwilldo,inplaceofBooks,forthetimebeing.Iwritetonoone,butmyownMaggy!

YoumustapologizetoTilly,JudgeJohnsonandTuckerforme!

TellTilly&Henrietta,thatIheartheyareasbeautifulandbewitchingaseverIhearitwithpleasure.

Presentmetoallourfriends.MylovetoMotherandBud!3

MyhealthimproveseveryhourthoughIhaveaslightcold.

MaytheAlmightyGodblessmybelovedMargaret.Ihopewewilladjournonthelastofthismonth.

ThyhusbandHouston'Tispast12!

Margaret

1Dr.WalterHerburt,ason-in-lawofJamesWebb.IdentifiedinDaughtersoftheRepublicofTexas,FoundersandPatriotsofTexas,I,13.2MajorGeorgeBonnellofAustin.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,335nandHandbookofTexas,I,186.3VernalLeawassometimescalledBud.

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ToMrs.MargaretLeaHoustonGalvestonTexas

Austin22ndJany1841

Mylove,

Imustwrite.Icannotforegomydispositiontobepratingtoyou.Nomatterhowtrite,mynotionsmayhappentobe!'TistomydearMargaretthatIamwriting.Itisbutcommontolookinthefrontierfor

news,butifsuch[is]yoursituation,youwillbedisappointedunlessyoutakefornewsthatwearedoingnogoodforthenation,nordoIthinkanythingwillbedoneofimportance!Landasusualhasbeenthesongandslangofthesession.Ithasbeentheruinofourcountryandtherealitywillsoonbeuponus.Youmylove,willnotfeelbutseethebeautyandsplendoroffoolishness!Ofthis,Iwillhavemuchtosaywhenwemeet.ItrustinkindHeaventhatyouwillseemeenjoysuchhealthasyouhavenotbeforewitnessed.Withtheexceptionofacoldandhoarseness,Idonotrecollecttohaveenjoyedbetterhealth!IaminbetterhealththanIwaswhenIfirstsawmydearMaggyatMobile.

FromthisyouwillsupposethatIamfortunate,livingasIhavebeeninaroomlesscomfortablethanastable.Youhavenoideamylove,whatmysituationhasbeen!ThoIpayhighforboardandlodging,yetIhavelainundermyownblanketsevenmysaddleblanket!ThankGodIhavebutafewdaysmoretoendurethisstateofthings.Icounteveryday,andeveryhour,thatpasses.Icannotsleepuntil5oclockAM.Thisisapartialdrawbackonmyhealth,tho'notserious,formymeditationsareuponmyloveofMargaret&mycountry.Thisyouwillbelieve.Iamsureyouwillattachfaithto.ButthisispratingandsooftensaidthatIfearyouwillthinkmesomewhatsilly!

Wehavemetafterdinner,andIseeplainlythatnothingcanbedoneofutilitytothecountry.ReliefBillsandlocalBills,oracts,areallthathavebeenpassedthissession.Ifearthatnofinancialplanwillbedevisedtogiveusstandingastocredit,eitherathomeorabroad,withourcreditors!Ifthisisnotdone,wemustremaininadeplorablecondition!Noappropriationforthiscurrentyearhasbeenmade!NordoIsupposethatanywillbemade.IlookeverydaytoseetheHousebreakupwithoutanyregularadjournment.Thereasonisplainthereareonlysevenmembers1hereoftheformerCongressintheHouseofRepresentatives,tho'itconsistsofforty.ManymembershavenotbeenresidentintheRepublicfortwoyears.Thisisastrangeconvictionofthings.Menignorantofthehistory,wants,andfacilities,aretodeterminewhathastobedoneforitsbenefitandsalvation.LittleoughtIhavethoughtofthisstateofthingssinceyearsago,butitisneverthelesstrue,thatsuchwasmyapprehension.

IalwaysbelievedthatTexaswou'dbecapableofachievingherIndependence,butIdoubtedthecapacityofthoseintowhosehandstheGovernmentmightbeconfidedtosustainfreeinstitutions.ThisInowrealise!Theuniversaldistrustintheadministration[is]prognosticatingitsdownfall.ItcannotremainItmustsinkordissolve!

Thenationwillexistinitsprimitiveelement.Thepeoplewillraisecornandrearstock,andlive"fatandfull."TheburdensofGovernmentwillbeverylightforwewillhavenone.Youwou'dbeamusedtoseethecastingaboutamongaspirantsforcomingevents.BurnetcannotfillhisCabinet2thosewhohavestandingandreputationwillnothazarditbyanidentitywiththeadministration.YouwillthinkthisstrangewhenyoureflectthataplaceintheCabinetof

Texaswasesteemedmosthonorableandnoble!Then,howhasTexasfallen!Howmortifyingisthepatriot?toseethecupdashedfromherlips!Youmydear,willnotfeeltheinfluencesofsuchcalamities,thoyoumaywitnessitatadistancewithoutfeelingitscalamity.

Itwill,itmustbeyearsbeforethisfairlandwillagainexperienceanexemptionfromTaxationandeveryprospectofplentyandhappinessrestoredtoit.Thedaymaycome,itwillcome,butnotwithinthepresentyearwhenwecansitunderourownvineandourownfigtreeandworshipGodaccordingtothedictatesofourownconscienceThereMaggy,wecanbehappyandfeelthatweoweeverythingtotheGreatAuthorofourlives.

TodayIcalledtoseeColFloodandasusualconversationadvertedtoyou.TheMadamhadbeentoseethePresidentsMansion,asithasbeenvacantsinceLamar'sdeparture.TheMadamsaidthat"youcou'dmakeitapleasantresidence."Iaskedherifshethought"youwou'dliketobethereasaPresident'swife."Sherepliedwithanimation"Ohyes!anyladyinAmericawou'dbehappytobethereassuch."IdidnotaskherifsheintendedtoconveytheideathatImustbethePresidentasthecauseofhappiness.Iwassilent,butsmiledatmyownconceit,whichwasthatifyouwerethere,Imustbealso!Aboutthismylove,Ihavenoambition.Thestateorstation,wou'dbeoneofmiseryandnotevensplendidmisery!

Thesunissettingoverourbeautifulwesternhills.Thedayhasbeenmild,andtheeveningisserene,andthesunsetiscalmandsweet!IturnmyfacetotheeastwhenIworshipbecausemyMargaretisthere!MyheartturnstothesmilesofmyMargaret,asthe"fireworshipers"[sic]turnedtorendertheirhomagetothecentreoflight!Ihopesoontobowtoyourshrineforyourbosomisthetempleofmyaffections.

23rd

JustasIceasedwritingnewscameinlasteveningthatIndianswereseeninthevicinityofthecityandtheBrotherinlawofJudgeSmithofthiscountywaspursuedbyfoursupposedtobecomanchies[sic].HereportedthathehadleftJudgeSmithandhislittlesonabout12yearsoldintheneighbourhoodoftheIndiansabouttwomilesfromthecity.Nightcameonandapartywentouttolookforthemissing.Nodiscoveriesweremade.ThehorseandadogofJudgeSmithcameinabout9P.M.ThedistressofMrs.SmithIamtoldwas

terrible.ThismorningacompanywentoutandaboutamilefromthecapitoltheyfoundthemutilatedremainsoftheJudgeandasthegroundwasmarshytheyalsofoundwherethelittleBoywastakenfromthegroundandnodoubttakenoffaprisoner.Youcannowimaginethedistressofanagonizedmother.ThisisowingtothewretchedimbecilityoftheExecutivetowhompowerwasdelegated,buttheotherdaypowertoraise,andemployspycompanies,topreventsuchcatastrophies[sic],asthepresent.Poorbeast,heisbutawretch,foulandpolluted!3

TheonlycareofBurnetistocreateapartytosustainhim,butallwillnotdo.ThepoorcreaturewillbeexecratedinthemouthofBabes.Wehavenothingtohopefromsuchselfishness.IhavejustmadeaspeechonthesubjectofaFrenchColony.MyhandisunsteadybecauseIwasagooddealexcitedduringthetimeIwasonthefloor.

Itisnonsense,orIfearyouwillthinkso.IdreamedofyoumostkindlyandfanciedthatIhadarrivedatGalvestoninthemorning&flewtomeetthewifeofmybosom.Youmetme,andIwashappy,butwearyfrommygreatanxietytomeetyouandthewantofreposefordaysandnights.

OhIwasveryhappyandrestoredfordaysinpeace.YouIthoughtwerehappytooquitehappy.Iwillnotdescribeyourappearanceminutely!ButIthoughtyoulookedwell,verywell!Thetimefarapproacheswhenwearetoleavehere,andthenIwillhurryhome.IwillhavetogobyBledsoes,tho'itisnotthenearestroute!Iwillnotlongdelay,butIfeelsatisfiedyouwillnotsuspectmeofplayingthesluggardbytheways.

Ihopetomeetaboatat[torn]readytosailinanhourforGalveston.Ineednoturgeanassuranceofmygreatsolicitudetoseeyou!ForinmymindseyeIcanseenobeingontheIslandbutmydearMaggy.TheIslandwou'dbetomeadrearywasteifyouwerenotthere!

MyfriendsIwou'dbehappytomeet,andseethosetowhommypresencewou'dbewelcome.TheyIamtoldaremany.Ofthisyoumaylearnsomething,butnotminglingmuchyoumustbecomparativelyunadvisedofthestateofthings.

EverydayIseeMr.McKinneyandMr.Williams4ofGalveston.Theyaregreatfriendsofmine.Butindeedmydear,inthisplace,IdonotbelievethatIhaveoneopponentoutofeverytenmeninthis

county,notwithstandingthepowerofthepatronagewhichtheGovernmenthastobestow.PeopleherelooksadandmelancholyandthefactofJudgeSmithsmassacrehashadanadditionalinfluenceindepressingthe[torn]mind!Inmostofthespeechesmadetoday,allusiontothedeathofJudgeSmith,murderhasbeenalludedto.Wearedingdonginlandmattersandinallthatmanyhavecomefortothisplace!Godsavethecountry!Itwillrequiremorethanmortalaid.Divinehelpmaysaveus.

ButIdonotwishtoindulgeinanyunpleasantanticipationsforthereasonthatrealityisbadenoughtocontemplate.TheheartofthePatriotmustsickenandlanguishwhilehopealonewillsustainus.Millionshavebeenexpendedandindependentofthedebtwhichhangsuponus,weareinaworsesituationthanwhatwewereasanationtwoyearsago!ConfidenceisdestroyedintheGovernment,andithasnopowertorecallwhathasbeenloss'd!Imaywriterathergloomytodaybecauseitisasadoneanda[torn].Andtho'IfeelbetterthanIhavedoneashealthinthelastfiveyears,Ineverthelesshavesomeheadache[sic]fromcold,butnothingserious.MyanxietyissogreattoleaveherethatIhopeIwillhavenotimetobesick.ForsomedaysIhavehadno''hippo.''Myspiritsarefine,andIamcheerful,butalittlecrossgrainedwhenIamtoomuchannoyedbytheimpertinenceofidleortroublesomepersons.Butinthemain,Iamquite"amiableandpolite."Nightiscominguponus.Itisafterfiveoclock.

25thMonday

Mydear,Ipassedyesterdayinmyroomandasyouwou'dhavewishedmetodo.ImeaninreadingandthinkingofmydearMaggy.Everyhourtomeisanage,andmyspirit"breaksthro'timesbarrierando'ertakesthehour."Thehour,whenweshallmeet.Wereitnotthatwehavenomail,Iwou'dbe[torn]happybecauseIhavereceived

noletterfromyousinceyoursofthe31stult.5AswellasIrecollect,andIhavelearnedthatyouhadbeenmoreindisposedthanIhadbeforeheardof.Howpainfulhasbeenmystateoffeelingduringthissession,andindeedIwou'dnotdetainonehour,ifitwerenotthattheTreatiesfromEuropehavearrivedandastheysupposemypresenceofsomeimportancetothepresentstateofthecountry!

Thecrisisincreasesinmagnitude,andtho'warseemstoslum-

berwhilepanicmakersdecrease,yetothermattersofgraveimportrushuponus!Wemustmeetandfacethem!AllalarmabouttheIndianshassubsided,andwillbethecaseuntilsomedepredationmayagainoccur.Itwillnotbemanydays,orIamnojudgeofIndianhostility.Thereisbut[one]passionhere,andthatisforoffice,orratherforcash!Depreciatedasourmoneyis,thereisneverthelessafondnessforit.

Anaversiontolaborandindustryisthecurseofthecommunity.Ifmenwou'drelyupontheirownexertionandnotwastetheirtimeinuselesspursuitofoffice,theywou'dbemoredecent,moreindependent,andmoremoralandproudExpectationdisappointedinvariablydepressesthemindanddeprivestheindividualofacertainportionofhisenergy,andselfrespect.Nothingissowellcalculatedtoexaltamaninhisownesteemastothrowhimuponhisownresources,ifheismadeoftherightstuff!Thetreatyhasnotbeenmadepublic,6butmaybeprevioustomyclosingthisletter,andIwillsendyouitscomplexionandsomeofitsfeatures!IpresumethatIwillbeinfavorofthetreaties,tho'somepartsofthem,Imaynotlikeorapprove.Nothingofhumanformationisperfect.TogiveyousomeideaofthegreatefficiencyofthepresentPresidentprotem,Iwilltellyouthattho'JudgeSmithwaskilledbytheIndiansonfriday[sic],thewarenergiesofapopulationcomprisingatleast250hasslumbereduntilthismorningtheyarenowabouttogooutwhentheIndiansareinallprobabilityare[sic]distant150milesfromthisplace.Theywereonhorseback.NeverhadIfanciedsuchculpablederelictionwou'deverhaveexistedinTexas.ThetruthisthattheperversityofGovernmentdefiedallcalculationandwisdomandforecastsaresetatnaught.

Itisjustrumouredthatwewillnotgetoffsosoonaswehadhoped.WemaybecalledsosoonasweadjournbythePresidentandyoumaybeassuredifIfindthatmypresenceisnotabsolutelynecessary,I

willnotstayonehourinobediencetoanydictumofDavyG.Burnet.ThisCongresshasenactedmyfriendHockleyoutofoffice!7Thisiscruelandunjust.Anofficer,whowasatthedawningoftheRevolution,andhasbeenusefuleversinceshou'dnotbelightlydealtbyandatatimewhenhisservicesaremoreimportantthantheyhaveeverbeen!Thearmswillallgowreckandruinandthecountrywillbewithoutmunitionsofwarintheeventthattheyshou'd[be]needful!

Wehavecloudyanddullweather,butwhenIamwritingtoyou,youwillnotsupposemeverylazyifIshou'dpartakeinthecharacterofmycompositionoftheshadeoftheweather.IfeelthatIamdullinwriting,orIneednotwritesomuch!

YouIhopewillhavehealthandleisuretoreadmuch,oratleastwhatIcanhavetimetowrite.ColFloodandhisfamilyarewellandallcoopedinonelittleroomabout14feetsquare.'Tisagreatcity!Justsuchassavageswou'dnotlivein!Asacityitsdaysarenumber'danditsglorywillpassaway!

Weadjournfordinner!

26thJany1841

Mydear,Thereisnothingnewthismorningtotellyouof.Thetreatieshavenotbeenpromulgatedbythesenate.TodayIhopewemayhearsomenewsofourrelationstotheoldworld!Tho'ImustconfessthatIdonotfeelcheerfulonthisoccasion.Itmaybethatmydepressionmaypassbyandthattheillusionthathangsovermyspiritsmaybedispelled!atleastIhopeso!

ThisweekIapprehendwillpass,andnothingwillbedonewithaneyesingletothewelfareofthenation.YesofTexas!Butwemustlookoutfortheworstandactforthebest.ThismorningIhearanamusingthreatagainstmeintheExecutiveparty,ifitissufficientlynumerousandrespectabletobecalledaparty,havesaidthattheywou'dassailmeonsomeleadingmeasures[,]soirritateme,thatIwou'dgetintoaspreeandtheywou'dobtainatriumph!InthismydeartheyshallbedistressedforIhaveandwillinflictuponmyenemiesthemostsignaldisappointment!Myhealthaswellasmydemeanourissuchastorendermyadversariesmiserable!

ItplaguesmemuchwhenIreflectthatmyhabitsinotherdaysshou'dhavebeensuchastorequiredoublecautionatthisperiodoflife.'Tis

past,andletitgo!IhavenotbeensowellasIamnow,forthelastfiveyears.Myhealthisrestoredandmycolourisreturning!TheonlyinconveniencewhichIexperienceisawantofsleep.BeforethreeAM.IneversleepandmyonlyreposeisinthemorningsothatIoftenriseexhausted.Mynightsarenot[now?]asIhavestated,areemployedinthinkingofmyMaggy&mycountry.OftenIfancythatIhearthegentleaccentofyourvoicefallsweetlyuponmyearandarousejoyinmyheart.ButitbringstomedisappointmentandregretthatIeverleftyou.Butmyprayersaredevoutthatweshall

soonmeetagain.Meetnottopartinlifeagainforsolongaperiodasourseperation[sic]hasbeenoflate.

Ibeganthisletterwithahopeandexpectationtohaveclosedandsentittoyoulongsince.IwillnowcloseandpraythatyouwillcommendmetoMother,Bud,ifwithyou.ToTillly,Henrietta,Tucker,Johnson,andourfriends.TellTillythatIwritetonoone,butyouandthatwhenIgethome,I[will]writeheralongletterunderyoureye!

TellMariatotakecareofyouandnotletyoubecomeunwell.PresentmetotheTaylorsandPrices.

ThyeverdevotedHusbandHouston

Margaret

[Onoutside]Mydear,Ihavenottimetoreadoverandcorrectthisletter.Anopportunityoccurstoforwardit.

Thine,Houston

1Houstonisreferringtohimself,GeorgeW.Hill,DavidS.Kaufman,WilliamMenefee,MosesRoberts,CorneliusVanNess,andJamesWright.Jennet,n.p.SeelistingsforFourthandFifthCongressesofTexas.2LamarhadbeengrantedaleaveduetoillnessandDavidG.Burnetbecamethechiefexecutive.Wisehart,365.3JamesSmith,ChiefJusticeofTravisCounty.ThesonwaslaterransomedbyJohnRolandfor$60.ForanaccountoftheincidentseeJamesHolmesJenkinsIII,ed.,RecollectionsofEarlyTexas,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1958),162-63andAustinCityGazette,January27,1841.4ThomasF.McKinneyandSamuelM.Williams,partnersinatradingandbankingcompanylocatedinGalveston.ForinformationaboutthesepartnersseeWritings,IV,34-36n.5ThisletterfromMargarethasnotbeenlocated.

6HoustonisreferringtoTexas'streatywithEngland.7GeorgeW.HockleyhadservedasSecretaryofWarduringHouston'sadministration.PresidentLamarreplacedhimwithAlbertSidneyJohnston.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,331n.

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GeneralSamHoustonAustin,TexasByMr.Dawson

Galveston,Jan27th[1841]

MyLove,

Capt.Todd1calledthismorning&informedmethataMr.Dawson2wasgoinguptoAustin,andwouldtakealetterforme.Iamgladoftheopportunity,foralthoughIhavewrittentoyouconstantly,IapprehendthatyoudonotgetmylettersasIneverreceiveanyacknowledgments.IhavesentalettertothecareofJudgeMoreland3whichyouwillperhapsreceivewiththis.Ihavenothingamusingtotellyou,forIhavebeensoritualoflatethatthefluctuationsofsocietyhaveleftmeseveraldegreesinthelurch.IwritetoyouthereforemerelybecauseyouareverydeartomeandbecauseIlovetotellyoumythoughts&feelings,althoughtheymaybetame&uninteresting.Ifyouhaverec'dmyletters,Ifearyouarevexedatmyurgententreatiesforyoutocomehome.Youmustnotbe,myLove,forindeedIamverylonelywithoutyou.Ioughttohaveknownhoweverthatitwoulddisturbyouandthattheprudentcoursewouldhavebeentoconcealmyillness&lowspiritsfromyou.Iconfessthatselfishnessandthedesireofbeingwithyoupromptedmeagainstmybetterjudgmenttotellyoueverything.Butmyhusbandwillsurelyforgivethisweaknesswhichoriginatedindevotedloveforhim!IfyoudonotIhavenootherexcusetooffer,andifIpromiseyoutoexercisemorefirmnesshereafter,youwillnotbelievemeforImadethesamepromisewhenyoureturnedfromtheredlands!IthasbeensolongsinceIsawyouthatthepastseemsalmostlikeadreambutsuchadream!sobrightsobeautiful.Shallweeverseesuchhappinessagain?Itrustweshall.

Irec'daletterfromMr.Bledsoeafewdaysago.Hementionedthathe&sisterA[ntoinette]hadsomeideaofcomingdownwithyou.Ishouldbedelightedifshecouldasitwouldbeagreatsourceofcomforttohaveherwithmeatthistime.Almosteverydaybringsus

somenewrumourofwar.Itwillatleastserveasasubjectofconversationandthatiswhatthepeopleoftenneed.ItisnowseveralweekssinceIhavebeenoutofthehouse.Ohhowbeautifulandtemptingistheblueskyandeventhebareprairie!HowofteninotherdayshasmyheartbouncedwithrapturewhenIcouldroamthroughthebalmywoodsandbreathethepureairofHeaven!ButalasIdidnotknowwhatablessedprivilegeitwasuntilentirelydeprivedofit.IvainlyimaginethatwhileIlivetheflowerswouldneverceasetobloomthewildbirdstosingforme.Perhapsthe

sweetspringmaybringbackthesamehopes.Isometimesgrowfretfulandimpatient,butIthinkIamresignedtoanyfatethatmayawaitme.IhaveamercifulGodtodealwith,andthoughheshouldbidmegodowntoanearlygrave,myspiritcansay"thywillbedone."ButIwillnotdwellonthissubject.MyLovedoyoufindtimetoreadthebible?Itrustthatyoudoandthatitsholypreceptsmaysinkdeepintoyourheart.IwouldhaveyoureadthehistoryofourblessedSaviouragain&againandtomeditatemuchuponhischaracter.

Mylove,dowritetomeoftener.IamsohappywhenIgetaletterfromyou!Butwhendays&weekspassawaywithoutonecherishingword,myheartfeelsasifitwouldburstwithgrief.OhshallIeverbewithyouagainandseeyouandhearyouspeak!Ishallbewildwithjoy.Iamsureifmyheartwasprobedatthistime,therewouldnotbefoundmuchpatriotisminit,forIalmosthatethedutiesthatkeepyoufromme.Mother&bro.V[ernal]sendtheirlovetoyou.Dearestdonotforgit[sic].

YourowndevotedM.L.Houston

[onoutsideofletter]

Itis6yearstodaysincemydearfather4died."Iknowthathe'sgonewherehisforeheadisstarredWiththebeautythatdweltinhissoul!"

butthisdayalwaysbringstomealonelinessofheartthatnothingcandissipate.Imentionthecircumstancesbecauseyouhavealwayssimpathisedwithmyfeelingstowardthatsaintedbeing.Howsadissuchsimpathy!Itenablesustorealize"thejoyofgrief"andtheverysorrowthatelsewouldrenderlifelonely&desolatebecomesalinkofunionthatmakeslifedesirable.Dearnoblehusband,howoftendoIneedthygentlesimpathy!Sometimeswhenmyheartisfilledwith

gloom,Itrytoimaginewhatyouwouldsaytome,andthereisevenpleasureinthat.Howmuchsweeterwouldbethereality!PresentmetoourfriendsMr.&Mrs.Toland.5TellherIamexpectingananswertomyletter.Dearestfarewell

1JohnGrantTodd[alsospelledTod].ForabiographyseeWritings,II,250n.2ThiswasquitepossiblyFrederickDawson,amemberofafirmofshipbuilderswhoregularlyvisitedthesessionsofCongress.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,


(footnotecontinuedfrompreviouspage)248-49n.3IsaacN.Moreland,chiefjusticeofHarrisCounty.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,463n.4TempleLea.5ProbablyMr.andMrs.JosephToland.ForbiographiesseeRay,226.

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Austin29th[January,1841]

MyBeloved,

'TisimpossibleformetoexpressthepleasureIexperienceatseeingamanfromGalveston.ItwasMr.Brannum.1ButitwasthehopethathehadnewsfrommyadorablewifemyMaggy!!!Whenheannouncedtomethathehadlettersfromyou,myspiritboundedwithdelightfulanticipations.IsoonrealisedthemforIneverquithimuntilIhadinmypossessioneveryletterandthen,Itorethemopen,andliterallydevouredtheircontents!OhmydearWife,whatjoywasmingledwithregretofjoytohearfromyou,andregretthatyouwerenotsohappyasIcou'dwishyoutobe.Mylove,youwilllaughatthechargewhichyouhaveimpliedagainstmewhenyoureceivealltheletterswhichIhavewrittentoyouandthosewhichImaywrite.

WhatawretchednoviceourfriendPricemustbe.Heoughttohavedoneforyouashiswifedidtoldyousomethingagreeable,butnothavesuggestedanythingunpleasant.WhymyLove,Idoassureyouthatneverwasmansodevotedto[a]dearwife,asIamtoyou.SometimesIthinkiftheworldonlyknewhowmuchIamdevotedtoyou,thatitwou'dlaughatmeandsay,'tisstrangethatthismanretainshisreason.Youarepresenttomeintheburstofdawnalltheday,andyouarewithmeuntilIsinkinrepose.Itrytofancyhowyoulook.I

meanyourpersonalappearanceYouknowmyremarksaboutMrsCadyandthereissomeresemblanceinyourfigures.Andlikecauseswillproducelikeeffects.SoyoumustnotblamemeifIshou'dfancyhowyouwou'dlookinawrapper,orloosedress!IwishthatIcou'dclaspyouinoneandpressyoutomyheart.

InreadingyourlettersIalmostimaginedthatIwaswithyouandheardyourvoice.Thesmile,too,Ifanciedwasplayinguponyoursweetfacewhichhassooftencheeredmyheartandrevealed

tomethecharmedhopethathappinesswou'dyetabidewithmyMargaretandmyselfandsuchadditionalcompanionsasHeavenmaybestow.

Isnotthisarationalexpectationinthepresentprospectofaffairs?MyDear,Ihopeyouwilldeemitso!IfIweretowriteasIfeel,youwou'd,Ifear,thinkmeaverysimpleton.Likeyou,Iamalmostcrazy,buthavenotthepleasuretohearourMotherratemewiththecharge.IfIcou'donlyembraceyou,Iwou'dbewillingtodrinkcompositiontea.Yes,evenstrongerthanthelastdosegiventomebymother.ThisisbutafeebleillustrationofmyanxietytobewithmyBelovedMaggy.

Ioftendwellwithsomuchpleasureonourpastjoysandaffection.ThekindtemperwithwhichyoualwaystreatedmeexceptatCaptBledsoes,whenyoutookthe"Jockeyword"ofmeabouttheempressMaggy!Thiswasquitediplomaticinyoumydear!Ididnotintendtoreproachyou,butonlytobeverysedate,untilIwasamusedbyyourtact!Therewastoomuchjoyinmyhearttoquarrelatthattime,andIwou'dnot,sickandgenerallycross,asIwashavemar'dyourdearpeaceforallthatIwasworth,apartfromyouraffectionsfortheyaremycapital.Theyconstitutemywealthonearth!

Iamsosorrythatyourdreamsdistressyou.Theyarebutdreams,andIwantyoutoregardthemasyounowdo:thepredictionsofyourCousinColumbus!2Youmustfeelmoreorlessdepressioninyourtravail.Ithinkallwomenwhoaredestinedtobecomemothersexperiencethisstateofmind.Takewhatrecreationyoucan&bynomeansyieldtomelancholy.Walkmuchinthehousewhenyoucannottakeexerciseintheopenair.Thisyouwill

[incomplete]

1W.T.Brannum.ListedinWhite,The1840CensusoftheRepublicof

Texas,49.2ColumbusLeaofMarion,Alabama,wasthesonofGreenLeaandPeggyMoffittandwasadoublefirstcousinofMargaret.HearneCollection,SanAntonio.ForabiographyseeBrewer,491.

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Thefollowingletterisnotdated,butappearstohavebeenwrittenbyHoustontoMargaretonaSaturdaybeforehisletterofJanuary31,1841:

Mydear,Ihavejustreturnedtothehallat7oclk.fromdiningwithMr.Saligny,andallthatIdrankwasathimbleglassof"absinth"[sic].ThisIdidbecauseIwasabsentfromyou!!!Wehavetositatnight,aswellasdaytogetridofbusiness.Thusinafewdayswemaysucceed.Itisnowrainingmostheavily,andIfearhighwatersmaydelayme,onmywayhome!Wecanenjoyheremud,mireandrain!"Tisallthatwecanprovideourselves."IamtoldthatJudgeTerrell,1myparticularfriendisSec'yofState,andDr.Chalmers,2twoweeksinthecountrySec'yoftheTreasure.ThesemattersaretoonewandwhenwemeetIwilltellyouananecdoteinrelationtoGenlJackson,3onthesubjectofthingsbeingtooneworto[o]youngtolive!Iwritemoreinsorrowthaninjest.Indeed,Idofeelformypoor,poorTexas.Asbusinessispressing,andpenisbad,andmyknifeisdull,Imustclosewhatyoumustdeemasatediousepistle.Youwillexcuseme,whenyoureflectthatIhavetowriteinthemiddleofconfusion.Iamspokentoeverymomentbysomepersonwishingmyopinion.Thisiscomplimentary,butverytroublesomewhenIamwritingtoyou!SinceIcamehere,Ihaveonlywrittenahalfdozenofletters,savetomyMaggy.

IsolemnlydeclaretoyouthatIwou'dnotlive,asIhavedonesincewepartedfortenthousanddollars,anotherthreemonths.

Thewarpanicisover.IhavejustseennewsfromRioGrande,andthebubblehasburstedinperfectridicule.FelixDonHuston,wassenttoraisevolunteers.HewenttoLaGrangeandcou'draisenone.Tosavehiscredit,DavyG.4hasrecalledhim.OhwhatGloryhasbeendeferredbyfatewhowou'dnotloveGlory?ItissocruelnottoletthepresentstampofHEROESellipseSanJacinto.Itcou'dhavebeendone,asnothingbutshadowswouldhavebeenmetontheRioGrande.Butoh!thequantityofBeefthatwou'dhaverenderedthefrontiera"sceneofcarnage."Yes,myLove,carnageandbloodshedwou'dhavebeenthewatchword!andreply.Menwillfindthatitisnecessaryforthemtousesomehonestemploymentforanhonest

livelihood.'Tispity,aye,wondrouspitiful,thatthecountryshou'dnotbeabletosupportthosewhoaretoolazytosupportthecountrybyresourcetoindustry.Uniformisaverystrikingandfancifuldress.Toafinepersonwhatasetoff,andtoabadone,whatanimposingdecoration!!

Youhaveneverseenmewithmine.ThisIregret,butsomewet

day,Iwilldressinit,whenIhavenothingelsetodo!ItisnotblueandBuff,but"Green&Gold."OneGentlemanwithoutLaw,hasreceivedfromDavyG.thesumof$10,000,butwhathasbecomeofit,nooneknows;ortheRepresentativesofthepeopledonot!Idodeclaretoyou,mydearMargaret,thatthecorruptionofthisadministrationisbeyondallcomprehension.Theyhavebeenbase,andregardlessofeveryprincipleofhonestyandpatriotism!!!ButwhyamIpratingtoyou?Ohbecause,Icou'dwriteortalktoyouforever!

TheTreaty(conventional)withEnglandtogiveuspeacewithMexicohasbeenratified.ThisistheonlyGod-sendthathasfalleninthewayofTexas.Withpeace,wecannowgeton,if"Poorly"aslittleJamesNeelytoldmyveneratedmother.ButTexaswillnotultimatelysink,thoshemustbegreatlydepressedfortimeyettocome!

ThisitemIgiveyouthatyoumaybeassuredthatIwillnotbecalledtoarms!!!Ibecamealittlecowardly,andthereasonis,IfearthatIloveyousomuchthatIdonotwishtogointodanger,leastImightbysomesimpletonbeknockedonthehead!

Tomorrowisthesabbath,orSunday,andIwillreadtheBible,andtrytokeepthedayholy!ThoIamwicked,Imaytrytobegood!

TellVernal,ifheiswithyou,thatIthankhimforhisletter!Ifheisnotwithyou,IhopetomeethimatBledsoe's.Iexpecttopassonenightthere.

GivemylovetoMotherSaluteTilly,Henrietta,Tucker,Johnson,theTaylors,thePrices,andallwhohavebeenkindtoyou!DonttreatMaria5unkindly,bythisImeandontmortifyher.Rememberourhopes,myLove!!!Ihopeshewillbeneeded!6Maggy,pardonme.Ifyoushouldblushwhenyoureadthis,andifothersshou'dbepresent,andyoushou'dblush,whenyoureadthisletter,don'tregardit,foryoualways(tomyfancy)blushveryprettily!Farewellmylove,youare

morekindlyendearedtomeeveryday!!!


Margaret

1GeorgeWhitfieldTerrell,formerAttorneyGeneralofTennesseewhenHoustonwasgovernor,servedasDistrictAttorneyoftheSanAugustineDistrict.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,52-53n.

JohnG.ChalmersofLaGrange.ForabiographyseeNixon,346-47andWritings,III,239n.3AndrewJackson.4ActingPresidentDavidG.Burnet.5ALeafamilyservant.6ThisalludestothefactthatMargaretmayhavebeenexpectingababy.

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ThefollowingletterwaswrittentoHoustonbyMargaretandisfromtheCharlotteDarbyTaylorCollection,Houston,Texas:

Galveston,Jan30th1841

WhatshallIsaytomybelovedhusbandtoday?ShallItellhimthatheisdearertomyhearteveryhourthatILive.No,Iwillnotforthatwouldbehyperbolical,ButIcantellhimthatthereisnotanhournoramomentthatIdonotmisshisdearpresence.Icannotsay,

''There'snotagardenwalkItreadThere'snotaflowerIsee,Butbringstomindsomehopethat'sfled,SomejoyI'velostwiththee!!!''

formyillhealth&presentmodeoflifedonotallowmesuchcontemplations,butIcansay,

There'snotahueuponthesky,Normurmurofthesea,There'snotabreezethanwandersby,Butbringssomethoughtsofthee!

Ihavebeenreadingthestoryofonewholovedherhusbanddevotedlywithalltheenergiesofhersoul(inawordasIlovemybrave&nobleHouston!)whopouredoutheryoungheart's

treasuresuponhimwhoinreturnonlygavecoldindifferences&neglect.WhilstIalmostweptoverthetaleofimaginarysorrow,Ifeltthatherfatewouldneverbemine,forIsurelywouldnotsurvive

thefirstproofofhisindifference.OhNo,Iwouldnotliveandfeelmyselfunlovedbyhim,forwhomIwouldcheerfullyleavekindred,home,friends,everythingthatwasnear&dearanddwellamongstthewildesttribeofIndians!OhhowhappyIhavebeenwhenhisgentlelooks&wordshavetoldmethatmydeepdevotionwasreturned!Andevennowduringthelonelyhoursofhisabsence,thememoryofthemariseswithinmyheartlikeawell-springinsomearidresort,buthowoftenwhilstourheartsarebaskinginthesunshineofhopeandfancydoessomesuddencloudariseandenvelopeourbrightdreamsintheblacknessofdarkness!!Thuswhilemyheartwhispers,"helovesmeyet,"Iamhappyohhowhappy!ButthenIaskmyself,"mayhenotforgetme?"andacoldshudderingstealsoverme.Iwouldnotlivelongwithsuchfeelings.Ohdearest,donotforgetme!

Jan.31st.BytheMarylandthismorning,Irec'dyourtrulyinterestingPackage.Isentbro.V[ernal]oversosoonasIsawthesmokeoftheboatandinthemeantimepreparedmyselfforagoodcomfortable,weepingfitincasethathebroughtmenoletter,butfortunatelyyoudeprivedmeoftheluxury,andhadyourletternotputmeintoaveryamiablemood,afterreadingtheimmortalMoore'seffusion,Ishouldhavefeltmorelikefightingthanweeping.AsitwasIactedwithbecomingdignity,especiallyasDr.Tuckerwaspresentwhoyouknowhadseenalittleofmytemperonasimilaroccasion.Poorfellow!heenjoysthesweetprivilegeofsayingwhathechooses,andwearecompelledtopasshimliketheshinysnakethatwecannotthrustoutofourpathforfearofsoilingthefeet.IwillsendbroM[artin]thepaperwhichcontainsthereplytoMoore.Ithinkmyhealthisbetter.Dr.TuckerthinksIwillbequitewellsosoonasyoucomehome.

NeitherhenorMotherwillsuffermetogoout,norisitmyowninclinationtovisitatpresent,butbroV.gladlyactsasmysubstitutewherethereareanyyoungladiesconcerned.Idonotthinkthereisanydangerofhimmarryingforheisinlovewithsomanythathecan

notmakeaselectionfromamongstthem.Ifyoudonotcomehomesoon,MathinksoftakingmetoCaptBlack's1andDr.Tuckerurgesitashethinkstheclimatewouldagreewithmebetter.OneofMother'sreasonswouldbethatsheispayingnorentatpresentasherownlotisnowaperfectpoolandshefearstheexposureImight

haveingettingtoCedarpoint,butifIhavemyway,Iwillgotonoprivatehouseunlessyoutakemetoourownhome.Mylove,ifIdonotseeyoushortly,IfearIshallforgetallmysentiment&romancefortrulyIambecomeamostawfullycommonplaceperson.Maveryoftenlaughstohearmetalkingofonions,hoes,andploughsandallsuchcoarsethingsandshesaysshecannotimaginewhathascomeoverme.

ThetruthisIamthinkingday&nighthowfrugalandindustriouswewillbe,whenwegettokeepinghouse.NowyoumustnotthinkthatIloveyoulessfromminglingyourdearimagewithsuchcommonthings,asIhavementioned.Nono!Whatistherethatwouldnotbecomebeautifulandinterestingtomefrombeingassociatedwiththeideaofmydeardearhusband.Mothersays,Iamgrowingsopetulant&disagreeablethatshewillhavetosendforyoutomanageme!2

ImustnotomittotellyouthatrecentlymorethatonepersonhassaidtomethatIamstrikinglylikeyou.Itisrealynotacomplimentatanytime.Althoughyouwouldgallantlydisputememuchlessatpresent,forIampale&emaciatedandveryveryhomely.Ma&bro.Vsendagreatdealoflovetoyou.

FarewellLove,HastenhometoyourdevotedMaggy

Feb.30th

YoumustexcusethisveryroughepistleIhopeyouwillhaveleftAustinbeforeitreachesthere.

IhavebeenreadingJenyn'sinternalevidenceofChristianity&"Watson'sreplytoPaine."TheycontainagreatdealoffinereasoningandIhopetohavethepleasureofreviewingthemwithyouwhenyoucomehome.

PresentmetoCol.andMrs.FloodandtoColHockleyand

whomsoeveryouwish.Miller3remerciestoMr.Salignypourlejoliefleur,asyousayitisfromhim.

1CaptainJohnS.Black.MargaretisprobablyreferringtoMontgomeryCounty,wheretheBlackfamilyownedproperty.Montgomery,169-70.2Rightafterthissentence,Margaretcrossedoutthenexttenlines,andtheyarenowillegible.3WashingtonD.Miller,Houston'sSecretary.ForabiographyseeWritings,II,389n.

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Mrs.M.L.HoustonGalvestonTexas

Austin31stJany1841

MyBeloved,

Thisistheholyday,andIhavebeeninmyownroomandnotabsentfromit.Thedayhasbeenrainybeyondanythingbeforeseenbyusinthisplace.Iamdisappointedbytherainforthereasonthatthepersonwhowastobearmyletterwillnotleavetoday.SoIchusetoaddanothertothegeneralclassofscribbling.Icanaddbutoneimportantitem&itisthatmyfriendJudge[GeorgeWhitfield]TerrellwillnotaccepttheappointmentofSec'yofState.HeiswiseforhisstandingontheBenchisenviableforamanofhisage,andintheEastthereisnoonetofillhisplace.Moreoverhecou'dnotharmonizewithsuchamanasBurnet,amanwhohasnocarebutselfishnessnordoesheregardthecountrysweal.Werehehonest,heisnotcapableandwillconvertalltheresourcesofGovernmenttoorateandsustainaPartyPolitical.TheJudgebyremainingontheBenchwill,Ihavenodoubt,attainthehighesthonorsofthatdepartmentofGovernmentwhichIregardasthepalladiumofpureFreedomFormydearImakeadifferencebetweenLibertyandFreedom.Liberty,Iregardastheprivilegetochuseinwhatmannerwewillbegoverned.FreedomistomymindthewellregulatedenjoymentofLiberty.Nothingsomuchconducestothisobjectasanenlightened,honest,andfearlessjudiciary!MenlooktoitfortheGuardianoftheirrightsofpropertyandpersonandtheProtectoroftheirlives!Thusregardingit,theyfeelimpressedwithaweightiersenseofobligationtosustainitthanany

otherDepartmentofGovernment!ThedurationofitschiefsbeingmorepermanentthantheofficersofanyotherdepartmentoftheGovernmentofRepublics!Fromtheseconsiderations,aswellasmyhighpersonalregardforafriend,Iamgreatlygratifiedthathedidnotembarkinasinkingship!

YouseemyLovethatImustbeprosingorprating.ProsingifIwroteaboutpoliticsandpratingifItellyouthatIloveyouorwou'dgiveKingdomstobewithyou(ifIonlyhadthemtogive).Bethisasitmay,asIhavedoneprosing,Iwillnowprate.Love!'Tistruemy

Love,thatIamalittlehappyandverymiserabletoo!Happybecausewemustsoonadjourn,andmiserablebecauseIamnotwheremyMargaretis!OhthisdayhascausedmesooftentothinkofyouthatIhavenotsentforaBible.Ididnot,whenIcou'dremainundisturbed,wishtocallmythoughtsfromyou.Youaremysumandsubstanceofexistence.Youaremyleadingstar!Butnowmylove,youarethelonestarofTexas!Youwilldoubtlessregardthisasajustcomparison!Iamsorrythatitistootrue!But,IwishyoutobehappyintheconfidencethatIwillsoonembraceyou.

HadIbeenathometoday,howhappywou'dwehavebeen.Wecou'dhavetalkedoverathousandmatters,andtheworldcou'dnothaveintrudeduponourprivacy!Suchdaysandscenesasthese,Itrustareinstoreforus.Theworldwillthenbeworthenjoymentandindeedtousthiswou'dbethegreatestofearthlybliss.Forsuchdelights,Iwou'dwithpleasureeitherhoe,grub,orploughthro'theweek,ifnootheremploymentwou'djustifytheenjoymentofmydearMaggy'ssociety.

IdidrathersupposewhenIwroteyoualetteronyesterday,thatitwou'dbethelastthatIwou'dwritetoyousoonbecauseIhopetofollowit.Theaspectofaffairschangeslikefancydreams,orthephasesofachangeling.Ifindeverythingherechangesmoreorlessexceptmyloveofyouandthatyouwillfind,fellowedbyoneobjectonly,andthatisNorthStars.ItwastheonlycomparisonthatShakespearecou'dfindforthedecisionofJuliusCaesar!SoIchusetocomparemyloveofyou!Sundaynightasitis,IhaveonlyfiveGentlemenaroundmeconversing,andwithmeoccasionally.Tome,thisismostpainfulcourtesy.Ohmylove,whenwillIbeatpeace?NeveruntilIcansee,andbewithyou,andthenIhopetobehappy!!!

Myonlycareistomakeyouhappy.InthateventImustbeblessedalso.AgainIamcompelledtoexclaim,whyamIsoconstantly

writingtomydearMaggy?TheonlyanswerorapologythatIcanfindinmymindisthatmyheartwillcontrolmyheadandhand.Youwillpardonthesepettyfaultsiffaultstheyare.

Everydaythisplacelookstomemoreandmoredreary.Howsadisthesolitudeofheart.Itismoredrearythanallthesolitudeofthedesarts[sic]andthewildsofnature.Inthemthereissomethingstriking,andthewindcanbedelighted,oratleastastonished,bysomeapparentfreakofoldMothernature!Prolificinherproductions,inthewondersofnature,wecanbetaughtlessonsofphiloso-

phyandwisdom.Butinthesolitudeofacrown,howlittlecanwederiveofwisdom,instruction,orpleasurewhentheonlybeingonearthisabsentfromtheeyeandonlypresenttotheheart.ThismydearismysituationandtheonlyonethatIcanrealiseinyourabsence.

Mylovetoall.ThymosttrulydevotedandaffectionatehusbandHouston

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Austin8oclockP.M.1stFeby1841

ThiseveningmyBeloved,Ihadclosedalettertoyouthinkingitwou'dbethelast,untilIwou'dseeyou,butasIcametothecapitol,Ilookedtothewest,andsawthelonethebrighteststarthatIeversawbecauseyouwerenotwithme,andthestarthatwelookeduponwaseclipsedbyyourpresence.ThiseveningwhenIsawthestar,itwaselevatedabovethesummitofastatelyLiveOakandthelustreofthestarappearedtobesustainedandbeautifullycontrastedwithperennialverdureoftheoakanditsdurability.Thestarmayset,andwillriseagain,buttheoakwillnotchange,itsverdantcharacterisourlove.Gaietymaychange,butouraffectionstreasuredastheyareintheheartscore,wemayrelyupontheiranalogytotheLiveOak.Onthe4thInst,wewilladjourn,Ihavenodoubt.Thememberswillnotstayanhourlonger.Theyaswellasmyselfaremiserablehere,andmustbesoaslongaswemaybedetained!Tonightforalongtime,weagainseethebrightmoon.Itisdescendingbeautifully.IhavejustlearnedthatMr.Meggenson1hasarrived!andthathehaslettersforme.Icannotfindhim,buthopehehasnewsfrommydearMaggy!OhmyLove!Youwillthinkmecrazy,Iamsure,orakindSimpleton.PardonmemydearWife.IfIlovedyoulessyouwou'dnotbeteazed

[sic]toreadallIwrite!ButyoucantreadaletterwhileIcanwriteapage!Bythissuggestionyoumayderivepatienceenoughtosustainyouinreadingallthesillyness[sic]whichIhaveinflicteduponyouforthelastfewdays.

ThisCongresshasdonealltheharmthatitcando,Ihope,andnowitrefusestodoanygood!Godhelpthecountry!Byandbye,thecountrywillbeolderandpeoplewillbemorewiseandconsid-

erate.Thepublicdomainwillbedisposedof,andlandstealingwillcease.Whenthismaybethecase,wecanhopeforreflectionandjustandhonestlegislation.Untilthendemagogueswillseizeupontheworstfeelingsofthehumanheart,cupidity,andavarice!andbythesemeansobtainhighplaces.Idetestademagogueandabhorthevulgarcantthat"suchamanhastoomuchland."Andmydear,theworstofthecourseisthatitisthegreatestcrimetohaveboughtandpaidforthelandprevioustotheRevolutionandfoughtanddefendeditduringthewar!!

YoucanhavesomeIdeamylove,ofthewisdomofCongressfromthishint.Thecourtswillbeourreliance.Theywillbehonest,andindependent&willsustainthecitizensrights.IrelywithconfidenceupontheJudiciaryofthecountry!Itmustsavethenationandwillbeboundtodeclareallthelandlawsofthissessionunconstitutional.Thiswillsavethenation!Ifitcanbesaved!!!MyLove,Imustconcludethisletterinthehopethatyouareandmayremainhappy.Myprayerswillaccompanymyhopes!

ThyhusbandHouston

MadamMargaret

MyLove,Ihavejusthadthepleasureandsorrowtoreadyoursofthe18th.Allmylovetoyou.Iwillsoonbewithyou.ThymostdevotedHouston.

Iamsorrybecauseyouaresadandnotwell!

ToMyWife

1ProbablyJosephC.Meggenson.SeeWritings,IV,331n.

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Mrs.MargaretL.HoustonGalveston,TexasCapt.Brannum

Austin2ndFeby1841

MyDearMaggy,

AgainImustwritetoyouandexpressmydeepandfeelingregretsthatyouaresolowspiritedandmelancholyasyourlastletterindicated.1ThedistressofourdearMotheraboutherlothasvexed

you.OhwhatamiscreanthemustbeCodywillcometoanignominiousdeath.EverydayIhearofsomeforgingofhisandnowHale2andothershavetopayforhiscrimes.Thisisallwellenough!!![EdwardH.]Winfield,whoisbutlittlebetterhaswrittentome,thathehas"satisfactorilysettledthematterabouttheLottothesatisfactionoftheparties."IfsoIamgladofit.HowVernaleverhituponMr.RoseIcantguessbutmyLove,tellhimtoincurnoexpenseuntilIcangethome!ThatItrustinHeavenwillbebutafewdaysTho'theywillbelongandtediousdays.

Iamnotastonishedmylovethatthefurnitureismuchabused.Iamtoblame,ifanyoneisthefaultwasmine,butnotthecrimeifanyThisIwillexplaintoyou.Itaketheblametomyself,butyouhadaharmlessagencyinthematter.Youwillbeamusedattheexplanation!!!ButIhadaswelltellyounowIfIhadnotseenyouinMobileandfalleninlovewithyou,Iwou'dhavebeenatHoustonandhaditsold.Iwastoblameforseeingyou,andlovingyouandyouwerealittletoblamefortakingintoconsiderationmylove.ThusIsettlethefurniturematters.OhMaggy,wewill"makeout"well,Ihope,andsolongasourloveremainsunimpaired,wecanberichandhappy.ButwhyI[sic]amIalwayswritingtoyou?ForthelifeofmeIcanttell,unlessitisthatIalwaysthinkofyou,andthinkofnothingelse!Youwillbevexedwithmeforwritingsomuchtoyou.

YoumusthavethepatienceofJobtoreadandthinkofallthatIwritetoyou!IamsureneverdidLoverwritesoconstantlytohisDulceniaasIdotoyou!TheonlyreasoncanbethatIloveyoumorethanmaneverloveddearwoman.ButyouaretomeallthatIwou'dwishyoutobe,onlythatyouarenotalwayswithme.Youwou'dcheerme,andIwou'dcherishandconsoleyou!EverylittlecareIwou'dalleviateasIdidatColAndrews3whenyouhadbeendistressedandweredeterminedtoquarrelwithme!YesmyLove,youwereinapitandtriedtoreproachmeagreeablybutyourdearheartsoonfailedyouand

youabandoneditascrueltome.YesMaggy!Youdiddoit,andIhaveoftensmiledatyourwantoftacttomanageaquarrel.

MyLove,dontthinkthatIrecallthesemattersinmalice.Notheyarerecur'dtoaspleasingreminiscencesallthatisconnectedwithyouDearest,affordsmepleasureanddelight!MyLove!ItreallyseemstomeifIdonotseeyousoonthatIwillbecomecrazy.

Evennow,IhardlyknowwhatIwrite.IdoknowwhatIfeel!IfeelthatIamthehusbandofMargaret,andthatIdoloveheralmosttomadness.Certainlydelirium!!NordoIwishtoseethedaywhenIshallloveherless.Thepassionflowerbloomsbutonceintheseason.SoIamdoomedtolovebutonceintheseasonoflife.

Havenocaremylove,thatIwillbeaCandidateforPresidentwithoutyourwishes.Iwillnotevensayconsenttoyouin[torn]...prayyousupposethatIwou'dacceptanysituationonthisearththatwou'dwithdrawmyselffromyou,andthecharmsofyoursociety.Themostsplendidsceptreintheworldcou'dnotinducemetoforegomyboundlessloveofyou.Nomydear,youaretheonlyhumanbeingthateverabsorbedmythoughts,mylove,mylifeandallandeveryhope!Don'thinkthatambitionhasonecharmforme!Youhaveathousand!!!ItoldtheColonelandMrsFloodofyourrequestinrelationtomycandidacy.Theywereastounded,andMrs.F.said"oh!itisnotpossible,butshecan'thelpitthepeoplewillelectyouanyhow."Ireplied,thatyoushou'ddecide!!!IfIweretodeclarethatIwou'dnotserve,ifelected,Iassureyouthatitwou'dbedeemedanationalcalamity.

Iamonlysorryformycountry,that[torn]...mostconsciousofmyinfelicity.Iwou'ddepart,ifIbelievedthatyouwou'dderiveanyrealadvantage.Iwou'dincurthechargeofderelictioninthedischargeofmyduty.Ihadnobusinesshere,inthefirstplace,butbeinghere,youwou'dnotwishmetobeadeserter!!!WhileImaybedetained,thegrief,andinfelicitymustbemine.Iwritetoyouconstantly,butcannothopetohearfromyou,unlessbyaccident.SinceIfirstcametothisplace,Ineverfailedtowritetoyoubyeveryopportunity.Manymayhavelefthere,ofwhomIknewnothing;thereforeIdidnotwritebecauseIdidnotknowthattheywou'dpassbyorbeatGalveston.Allmyleisurehours,orevenmoments,haveIdevotedinrenderingtheofferingofmyaffectionstoyou!ButIamsureyouwillnotcomplain

ofme.Themomentthatthe...[incomplete]

1SeeMargarettoHouston,January18,1841.2HoustonisprobablyreferringtoWileyPopeHaleofGalveston.IdentifiedinGiffordWhite,1840CitizensoftheRepublicofTexas,I,LandGrants,(St.Louis:IngmirePublications,1983),103.3Col.JohnD.Andrews.TheHoustonshadearliervisitedintheAndrews'homeonAustinStreetinHoustonCityprobablyinthelatesummerof1840.Marguerite


(footnotecontinuedfrompreviouspage)Johnston,Houston:TheUnknownCity1836-1946,(CollegeStation:TexasA&MUniversityPress,1991),48.

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Austin3rdFeby41

BytheenclosedNewspaper1myBelovedwillseethatIhavenotconsentedtobecomeaCandidateforthePresidency!TheaffectionandhappinessofmyendearedMargaretaremoretomethanalltheGewgawsofambitionorthepageantryofRoyalty.

Shou'dshedesiremetodoso,Iwillconsentbutnototherwise!MyLovemustdecideandletherregardherownhappiness.

MinewillconsistinHerfelicity.ThedeterminationofmyLoveIwillabideby.ThypeopleshallbemypeopleandthyGodshallbemyGod!OntomorrowIsupposewewilladjourn.


LadyMargaret

1Thenewspaperclippinghasnotbeenlocated.

ChapterIII[March22],1841November10,1841[March22],1841:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

[Spring1841]:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

April1,1841:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

April15,1841:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

November10,1841:SamHoustontoJohnHall

AfterCongressadjournedHoustonjoinedMargaretinGalvestonandtheyspentsometimeatCedarPoint.InthespringMargaretremainedbehindwhileHoustonwentonatriptoEastTexastotakecareofhislawpractice.ThefollowingletterfromMargaretisnotdated,butwaswrittensometimeinthespringof1841circaMarch22.

[22March1841]

AddressedtoGen.SamHoustonNacogdoches,Texas

Irec'daletterfrombrotherHenryafewdaysago,directedtoyou,butaddressedtousboth.HeseemstobeconsiderablydistrestonaccountofSisterSerena'slowhealth,butItrustthathisfearsaregroundless.Dr.AnsonJonesisinthisplaceandMr.McKinneytoldmeinthestreetthismorningthathewouldbringhimtoseeusthisevening.Ipresumehisvisitisratheranelectioneeringone.ThereisscarcelyanythingelsediscussedinGalvestonatthistime,buttheelectionofhimpresident.Gen.Hunt1seemstoberatherintheascendantatpresent,butperhapsDr.Jones'svisitmayturnthescene.

24th

Dr.Jonescalledthenightbeforelast.Iwasverymuchpleasedwithhim.HementionedthatMrFloodandfamilywithMr.SalignywouldbeinGalvestonshortly.HehashadadisagreementwithMr.BullockandconsidershimselftreatedwithsolittlerespectbyBurnetandothersthatDr.JonesfearshewillleaveTexasindisgust.2WednesdayMr.Webb3andCol.Dangerfield4calledonus.Ithinktheybothleavetoday.TheoneforMexico,theotherforFrance.NorecentnewsexceptthedeathofCol.JohnEvansonthe22nd.5

IamtoldthatMr.Waters6hasreturnedtoHouston,butIcannotascertainthathebroughtanynewsofyou,exceptthatyouhadnocoldideawhenyouwouldreturn!Thisofcoursewasnotverycheeringto

meespeciallyasIunderstandthatyouhavenothingtodetainyou.IamwearywearyofthisplaceandwouldgoimmediatelytothepointifIthoughtyouwouldbeabsentmuchlonger.DearestIdonotthinkyoucanstayfrommemuchlonger.IamsureIcouldnotfromyou.Mr.McKinney7hasdeclinedgoingeast.Iwillthereforeconcludethisandgethimtoforwarditimmediately.Itistheopinionofeveryonethattherewillbeacallsessionofcongress.

Theverythoughtissickeningtomeandifthereis,youmustpreparetoletmegotoMarion[Alabama]whereIcouldhavethecompanyofmyfriends,forIcouldnotspendanotherageinTexaswithoutyou.Iamspiritlesstodayandthereforewillwritenomore.

Farewellmybestbeloved.ThyeverM.L.Houston

Myhealthhasundergoneaconsiderablechangesinceyouleft.Ihavescarcelyeveranycoughandmybreastseemsnearlywell,buteveryotherdayIhadaseverechillandfever.Motheriswellandsendsherlovetoyou.

1GeneralMemucanHunt.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,525n.2AlphonseSaligny,theFrenchministertoTexas,felthehadbeenoverchargedbyinnkeeperRichardBullock.LaterwhenBullock'spigscontinuedtoeatcornfromthestableoftheFrenchLegation,Salignyorderedhisservantstokillthepigs.Foranaccountofwhatbecameknownas''ThePigWar''seeJamesL.Haly,TexasAnAlbumofHistory,(GardenCity,N.Y.:Doubleday,1985),125-27,andGeorgeLankevich,ed.,ThePresidentsoftheRepublicofTexas,(DobbsFerry,N.Y.:OceanaPublications,Inc.,1979),39.3JamesWebbwasappointedemissarytoMexicoonMarch22,1841.Lankevich,39.4WilliamHenryDaingerfield.ForabiographyseeWritings,II,452n.5MargaretpossiblywasreferringtoJohnS.Evans,aGalvestonnewspapereditor.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,I,575.6AJ.S.WaterslivedfifteenmilesbelowHouston.LouisWiltzKemp,"GlimpsesofTexasHistory,"PostDispatch(Houston),May11,1930.7ThomasMcKinney.

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ThefirstpartofthefollowingletterfromHoustonismissing.Itis

addressedto"Mrs.MargaretHouston,byCol.Bowyer1toGalveston"andwasprobablywaswritteninthespringof1841.

[Spring1841]

...IfoundShepperd&Lynchwellandveryhappy.Theyrequestmetopresentthe[ir]respectfulcomplimentstoyouandMother,andtheirlovetoTilly&Henny[Henrietta].SoIreversethemannerof

salutationandsendtoyou&mother,Sister&Bud,mylovetoTilly,Henny,JudgeJohnson,andMr.Rose,mykindsalutations.

Dr.K.2toldmethatincasessuchaswehavespokenofthathewouldprefernophysicianontheislandtoDr.Laberdie.3HehasnofancyforDr.Roberts4lineofbusiness.Thisissubrosa.[He]thinksprettywellofDoct.[torn].

ButmyLove,Ihavenounpleasantanticipationaboutthesematters,asIhopetobeathomebythetimethatyoumayexpectme!Myspiritandmylovearealwayswithyou,andImustbeprating.Youwillnotbedispleasedwiththisasitevincestheportionofmyboundlessaffectionforyou.Youcannotfancymyfoolishanxietytobewithyouagain,andsitandseeandhearyouspeakwhileIcanmuseonthepastandinfancyenjoythehappyfuture!!!

UnlessIcease,youwillreallysupposethatIamcourtingyouanew.Youmustallowmethepleasure,asIwillnothaveanyonetocourt,oradmireuntilIcanrendermypersonaldevoirstoyourLadyship.Thenyouarenottopoutwithme.Youwillhavenocordialtoobjectto,butIhopeyouwillhavenocheekstoslap,ifyoushou'dbecomecaptious!!Iwasreallyastonished,whenI[torn]toseethechangeinmycomplexion[torn]

Youcannotrealizeit.Allsallownesshasleftme,andmycheeksareasredasyours.Ridingdoesnotfatiguemeintheleast,nordoeswalking.Iamrestoredperfectlytomycheerfulness&morethaneversatisfied,thatmyhealthwillberestoredtowhatitwassixyearsago!Iwillomitneithercarenorattentionforitsrestoration!Ihave[torn]motivesforthiscoursethefirstisyoudemandit,andmyfirstobjectiveistoseeyouhappy.Itisnotthatyoudemanditinwords,butthesacredrelationswhichbindmetoyoudemandthismuchofme!Moreover,ifIlive,Imustgetrich,oratleastindependent.Thesereasons,withmanyotherswillweighwithmeandmustprevail.Keep

aneyeonMarthaorshemayrunawayaswellasothers.Allowyourselftowantnothing,anddonotletanybusinessdistressyou.

Thineever,Houston

1JamesBowyer,theChiefJusticeofGalveston.JoeE.Ericson,comp.,JudgesoftheRepublicofTexas1836-46:ABiographicalDirectory,(Dallas:TaylorPublishing,1980),13.2MaybeDr.WilliamKerrofNacogdoches.V.K.Carpenter,1850CensusofTexas,v.


(footnotecontinuedfrompreviouspage)1,(Huntsville,Arkansas:CenturyEnterprises,1969),438.3Dr.NicholasLaBadie.IdentifiedinGeorgePlunkettRed,TheMedicineManinTexas,(Houston:StandardPrinting&LithographingCompany,1930),52-55.4Dr.WillisRobertsofGalveston.IdentifiedinNixon,341-42.

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Margaretmayhavesufferedamiscarriagearoundthistime.Shewroteofherhealthproblemsinthefollowingletter:

GalvestonApril1,1841

MyownLove,

Iwillnotattempttoamuseyouthisevening,forIhavebeensolonelyeversinceyouleftmethatIhaveforgottenallmyvivacity,butImustwritetoyouforIamsoaccustomedtotellingyouallmythoughtsandfeelingsthatithasbeenalmostaninvoluntarythingwithme.DoyoueverobservethebeautifullanguageofMedorainByron'scorsair?:

"Andheisgone?HowoftensuddensolitudeThatfearfulquestiondothintrudeIwasbutamomentpastandherehestood!"

Thismaygiveyousomefaintideaofmyfeelings.Whenthedreadfulidearusheduponmethatyouwerenolongerwithme,thattheeyeswhoselooksofaffectionhadsooftengladdenedmyheartwerethenfixedonsomedistantscene.[blurred]IwasnotatallwellthedayafteryouleftandsentdownforDr.Hawkins.1HecameupandbledmeprettyfreelymuchagainstMother'swisheshowever,buthesaiditwasabsolutelynecessaryandIfeltthatsomethinghadtobedone.He

hadaconversationwithMotheraboutmeandheseemstothinkfrommyappearancethatitisallamistakeaboutmysituationandattributesthesymptomstosomearrangementofthenerves.Idonotknowhowthiscouldbe,butitiscertainlyasingularcase.

Mrs.HawkinslefttodayontheNeptune2andwillremainwithherrelationsinNewOrleansuntiltheDr.canjoinher.Mr.BledsoeandBroV[ernal]leftusonTuesdayforWashington.Armstrong3

hasbeenacrossfromCedarPoint.Iexpectedhimtohaveeverythingascomfortableaspossibleasweexpectedtobeathomeinthecourseofafewweeks.Mrs.[blurred]hasbeenupagainbutIwastoounwelltoseeher.Iunderstandthatshedeclaresherhusbandshallnotvoteforyoubuthetellsherhewillexercisehisownjudgmentinsuchcases.Capt.Emerson4isstillveryillandIfearthatheisingreatdanger.

April2nd

Gen.[Memucan]HuntcalledonuslastnightbutIfeltsounwellthatIdidnotgoouttoseehim.TodayIfeelquitewellandhopesoontobeentirelyrecovered.Itisnot[sic]7o'clockAMSOyouseeIamthrustingofftheinsolenthabitsyouhavetaughtme.YoucannotimaginehowmuchsisterA[ntoinette]'scompanyenlivensme.IdonotthinkIcouldendureyourabsencewithouther.JudgeJohnsonrequestedmetosaytoyouthatyoumustnotmentionsomethinghetoldyouJenesais[torn]Isupposeyouwillunderstand.

Ihopeyouwillnotbeuneasyaboutme[torn]yourabsenceorleaveyourbusinessunfinishedonmyaccountforifthingsshouldresultasweatfirstanticipated,Ishallnodoubtlesshaveeverynecessaryattention.Itrustthereforethatyourmindwillbefreeandundisturbedaboutmeandthatyouwillnotfatigueyourselfonyourreturn.IwilltrytobecheerfulandnotgiveintodespondencyforIfindthatitis[torn]tomyhealth.

Dearest,rememberthatyoupromisedmetotakecareofyourself.OhhowhappyIwouldbetomeetyouagaininfinehealth!IneednottellyoutowritetomebyeveryopportunityforthatIamsureyouwilldo.IhopetohavethepleasureofwritingtoyouagainbyMr.[Thomas]McKinney.MotherandIsendagreatdealoflovetoyou.Mrs.R.requestsmetopresenthercompliments.Farewellmybestbeloved.MayourHeavenlyFatherprotectyouandbringyouagainsafelyto[torn]

YourdevotedM.L.Houston

1Dr.RobertHawkins,formerSurgeonGeneraloftheTexasArmy.IdentifiedinMarionDayMullins,FirstCensusofTexas,1829-1836,(Washington,D.C.:SpecialPublicationoftheNationalGenealogicalSociety,Number22,1959),73.2TheNeptunewasasteamshipwhichranfromNewOrleanstoGalvestoninatrip


(footnotecontinuedfrompreviouspage)whichtook40hours.Itcarried30cabinpassengersand40insteerage.Hogan,9.JacobArmstrongwasaneighborwhoownedpropertyontheeastsideofCedarBayou.AnAbstractoftheOriginalTitlesofRecordintheGeneralLandOffice,(Austin:ReproducedbyPembertonPress,1964),123.4F.B.EmersonofGalveston.IdentifiedinWhite,1840CitizensofTexas,LandGrants,I,76.

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Galveston,April15th,1841

MyownLove,

IfeelinprettygoodspiritstodayanditissuchararethingoflatethatIthinkIhadbetterwritetoyouwhilethesunshines.Iamdelightedattheideaofhavingyouwithmeinafewdays.Itisnownearlythreeweekssinceyouleftmeandyouknowyourlimitswillthenbenearlyout!IhaveborneyourabsencewithmorepatiencethanIimaginedIcouldexercisebutithascertainlybeenverydistressingtome.SisterA[ntoinette]andMrs.Gant1expecttoleaveontomorrowandmeetMr.BledsoeinHouston.IdonotknowhowIshallgetalongwithoutthem.Theonlythingthatreconcilesmetothierdepartureisthehopethatyouwillbewithmeverysoon.Ihavebeenbusilyemployedinpreparingourthingsforhousekeeping(forIshallnotconsidermyselfahousekeeperuntilwegettoourownhouse)andthatisthemostagreeableamusementIcanhaveatpresent.IshouldliketoknowifyouareasanxioustogetsettledathomeasIam.Idonotthinkyoucanbealtogetherdearest.

EmmasentmesomebeautifulflowersfromNewOrleans,andtheyaregrowingquiteprettily.TheflowersthatbrotherM[artin]broughtmearealldoingfinely.Irec'daletterfromCol.Christy2byMrs.

Garat.3HementionedthatMrs.C.'shealthwasverybadandhadbeensosinceDec.Hefearsthathersymptomsarepremonitoryofconsumption.Atthetimehesaysthatshewassoillthathewasinducedtowriteashersubstitute.

Dr.Hawkinsisstillhereandcallsupoccasionally.Ifearthatheistreatinghimselfratherbadly.Itiscertainlyagreatpityforamanofhisintelligence.IhopeIhaveseenDr.Moore's4lastpiece,butlestitshouldhaveescapedyou,ifIcangetacopyofitIwillsendittoyou.WellIthinkIhavealmostexhaustedmygossipfortoday.[torn]asalastremarkIbelievealaPriceIwillwriteyoualittlepoetry.

Myhusband'spicture.

DeargentleshadeofhimIlove!I'vegazeduponthee,tillthineeye,InliquidlightdothseemtomoveAndlookonmeinsympathy!

Andohthatsmile!Iknowitwell,ItmindsmeoftheoneinMayWhensofttherisingstarlightfellUpontheflowersatcloseofday!

AndfirstmytremblinglipsdidownThylovereturnedthatholyhourSurenaturesmiledinunison,Througheverytreeandvineandflower.

AsnowIgazeuponthatformAgainstthosecloudsofthreateningmien,Theboldrelief,asifnostormCouldeverscathethybrowagain.

Animagestartswithinmymind,Asifashadowfromthepast,OnsomesweetdreamofoldentimeHadsuddenlymyhearto'ercast.

YesyesitmustbesothesameProudformofmajesty!theoneThato'ermygirlishvisionscameAndthatmyhearthathlovedalone!

Cap.Emersonisthoughttobealittlebetter.TheDr.concludesthathisroomwasnotsufficientlycomfortableforhimandwegaveupthediningroomtohim.Ineverknewbeforehowlonelyaroomof

sicknesswaswithoutthepresenceofalady.Thepoorfellowoftenspeakswithtearsofhismotherandhischildrenfaraway.

Saturday17th

WhatanagehaspastsinceIheardfromyou!ButIhavenotsupposedforamomentthatyouhadsufferedanyopportunityofwritingtopassyou.SisterA[ntoinette]andMrs.GantleftyesterdaymorningwiththeexpectationsofmeetingMr.BledsoeinHouston.BrotherVernalarrivedathomelastnight.HecamedownwiththeexpectationofreturningwithSisbutpassedherontheway.

22nd

TodayMr.Edmunds5gavemetheSanAugustinepapercontainingtheaccountofyourreceptioninthatplace.6Iwasverymuchgratified,butlesssothanIwouldhavebeenifIhadrec'daletterfromyoubythesamemail!Ehbien,Iwillwritetoyoualways,letmylettersbeuninterestingastheymay.Thismayseemalittlelikereproach,butitisnotdearestforifyourengagementwassuchthatyoucannotwrite,Iwillexcuseyou.

Ienclosealittlepensee(inenglish"remembrances").Theemblemis"Forgetmenot"anditismyfavoriteflower.Iloveitnotonlyforitssimplebeauty,butforsomesweetassociationofchildhoodconnectedwithit.

[letterisincomplete]

1Mrs.WilliamW.GantofWashingtonCounty.IdentifiedinHandbookofTexas,I,670.2WilliamChristy,ofNewOrleans,wasanoldfriendofHouston's.LlerenaFriend,SamHouston:TheGreatDesigner,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1954),72.3ThisisprobablyMrs.CharlesC.GarrettofGalveston.IdentifiedinWhite,1840CitizensofTexas,LandGrantsI,91.4MargaretisundoubtedlyreferringtoanarticlewrittenbyDr.FrancisMoore,Jr.,fortheTelegraphandTexasRegister(Houston).Possiblythisis

theoneofMarch31,1841,whichannouncedforBurnet.5PizeneEdmunds,sometimesspelledEdmonds.ForabiographyseeWritings,II,453.6ApublicdinnertohonorHoustonhadbeengivenatSanAugustineonApril5,1841.Wisehart,368.

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HoustonwasnominatedforPresidentoftheRepublicofTexasbythe

citizensofHarrisCounty.HereturnedfromEastTexasandspentmostofthesummeratCedarPointengaginginanewspaperbattlewithDavidG.Burnet.HoustonwaselectedonSeptember6,1841,andEdwardBurlesonwaselectedvice-president.ThefollowingletterisfromtheCrockettCourier,January31,1890.InitHoustonwrotetohisfriendJohnL.HallofCrockettconcerninghisthoughtsonbecomingpresident:

GeneralHoustontoCaptJohnL.HallatCrockett

CedarPointNovember10,1841

DearSir:

OnyesterdaywearrivedathomeandagainlookuponthebeautifulBay.IamsorrythatIwillhavesoshortatimetoenjoyathome.ItismyintentiontobeonthewaytoAustinbythe1stofDecember.

Mrs.Houston'shealthismuchimprovedsinceweleftCrockett,butisnotsufficientlywelltorisktheclimateofAustinthiswinter.Idislikeleavinghome,becauseMrsHcannotaccompanyme.ThewinterwouldbedrearyenoughinAustinwithallthecomfortsthatcouldbecommandedwithafamily.Withoutone,theonlyresourceofhappinesswillbebusiness.IwillbereasonablymiserableandshouldcontemplatethetimeaslostifitwerenotthatIhopetodomycountrysomeservice.Godknowsitneedssomethingtobedoneforit.IfanythingthatIcandowillbeofadvantagetoTexas,orbypossibility,relieveherfrompressure,IwillfindmyselfrichlyrewardedforanypainsorcaresthatImayendureinmytriptothefrontier.

Ournavyhasnotyetstarted,andifitcouldbeofanyusetousIwouldbegladthatitshouldnotgo.Ifitshouldsail,youmayrelyuponitthatitwillbethelastofournavy.ThatitwillbeinthehandsofSantaAnnainninetydays,Iwouldbewillingtowageratrifle.I

wouldnotbesurprisedifitwouldturnoutthatthewholerevolutioninYucatanwassetonfootbySantaAnnawithaviewtoinveigleLamarandgetthenavyinpossession.Therevolutionwasabloodlessoneandsoonended.Moreover,SantaAnnahasagreatcontemptforLamarandwouldbequitedelightedtoplayatrickuponhim.Besides,itwouldfurnishMexicowithanavy,whichsheisnotabletopurchase,andhaveourwholecoastathermercy.Wewillsee.

BepleasedtomakeMrs.Houston'srespectsandminetoMrs.

Hall1andtheladiesofouracquaintance.Saluteallfriendsforus,andbeassuredofourbestfeelingsandwishesforyourhappiness.

YourstrulySamHouston

CaptJnoLHall

RequestGeneral[JamesPinckney]HendersonandJudge[George]TerrelltobeatAustin.Theinaugurationwilltakeplacethe13thDecember.Saysoprivately

1TheformerElizabethOatman.Kemp,36-38.

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ChapterIVNovember30,1841February7,1842November30,1841:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

December1,1841:RobertIriontoSamHouston











December15,1841:SamHoustontoRobertIrion


December21-22,1841:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston





[January31,1842]:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston





February7,1842:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

Houston'sTravelsNovember30,1841toDecember8,1841

InNovemberof1841,HoustonjourneyedtoAustinforthesixthsessionoftheCongressoftheRepublicofTexas,thistimeasPresident-elect.MargaretremainedbehindinHoustonCityatthehomeofJohnandEugeniaAndrewsonAustinStreet.Houstonwrotethefollowingletterashebeganthetriptothecapital.

Mrs.MargaretLeaHoustonCityofHoustonTexasMajorReily1

MajUzzells230thNov.1841

MyLove,

ThisdayhasgoneoffprettywellandtomygreatsatisfactionthereisnoBalltonight.Thereceptiongiventomewascordialandquitegenteel.Thewholematterhasgivenearnest[sic]ofthefeelingsandconfidenceexpressedatthelastelection.Thisisallwellenoughandsuchasmustbeagreeabletome,butthepageantwasmarredbecauseyouwerenotaparticipantinthepassingscenes.TheAbsenceofallthatIcherishonearthwaswellcalculatedtodiminishthepleasurewhichIoughttofeelonsuchoccasionsForhadthelastfewmonthsbeenpassedwithoutsuchconstantandintimateassociation,ImightpossiblyfeellessacutelytheanguishcausedbymyabsencefrommydearMargaret.DonotsupposethatIamwritingaloveletter,orresumingmycourtship.ImustconfessthatIdoloveagooddealandcou'dhavenoobjectiontopaymyaddressesinpersontothefaironetowhomIfeelsomuchdevotedasmydear''Dulcina.''YoucanhavenoideamybelovedofthesolitarystateofmyfeelingsIlookaroundmefromtimetotimeandlistenforthetonesofyourvoicewhichhavesooftensoothedtheagitationsofanexcitedheart.Theintensityofmyfeelingsreallyproducesadesultorystateofmind,andproducesatrain

ofreflectionsofthemostunpleasantcharacter.Theabsence,whichIamcompelledtoanticipate,rendersmysituationtrulypainful.WhenIfeelthatmyabsencemustbeforweeksormonthsfromyouanddistantfromeverysourceofjoyIamtrulyunhappyWhentheseanticipationsarecontrastedwiththelastfewmonthsandthefelicitywhichIhaveenjoyedinyoursociety,Imustconfessthatmydestinyseemsanythingbutenviable.Thedistinctionofstationisapoorrecom-

penseforthesacrificewhichisincidentaltomyabsence.Inallandeverythrobofmyheart,ineveryemotion,youareblendedwithmyspirit.WhatfameImayacquireandeveryhonorwhichmaybeconfereduponme,wou'dbeinsipidandvaluelesswereitnotthatitwillenhanceyournobleprideandgratification.

Insummingupmyenjoymentsofthepast,Imustassureyouthatthoseofthelastfewmonthsareesteemedbymeofmoreinestimablevaluethanthoseofmypastexistence.Theirrecollectioncanneverfailtoawakeninmybosomthepuresthappiness,andinspireafeelingofgratitudetoourGodforhismatchlesskindness.Theywerehoursofblisstomebecauseyouseemedhappy,andIwasreallyblessed.Theyweretheresultoftemperanceofreasonandofholyaffection.ThusyouwillperceivethatIappreciateproperlytheinfluenceofsobrietyuponourhappiness,andthenecessityofmyadherencetoaprinciplewhichcanplaceusinthepossessionofeveryearthlyblessingandfromwhichadeparturecou'dpromisenothingbutmisfortuneandwretchedness!Affectionforyou,mylove,hasproducedthischangeandconvictionwhichmustandwillremain,whileaffectionmaintainsaplaceinmyheart,orreasoncandirectmyactions.Entertainnofearsmybeloved,astomytemperance,andproprietyofconduct.HadInoregardformyself,thedevotionwhichIentertainforyouwou'dcontrolmyactionsButImustconfessthatinanadherance[sic]tothesesacredprinciples,myownprideisawakenedandstimulatedbyasenseofdutytomyselfandtoposterity!Inallthings,relyuponmydevotiontoyourdearselfandbehappy

OnthesubjectofmytriptoAustin,Iwishyoutoentertainnofears.ThearmoftheLordwilldefendme,andhisgracepreserveme!Theprayersoftherighteouswillbeheardwhentheyappealtothealmighty,andyourprayerswillbeheardinmybehalf.Iwillnotdisregardthecautionpropertobeusedformysafety.Mr.AllisonLewis3willleaveherewithmeforAustin.AllthenewsthatIhear

fromCongressisnotofanunpleasantcharacter.Ihopethebestformycountry,andwillomitnothingonmyparttorenderitprosperousandhappy.

IhaveheardfromBledsoe,andhopetoseeourdearSisterasIpass.Budismending,andItrustwillsoonbewellagain.IwillbeveryamiablewhileatBledsoes.Iwillnotallowonewordtoescapemethatcanwon'd[wound]thefeelingsofourdearAntoinette.I

willwritetoCapt[JohnS.]Blacktogodownandarrangemattersatourplace!Maj.Western4willhireJoshua,5ifitshou'dbepropertohirehimout,andofthisyoumustbethesolejudge!Inallmattersreferedtoyou,doasyoudeembest,anditwillmeetmyheartyconcurrence!

ColBennett6willtakeCrusader7soIwillberidofourtrouble.Myidletimewillbeemployedinattendingtoourhomematters.Imusttryandrenderavailableallourmeans,andbeplacedinsuchasituationaswedeserve.

IwillwritetoyouonalloccasionsandtrytowriteabetterletterwhennextIwritethanthisforIreallyfeelmortifiedatthefaultsofthisletterandwou'dnotsenditifIhadtimetowriteanother.Major[James]Reilywilltellyouallthenews.Ilovehimmore,asIknowhimbetter.Heisanobleman.CommentmeinthekindesttermstoCol&Mrs.Andrews8andassurethemofmysincereregards.SaluteallourfriendsmayHeavenguardtheemybeloved.

ThyhusbandSamHouston

1MajorJamesReily,aHoustonlawyerwhorepresentedTexasaschargéd'affairesatWashington,D.C.ForabiographyseeWritings,II,374-75n.2ElishaUzzellwholivednearMontgomery,Texas.Montgomery,126.3Inthe1840sAllisonLewispublishedacardproposingtodoallofHouston'sduelingforhimandinviting"bloodthirstygentlemen"topitchin.RipFordreportedthatnoonewassportingforafight.McDonald,19.4MajorThomasG.Western,amemberoftheTexasArmyfromGoliad,whomadetheaddressattheburialoftheremainsofthevictimsoftheAlamo.Writings,II,512-13nandBest,283-84.5Margaret'sslave.6HoustonisprobablyreferringtoColonelJosephL.Bennet.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,131n.

7Houston'shorse.8JohnD.andEugeniaAndrewsofHouston.

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Duringthesummerof1841theHoustonshadbeenconcernedaboutMargaret'shealthafteramiscarriage.HoustonhadrequestedDr.RobertIriontoadviseDr.WalterFosgate,Margaret'spersonalphysician,1howto

restoreherhealthsothatshecouldbearchildrennormally.OnDecember1,1841,IrionwrotetoHouston:

WithrespecttoMrs.Houston'shealth,asubjectwhichgivesmeinfinitelymoreconcernthanalltheappointmentsintheworld,Ihavelittletoaddtomyformersuggestions.IconsultedfreelywithDr.[Walter]Fosgateonthesubjectandtherewasanapparentagreementinourimpressions.OnreflectionIamdecidedlyoftheopinionthattheirregularityofminstruation[sic],theconsequenceofabortion,producedherillhealth;&thatitnevercanberestoredtillthatdischargebecomesregular.IexplainedthistoDr.F.indicating,atthesametime,theremedieswhichhadbeenmostsuccessfulinmyhandsinthetreatmentofsuchcases,andadviseduseofthemwithoutdelay,whichIsincerelyhopehehaddone.2

'Nixon,428-29.2MarthaAnneTurner,TexasEpic,(WichitaFalls,Texas:NortexPress,1974),131-32.ForthereplytothisletterseeHoustontoIrion,December15,1841,inthischapter.

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Houstoncontinuedhisjourney,stoppingnearWashington-on-the-BrazoswherehewroteMargaret:

Mrs.MargaretLeaHoustonCityofHoustonV.B.Lea

WashingtonCounty2ndDec1841

MyBeloved.UntilIcametoWashingtonIdidnotexpectthatMr[William]Bledsoehadstarted,soIcametoMr.Farquahars1who

purchasedhisplace.IlearnthatourdearSisterandVernalwillstaytonightatMr.Niles2threemilesfromhere.Tho'itislate,IamwaitinguntilthemoonrisestogoandseeAntoinette,ifsheisonthissideoftheBrasos[sic].IhavemadeBledsoeanotherproposition,andwillsendittohimbyourSister.Itistogivehim300acresof

land,andmother100,ifhewillsettleatthepoint3togivehimtenleaves[sic]thisyearandpriviledges[sic]ofwoodetc.IhopehewillacceptmyofferItisasgenerousasthereisanyusefor.IfhewillgototheTrinity,IwilldoallthatIpromisedhimtodointhatevent.

IsendyoubyBud[Vernal]allthenewsfromAustin.Itmaypleaseyou,asyouarenotforgottenLadywou'dbesingluar[sic]andwifetoo"Family"isplural&thereforemoreimportant.Imustnotdisappointthe"bigdoins"whicharetotakeplaceontheoccasion.Iwillfeeltoosensiblythatmydearfamilyarenotwithme.Youcanhavenoideamydearlove,ofthepainfultrulypainfulemotionswhichagitatedmeasIwasapproachingthisneighborhood.Thedaysofblisssolatelypassedwithyouneartomypresentsituationwereallrecalledandclusteredaroundmyheart.IfeltthatIwasindeedlonelyandmelancholy.The[bottomlinetornoff]...whenIreflecteduponmyabsencefromyou.Ireallyesteemedthesacrificegreaterthanthehonorisagreeable.Thesethingsmightdelightmeatanothertime,andunderdifferentcircumstances,butwhenitisprobablethatyouarelanguishinginsickness,IcanfeelnojoythatisnotblendedwithpainandsorrowForyourdearsake,Ihopemyapprehensionsareidleandthatyouarerejoicinginhealthandarehappy.Cherishnoidlecaresonmyaccount.IfeelconfidentthattheGodwhomyouservewillprotectyourhusband.Youmaybeassuredthatyourhappinessandmyownhonorshallbemyincentivetoactionanddeportment.Iwilldonoactwhatever,iftrulyreportedtoyou,thatcou'dcauseablushtomantleyourcheeksorawakenonepainfulemotioninyourheart!Ifeelthattoagreatextent,Iamthearbiterofyourpeaceandyourhappiness.Iwillcherishmyloveasyouwou'ddesireforoneearthlybeing&foroneonlymyMaggy!Ineednottellyouthatmyarchenemyneverdarestoapproachme!Imean"Grog"inanyshapeorcharacter.

ColCooke4andotherswillgowithmetoAustinfromthisplacetomorrow.IintendtogotoRoberts5orFullers.6IamtoldthatJudge

Baylor7willjoinmeonthewayandaccompanymetoAustin.Ihopeso!IpartedwithDr.Tucker8todayandhewishedtoberememberedtoyouinthemostrespectfulterms.HesaysthathewillbeatAustinonthe13thinst.[bottomlineistornoff]IwillwritewheneverIcan.YouItrustwilldolikewise.BytheBye,IintendnottostaymorethanonehourattheBall,ifIattend.IfeelwellassuredthatIcannotenjoyonewhereyouarenot.Youmustnotchargeme

withwriting"loveletters."SoImustnowwaituntilIseewhatthecharacterofyourswillbe!

ToCol&Mrs.Andrews,andtoallourdearfriends,Iprayyoutocommendmosttruly.Ifyoushou'dwantmoney(Idon'tsayneedit)Iprayyoutoletmeknowit.Iwillhaveplentyforyou!Mylovetoourdearmother,when[you]seeherorwritetoher.

ThydevotedhusbandSamHouston

Mrs.M.L.Houston

1JamesL.Farquahars,identifiedinLoisSmithMurray,Bayloratindependence,(Waco:BaylorUniversityPress,1972),27.2AmapofWashington-on-the-Brazos(compiledanddraftedbyDanaMorris,LaGrange,Texas,1974),showsJosephW.J.NilesoccupyingLot6(E)Block12.CopyofmapinpossessionofMadgeThornallRoberts.3CedarPoint.NoevidencehasbeenfoundthattheBledsoesacceptedHouston'soffer.4WilliamG.Cooke.IdentifiedinWritings,I,343n.5S.R.Roberts("SquireRoberts")whokeptahotelinWashington.JohnnieLockhartWallisandLauranceHill,SixtyYearsontheBrazos,(Waco:TexianPress,1967),44.6SamuelFullerofWashingtonCounty.ForabiographyseeRay,99.7RobertEmmettBledsoeBaylorwasbothajudgeandaBaptistpreacher.Writings,II,438n.8Dr.EdmundTucker.

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TherewasnoregularpostalservicebetweenAustinandHouston,sobothMargaretandHoustonhadtodependontravelerstodeliver

theirletters.MargaretwrotethefollowingletteraftershearrivedinHoustonCity.

HoustonDec.5th,1841

MyLove,

IhavebeentoldthatagentlemanleavesthisplacesometimetodayforAustin,andingreathasteIhavecommencedalittlescrawlforyou.ThereafterIwillnotbesohurried,asIintendalwaystohavealetterinreadinessforanyonewhomaygetoff.Ifeelquitewelltodayandinprettygoodspirits.Dr.[Walter]Fosgatecalledon

meyesterdayeveningandthismorningandheseemsquitedelightedwithmysymptomsalthoughheobservedthatIamalittlepaleandnervous.Butthatiseasilyaccountedforbyanyonewhohasbeenappraisedofmyrecenttrialinpartingwithmybelovedhusband.TheDr.wasquitesoberanddignified.HeleftthismorningforFortbend[sic]anddesignsremovingshortlytoWashington.Capt.[JohnS.]BlackhascalledtwicetomakesomearrangementsforCedarpoint.HeexpectstobethereonnextSaturdayorSundayforthepurposeofmeetingSmith,1andmakinganengagementwithhim.Ifhedoesnotsucceedingettinganyonetotakechargeoftheplace,hesaysMunroe2willremainthereuntilyourreturn.IhaveconcludedtohireJoshuahereandhavenotyetdecidedaboutVina3exactlyandcannotuntilIhearfromtheisland.IintendtowritetoMotherbythenextboat,andIpresumeshewillanswermebyitsreturn.

IamthisparticularbecauseIamawareofyourpenchantforminutedetails.AndnowdearestIwouldliketotellyoualltheanguishthatIhavesufferedfrompartingwithyou,butIdobelieveifyouknewtheextentofityouwouldbetemptedtocomehometomeimmediately.ButdearestinthisdarkhourletusgotoourHeavenlyFatherforconsolation.Heisourfriend.Ohletustrustinhim.Poorfrailcreatures!Whatadesolatefatewouldbeourswithouthissustaininghand!Andyetwhilstprosperityisaroundusandourheartsaregladdenedwiththesmilesofaffection,weforgetthatweare"butdustandashes"andourproudspiritsexpandwithasenseofimportance,andourthoughtswanderfromGod!Butohwhenthehouroflonelinessanddesolationgathersaroundus,andwelookupfortheeyesthatweloveandadrearyvoidisbeforeus!andwelistenforthevoicethatoncecheeredusanddullsilencechillsoursouls!Ohwhocouldlivethroughthatshadowofdeathwereitnotforthelowsweetwhisperingofhope"trustthouinGod!"

Thingsgoprettymuchinthesamewayaswhenyouwerehere.My

friendMrs.Lee4isstillhere,butexpectstoleaveonthenextboat.IansweredBro.Will's5letteryesterdayandwroteaprettylongepistle.Myhusbandwouldcallitagoodletter,butyouknewheoverates[sic]everythingIdo!DearestIcouldwriteallday,butMr.Lubbock6isjustcomeformyletter.RestassuredIwillneglectnoopportunityofwritingandItrustyouwillnoteither.Farewellbestandmostbelovedofhusbands.

ThineforeverM.L.Houston

1AnoverseerhiredtomanageCedarPoint.ThismayhavebeensomeoneinthefamilyofChristianSmithwhoownedthelandadjoiningCedarPoint.(NottobeconfusedwithDr.AshbelSmithwholivedacrossthebay.)2MonroeBlack,sonofJohnS.Black.Montgomery,130.3SometimesspelledVinah,shewasoneofMargaret'sslave.SeeTempleLea'sWill.4Mrs.W.DouglasLee(OpheliaCarolineMorgan)wasthedaughterofJamesMorgan.BassandBrunson,105.5Houston'sbrotherWilliamofMemphis,Tennessee.6FrancisR.Lubbock.Inhismemoirs,LubbocknotesthathewasinAustinatthistimebecauseofhisapointmentasComptroller.FrancisR.Lubbock,SixDecadesinTexas:TheMemoirsofFrancisR.Lubbock,(Austin:B.C.Jones&Company,1900),142.

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ToMrs.MargaretLeaHoustonatColAndrewsCityofHoustonTexasColWeaverofSelma

AtStevens6thDec1841

MyLove,

IwriteyoubyColWeaver1ofSelmawhowillcalluponyou.Onyesterday,IlaybyeasitwasSundayIdidnotknowthatIhadmaterialsorIwou'dhavewrittenallday.Nothinggivesmesomuch

pleasureastocommunewithyou.InafewmomentsIwillsetoutforAustin.IsawBledsoe,andmadealastefforttosecurethesocietyofourdearSister,andmotherforyou,butwithwhatsuccessIcan'tsayIsawoursister,Vernal&BledsoeandtriedallthatIoughttodotohavethemlocateatthepoint.2ColW.isstarting.Imustcease.Youwillfindasmallbundleinside.YouknowthesubjectonwhichIfeelsomuchpainwheneverIthinkofit,andonwhichIhaveadvised!MysoulisagonizedwhenIreflectupontheprobabletimethatImustbeabsent,butnotanhourlongerthanIamcopelled[sic]tobe.Untilwemeet,mysoleandundividedloveandtrutharethine.

GivemyregardstoCol&MrsAndrewsandsaluteallfriends.I

knowyouwillwritealways.Iwillnotfailtodoso.The3rdnightIintendtobeatAustinfromlastnight.'TistoopainfultothinkofmyunavoidableabsenceTakecareofyourhealthmylove.


Mrs.M.L.Houston

Myhealthimprovesandhabitsdon'tfallofftheyareunshakenandwillsoremainMyloveforyouwillpreventanyindulgenceduringlife.Iwillbeaman

ThyHouston

Margaret

1PhilipJ.WeaverofSelma,Alabama.ForabiographyseeThomasMcAdoryOwen,HistoryofAlabamaandDictionaryofAlabamaBiography,v.4,(Chicago:S.J.ClarkePublishing,1921),736.2CedarPoint.

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ToGen'lSamHouston,AustinTexasMr.[Pizene]Edmonds

Houston,Dec.6th,1841

Mylove,

IhavetoldsomeofmyfriendsthatIintendtodonothingbutwritetoyouwhileyouaregone,andIexpectwhenyougetthisyouwillbegintothinkthatIrealy[sic]intendtocarryoutthethreat.Mrs.AndrewssaysthatIshalldonosuchthing,andthatshedoesnotintendtogivemeupentirelyeventocommunewithyou.AlasIfeelsochanged

sinceyouleftthatIcannotimaginehowanyonecanbeamusedorentertainedbymeandIcertainlyfeelverylittleinclinationtobeentertainedbyothers.ButIwilltrytoshakeoffthisdespondency.Myhealthisevidentlyimproving,butIhadnotventuredbelowstairs1sinceyouleft(exceptoncetoseeDr.Fosgate)forfearoftakingcold.IwillhoweverseeMr.Edmondsthiseveningifpossible,asheistotakethis,andhewillthenbeabletotellyou

moreaboutme.Dearestthisisthe9thdaysinceweparted.Morethanaweek!CanitbethatIhavepassedsolongatimeawayfromhimwhohasmadethesun-shineofmyexistenceformanyahappyday!OhmyLove,theworldlooksdrearyaroundme.Dayandnightpassawayaliketome,andthesun'scheeringraysbringnomorelifetomysoulthantheilluminationofthecoldtombcanimparttotheashesitcontains!Ihavelostallrelishformyfavouriteamusements.Evenmylovedguitarislaidaside,aneglectedthing.LastnightintheSolitudeofmychamber,Iwrotealittlepoemuponit,whichIwillgiveyou,butyoumustnotlaughatit.Isenditmerelythatyoumayseehowcloselyyourimageisincorporatedwitheverythoughtofmyheart.

Resttheeawhilemysweetguitar!Ihavenocheerfulsongforthee,AndwordsofgriefwouldsadlymarThineownenchantingmelody!

Iwillnotwakeuponthychords,Thesacredscenesofdaysbye-gone,Theunforgottenlooksandwords,Thatlingerintheheartalone.

FormemorydothnotbringagainTheabsentloveduntothesight,Andvisionswokebymusic'sstrainShedo'ertheheartajoylesslight!

ThusfarthynoteshavebreathedaloneThegladsometaleofjoyandwealAndnever,nevermayonetoneOfsorrowo'erthywildchordssteal!

SleeptillthecloudhathpassedawayThatdarkensnowmyspirit'slight

AndthenI'llsingajoyouslayOfhoperenewedandvisionsbright!

MyLoveIknowyouwillchidemeforthusgivingawaytomel-

ancholy,butrestassuredthatIwillstriveagainstit.Yetyoucannotblameme.OhthinkhowlonelyImustbe!NogentlehusbandnearmetowhomIcanexpresseverythoughtandimpulseofmysoul!OhIhavebeensohappy!SurelyIhavelovedtoodevotedly.ButifIhaveIampunishedsorelypunished!Dearestdoyoueverthinkofoursweetwoodlandhome!Ohwhathappydayswehavepassedthere!IrememberinoneofoureveningrambleswhenwehadpausedtosurveythegrandeurofthescenerythatIlookedupandbeheldinyourcountenanceareflectionofthejoythatfilledmyownsoulandohmybrainseemedalmostoppressedwithasenseofhappinessbutthosedaysarepassedandthesweetscenethatwethenlookeduponisnowclothedinwintrygloomlikemyownheart.YetspringwillcomeagainandthenmyloveIhopewecanretireoncemorefromthecaresandbustleof''thegreatworld.''

Emigrationispouringintothecountry.TheNeptuneonherlasttripbroughtoutalargenumberofpassengersandagreatmanycameupontheboatslastnight.IammuchdisappointedatbrotherMartin'snotcomingandfearthathehasdeclineditaltogetherorhewouldnotdelaysolong.IfhecomesIwillsendhimuptoAustinifpossible.IhavenotyetsatformypictureforthereasonthatIhavebeenlookingalittlewan.Youknowweallliketoappearaswellaspossibleoncanvass.ImentionedtoMrs.AndrewsthatIwishedherandtheCol.tositforusandsheseemedhighlygratifiedandflattered.IdonotthinkIhaveanynewsforyoumyLove.Ihavecrowdsofvisitorseverydaytoseeme,butIhavedeniedeveryoneexceptafewparticularfriendswhomIadmittomyroom.ButIthinkIshallsoonbeabletotakemystationinsociety.

Mrs.H.2hascalledsinceIcommencedwritingandrequestedtoknowifIwouldseeherinmyroomasIwastoofeebletogobelow.IsentherwordthatIwaswritingtoyouandcouldnotseecompany.Shethensentmeherloveandregrettedthatshecouldnotseeme!Oh

whatanamiablecreatureisthefawningsycophant!Especiallyifyouhaveeverbeencalumniatedbythem!

Imadeaninterestingacquaintancetoday,aMrs.Gessum.Sheisanagreeablelady.IdidnotmentiontoyouthatIwrotetobrotherWilliamthatwewishedhimtobringIsabella3whenhecomes.Itrusthewilldoso.Itisnownight.MyfriendMrs.Reily4hasbeenwithmethisevening.Ohhowsweetlywetalkedofyou!ItoldherIhadbeenhappytodayforIhadbeenwritingtoyou!Butohmy

love,oncemoreImusttakeleaveofyou!IwouldsayberesignedtillwemeetagainbutmyownheartissosadthatIhavenowordofcomfortforyou,andIcannotsaydearestthatIwishyoutobeveryhappyawayfromme!YoumustwritetomeconstantlyforIderivesomuchhappinessfromyourletters.

ThydevotedwifeM.L.Houston

1TheAndrews'homewasalargetwo-storyhousewithaparlor,library,smallsittingroomandlargediningroomdownstairsandfivebedroomsupstairs.Johnston,22.ForapictureofthehomeseeHoustonPost,October3,1937,SectionI,p.16,"ProgressDoomsCityLandmarktoWreckers,"byPaulO.Taylor.2MargaretisprobablyreferringtoMrs.AlbertC.Horton(ElizaHoliday).HughBest,Debrett'sTexasPeerage,(NewYork:Coward-McCann,1983),317.SeealsoHoustontoMargaret,December31,1841.3IsabellaMoore,Houston'sniece,wasthedaughterofElizaHoustonandS.A.Moore.4EllenReily,thewifeofJamesReily.Best,334.

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ToJonesPOMrs.MargaretLeaHoustonCityofHoustonTexasMrHighsmith1

Austin9thDec1841

MyDearLove,

ByHockleyyourkindandendearingletter2cametomeonthewayuptothisplace.Ohhowmypoorheartbeat!Iwascheered,yetmelancholy,andnursedmylovetothisplace.OnyesterdayIrec'dthemostelegantandheartygreetingthatIhaveeverdone.Speechesandapartyatnight!Ididnotdanceandonlyoncepassedthrotheroom.Thethousandinquiriesforyouweremostkind,andallregretnottohavegreetedyou[torn]haveeverypromise.JudgeBaylor[torn]myroom,andsendshiskindlovetoyouwiththeexpressionofmanyregrets,butsayshewillseeyousosoonashecan.

Themailisclosed,butIwillsendthistoBastrop,andhaveitputinatthatplace.MydearIwillwritetoyoualonglettertonight.You

mayanticipatewhatIwillsay.IwillsayhowdearlyanddevotedlyIloveyou,andyouonly.Youarethebrightspiritofmyearthlyhopes,andboundlesslove.DosaytothosedearLadieswhoweresokindtoyou,insickness&sorrowthatmyheartswellswhenIthinkofthem.

Icannotexpressmysenseofobligationtothem,nomorethanIcanmyloveforyou.PresentmylovetoColandMrs.Andrews,Maj&MrsReilyWrite,Ohdowrite.Iwillpersecuteyouwithletters.IhopeourrelationshavecomefromAlabamaifsocommendtothem.LovetoMotherandallfriends.Sendifyoucanmychickentothepoint,butdonttroubleyourselfaboutit.


Mrs.Houston

Thisisasteelpen,andIcant[sic]writeIhavenoneelse.Myheadiscool,andshallbesomybeloved.

ThineHouston

1HoustonmaybereferringtotheSamuelHighsmithidentifiedinHomerS.Thrall,APictorialHistoryofTexas,fromtheEarliestVisitsofEuropeanAdventurerstoA.D.1879,(St.Louis:N.D.ThompsonandCompany,1879),552.2SeeMargarettoHouston,December6,1841.3CedarPoint.

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LaterthatsameeveningHoustonwroteMargaretofhisfeelingsabouttheInauguration,theproblemshewasfacingandhisfearsforTexas.

Austin9thDec1841

Dearest,

'TisnottoredeemmypromisethatIwritetoyoutonight,buttogratifyapenchantwhichIfeelforsayingsomethingtoyou.Iaminsoothverymiserable,tho'verywell.Tobeabsentfromyourendersmeasolitarybeingnotaperson,forIampressedwithcompany,butmyspiritislonely.Ihadalmostsaiddepressed,butIwillnot.Thehopeofmeetingyouireagreatlapseoftimeshalltranspire

yieldsmesomeconsolation.Everydaynayeveryhourwillbenotedbyme!DelayItrustwillonlyrenderourjoymoreperfectwhenwemeet!Untilthen,everyhopeandwishshallbethine,andfortheeandtheealone,andIwillwrite"loveletters"veryoften!Beingacandidman,ifIdowrite,Imusttellthetruth,andtodothatImustsaythatIloveyouverymuch.Youcannotexcelmylove,for'tisboundless!Butmoreofthiswhenwemeet.

Touchingpoliticks[sic]Theyareeverythingbutpleasantanddesirable!Ourcountryisonthebrinkofdisolution[sic],andifIcansaveit,itwillbeagreaterworkthanIhavebeforeachieved.Theelementsyetexist,andifIcanobtaincooperation,Iwillredeemit!!!Congresshasdoneeverythingneedfulforitsdestructionbypassingaretrenchmentbill,ifitcou'dhaveanyeffect,butitwillbeineffectualandvoid!Howitwillactduringtheremainderofthesession,noonecandivine!Corruptiontobesurehasnothingtofeedon,butfactionshewsitsspleneticaspect!Ithinkitwilldieoftheintermettants[sic].Itlooksshakish[sic]!PoorLamarisinapackoftroublesandpitycanonlysavehimfromimpeachment,butisunabletoredeemhimfromcontempt&derision!Hehasmadeseveraloverturestomeforfriendship,thro[sic]hisfriends,orratheraneffortatreconciliationbutI,asyouwou'dhavemedo,reposeuponmydignity.heistoobasetoberespectedandtooimbeciletobetrusted!Thenyousee,myLovethatthe[onewho]wou'dbeMinisterwillbeheldatbay.Ihavenotforgottenyourmaxim"thatitisaneasymatterforustobegenerouswhenitcostsusnothing."WereItosufferareconciliation,itwou'dbeatthecostofmyhonestprideofheartandtoanswersomesinisterendofwhichIwilladviseyouinmynext.Butwhynotnow?Well,Iwill!TheappropriationorRetrenchmentBillisnowinthehandsofLamarandthefivedayswillnotexpireuntilIcomeintooffice,buthecanifhewishessignit,orapproveitatanytimewhileheisinoffice!Fivedaysareallthatareallowedforconsideration,andtovetoaBillorit

becomesalaw.Iwou'dratherhaveittovetomyself,andhebelievesso.NowifIweretobereconciled,hewou'dascribeittothatfactorothersmight,soIwillnotonlybepure,butabovesuspicion!IfIleavenootherlegacyonearthbutloveandhonortheyshallstandandremainpureandunsulliedasthemoonbeamswhichplayaroundourcottagehome.Shah!Thisfigureisfaulty!!Buttheassociationisnot.Itisimbueddeeplywiththerecollectionofhappiesthourswhichflew

unnumberedwhilewesatinhappyblessedconverseuninterruptedbyobtrusivecare!Howfondlytrulyandcalmly,doIrecurtothosehappyandpeacefulscenes.Ohthattheconditionofmycountrywou'dpermit,Iwou'dneverleavethemunlesswiththefairestapology!!!Youwillbelievethis,Iamsure!IfitwerenotthatIfeartowrite"loveletters,"IdonotknowwhatelseImighthavesaidtoyou,andevennowmydearMaggy,IapprehendthatyouwillsayIhavealreadyperpetratedtheoffence[sic].WellIcan'thelpit,forithasalwaysbeenafaultofminethatIcou'dnotretainmyownsecrets.Wellyoucanaidmeinkeepingthem.

Iwillnowsaytoyou,havenofearsonthescoreofmypersonalsafety.Ibelievethesmokewill,orhaspassedor,withtheinfluencewhichproduceditaGlassofGrog!IhopemyLove,youwillbehappy.IcannotwaituntilIembraceyouinperson,formyheartholdsyouinthewarmestembrace!MylovetoourMotherandtoourdearfriends.Youknowwhomwecherish.

EverthydevotedhusbandHouston

MargaretTheclockstrikes1AMGoodnight!

1GrogwasHouston'snicknameforDavidG.Burnet.InhisnewspaperrepliestoBurnetduringtheelectioncampaignHoustonhadwritten:"theletter'G'inyournamestoodfor'Grog."'Writings,II,379,AReplyto"Publius,"August16,1841.

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Austin10thDec1841

Dearest,

Iamjustfromsupperandbeforethecrowdgathersinmyroom,Icansaysomething.TodayIattendedthedebatesintheH.R.andheardtheactsofpoorLamarprettywellusedup.MrVanZandt1madeaverysensiblespeech,andinprettygoodtaste.MrWynnes2alsomadeasensibleeffort,andtheywerebothonthesideoftheconstitution.Butmylove,it(theconstitution)isatanend.Chaosisrestoredandorderhasfled!WhatevergoodthatmyresultfrommyactionuponthecountrywillbeascribabletomyselfinsteadofCongress.Fortheyarewildoneverysubjectthattheyhavetouched

sinceIcame,oriftheyarenotwild,Imustbe.ThatthelattermaybethecaseisverypossibleformyguardianAngelisabsent,butherinfluenceastomyconductisalwayspresent.MydearestLove,Ifeelbutoneinfluence,andthatismydesiretomakeyouhappyyes!veryhappy,andthenpreserveitbythemostperfecttemperanceandrectitude,butmoreandmorethedesireandpowertopreservemypledgeandsaveyouthesorrowandmortificationofseeingamanwhoisdevotedtoyoufallavictimtotheinfluenceofadegradinghabit!Icanseeothersdrink&passmytimewiththemandnot[have]theleastinclinationtoparticipatewiththem!AndifIwereeventofeelthedesireforaglass,Iwou'donlyhavetorecalltheimageofmybelovedwifeandfancyherboundlessagonyatsuchanannouncement.ButofthisfeelnofearsIhavenocauseformyindulgence.IamashappyasIcanbewhenmydearwifeisabsentfromme.Yes,theseperation[sic]ofsoulsendearedbythemostremarkablecongenialityofheadsandhearts!IassureyouthatImeetnooneofeithersexwhocanrespondtoopinions,notions,andfeelingsinamannerlikeyou.Ifeelproud,andatthesametimegratefultomycreatorforsuchaboonandmydevotionofheartistheholytestimony!

ColA.C.Horton3ishere,andisverykind.Hetalksmuchofyou,andofcourseheisnotadisagreeablecompanionforme.HebroughtforyoumanykindregardsofMrsHorton4andwithhisown,Iamdesiredtopresentthemtoyou.TheyareanxioustohaveyoutovisitMatagordaandpassweeksandmonthswiththem.TheColhasbeenill,butisquiterecover'datthistime.TheseatofGovernmentquestionhasnotbeenmootedyet!Onthismatter,asyouwillsuppose,Isaynothing!

Mondaythe13th5advancesslowly,andIwillnotmakegreat"notesofpreparation."'Tisnotmyhabit!6Tho'Iwasnotwellthismorning,Ifeelquitewelltonight.Candidly,aftermyepistleoflastnightwas

concluded,mymindwassomuchoccupiedwiththoughtsofyouthatIdidnotclosemyeyesinsleepuntildaywasbreaking!Don'tsupposenowthatIamgoingtobreakoutinastrainofsoftlovemakingprofessionsno,noneofthat!JudgeTerrell,Mr.Durst,andJudgeSterne7allarrivedthisevening,andaletterfromourfriendDr.Irion,withmuchlovefromalltheLadiesandgoodfolkswitharequestthatIshallpresentthemtoyou.Youhavenoideamyloveofthegreatwishwhichhasbeenexpressedtoseeyouhere.Ifitwere

sothattheseatofGovernmentwerewhereyoucou'dhavebeenpresent,mybosomwou'dexpandwiththemostnobleandmanlypride!Ihopethedayisnotdistantwhenyou[will]bepresentonalloccasionsinwhichyourprideorfeelingswillbeinterested.Youarealwayspresentwithmyaffectionsandinspiremyactions!Butthiscannotcompletemybliss.Dobehappy,mydearest!

IhopeMartin[Lea]andYoung[Royston]8arewithyouandmotherGivemylovetoall,anddon'tfailinexpressingmyboundlessfeelingstothosewhosatbyyouinsicknessandaffliction!IwillwritetomyfriendColAndrewsinafewdayswhenthefussisover.

ThyeverdevotedHouston

Margaret

1IsaacVanZandt,representativefromMarshall.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,113n,andJennet,184.2A.Wynnes,representativefromHarrisCounty.Jennet,197.3ColonelAlbertC.Horton.ForabiographyseeBest,317.4SeeMargarettoHouston,December6,1841.5InaugurationDay.6Houstonusuallymadehisspeecheswithoutusingnotes.7JudgeGeorgeW.Terrell,JacobDurst,andJudgeAdolphusSterne,allofSanAugustine.8Margaret'sbrotherandnephew.

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MargaretwrotethefollowingletteronthenightjustpriortotheInauguration:

ToGen'lSamHouston,Austin,Texas,Mr.Lubbock

Houston,Dec.11,1841

Mybeloved,

YesterdayIrec'dyourletterbyCol.Weaver1andonthepreviousnighttheonefromWashington.2HowshallIthankyouforthosedearproofsofremembranceandaffection!OhmyLove,Icouldnotlivewithoutyourletters!Theyimpartnewenergytomylowlyspir-

itsandafterreadingthemagainandagainthroughthelongdayItreasureeachexpressionofaffectionandatnightfalltosleepwiththeimageofHimIlovefreshuponmyheart.DearestIamlonelyanddesolatewithoutyou!Mythoughtsneverwanderfromyouonemoment.Isometimesalmostwishthatyoumaynotfeelthegloomanddespondencythatoppressesmysoulbutohmywoman'sheartcravesafullreturnofdevotionandifbuthalfisgivenIknowyoucannotbehappywithoutme.Icannotbeartothinkofthetimethatmustpassbeforewemeet.Iwillthinkofitaslittleaspossibleandtrytobecheerful.Myhealthismuchbetterthanwhenyouleftme,andIhopebythetimeyougethomeIshallbequitewell.Wehavehadacrowdedhouseforseveraldaysandquiteacheerfulcircle.EveryoneseemstobegayandanimatedandattableItrytouniteinthecheerfuljest,butmyheartisfarfaraway.Gen.[JamesPinckney]Hendersoniswithusatthistime.Iammuchbetterpleasedwithhimthanformerly,andinfrequentconversationshavediscoveredthetruenobilityofcharacterwhichyouhaveoftenmentionedtome.ButImustconfessthathisgreatestmeritwithmeishisevidentaffectionformydearhusband.Hebecomesexcitedonhearingyournameandhiseyesparkleswithenthusiasm.ThatisjustwhatIlike!

Itisnowpast9o'clockPM.Major&Mrs.ReilyandMr.[FrancisR.]Lubbockcameupafterteaandtheeveninghaspastratherpleasantly.ButinvainItrytobecheerful.OhmyLove,myheartissosadthatthevoiceofmirthisgratingtome!Whenothersaregayandhappyaroundme,IlongforthesolitudeofmychamberthatImayindulgemyownsacredgrief.YesitisdearertomefarthanallthefrivolitiesandgaietiesoftheworldforthenIcanthinkofmybelovedwithoutinterruptionandrecallmanyafondwordofhislongsinceforgottenbyhim!Howsweetaresuchrecollections!Whatblessedconsolationtheybringduringthelonghoursofabsence!YoumentionedthatbrotherVernalwastobringyourletterfromWashington,3butitwas

broughtbysomeotherpersonandIhaveheardnothingofhim.IhaveheardfromMotheroncesinceIwrotetoyoubefore.Shewasquitewell.

12thItisnowsabbathevening.IwishedverymuchtogotochurchthismorningbutthedaywassodampandheavythatIwasafraidtoventureout.Iintendtotakeasmuchexerciseaspossibleinpleasantweather,butthinkitisbesttoremainwithindoorswhenthe

atmosphereishumid.Mr.LubbockwhoistotakethiswilltellyouthatIamlookingremarkablewell.MyownopinionisthatIhaveneverlookedsowellinTexas.IthinkHoustonagreeswithmedecidedly!Youareatlibertytomentionthistoanyofthemembers(whenthequestionofmovingtheseatofgovernmentisbroughtforward)whomayfeelsufficientlyinterestedinustobebiassed[sic]byit.TheladiesofHarrisburghavesentuparequestformetomakethemavisitandIthinkitlikelythatMrs.ReilyandIwilldrivedownandtakedinnerwiththem.ButIhavenotexactlydecideduponitforyouknowIhavenotaverygreatpartialityfortheplace.4AmongstthemwhosenttherequestwasJudgeBriscoe'sfamily!5

Maj.[ThomasG.]WesternafewdaysagobroughtmeyourletteraddressedtohimwhichIreadwithmingledfeelingsofpleasureandpain.EachadditionalproofofaffectionfromyouiscertainlyanadditionalsourceofhappinesstomeyetIcannotbutbepainedtoperceivethatyouaresoanxiousandunhappyaboutmysituation.DearnoblehusbandIdointreat[sic]youtoentertainnouneasinessaboutme!Mywantsareabundantlysupplied,andIhaveneversufferedmyselftoindulgeanywhimorcapricethatwouldentailunnecessaryexpense.OhhowwillinglywouldIresignallthehonoursofourstationandretireintosomeobscureforestifIcouldhaveyoumybelovedalwayswithme.YesifblessedwiththepresenceofhimIlove,Icouldtoilcheerfullythroughthelivelongday!Itisnoromanticpictureforohmylovethevainplauditsofthecrowncannotrepayusfortheseveretrialsanddisappointmentswhichwearecompelledtoendure,thepainfulparting,theagonizingfearsandthelonglongdrearyhoursofabsence!Howlittletheobscurelabourerappreciateshishappiness!Ihaveoftenmuseduponhiscalmandpeacefullotandwishedthatwelikehimmightpassourselvesinsomequietvalleyfarawayfromthenoisycrowd!ButagainIaskmyselfifIwouldbewillingtoannihilatethebrilliantneedsofmynoblehusband

andburyhisgeniusinthewildwoods.No,IcouldnotdothatformyheartthrobswithpridewhenIthinkofhisgreatnessandhisimmortalfame,butohIwouldhavehimalwaysnearme!Icannotbearthedrearyvoidofhisabsence.Theworldhasnocharmformewhenheisgone,butallisdrearinessanddesolation.Daycreepsontodayandtheonlyjoythatmingleswiththepassinghouristhethoughtthathisreturnissomuchnearer!Dearestitisafearfulthingtolovethus!Ifeelthateveryhopeandwishofour

soulsandlifeitselfisdependant[sic]ononebeing!OhGodprotectthatbeing!Inthedarkhourofdangerdothoubenearhim.Guardhimfrom"thepestilencethatwalkethabroadatnoondayandthearrowthatfliethbynight!"

Ohmylove,mysoulisfilledwithathousandfearsforyoursafety!OhhowlongshallIendurethisstateofmind!IwilltrytoseekconsolationwherealoneitcanbefoundatthemercyseatofGod.TheredearestofhumanbeingsIwillpleadforyouandpraythatyoumayreturntomeinsafety.OhhowintenselyIwillthinkofyoutomorrow!Mayheavenstrengthenyourarmanddirectyourheartforourcountry'sgood!Itwillbeasolemnoccasion,andIknowyouwillfeeldeeplytheresponsibilitythatshallbethrownuponyou.

Inafewweeksdearestshallwenotmeetagain?OhyesIwillthinkso,andliveuponthehope!SincemyhealthisimprovedsomuchIamcompelledtoseeagreatdealofcompany,andmyfriendsoftenmentionyouwithgreattenderness.IwillnotbejealousofMissStone6forshehasbecomeoneofmygreatestfriends.IfshewerenotsoIcannotsayhowIwouldfeeltowardsherforsheiscertainlyaverycharminggirl.Mr.WatersisreturnedfromAla.andIsupposetherewillbeaweddingsoon,butdonotknowcertainly.13thMr.Lubbockistocallthismorningformyletter,andImustnowbidyouadieu.DowritebyeverymailmyLove.TheCol.andMrs.AndrewssendyouakissbyMrs.LubbockandsaythatIshoulddothesame,butIwouldchoosetoprefer"todelivermineinpropriapersona!"Mycoughhasleftmeentirelyforseveraldays,andIamgettingquitestoutandstrong.MydearyoumustnotforgetColNail7[sic]Hewashereafewdaysago,andIamtoldquitedestitute.

ThyownM.L.Houston

1SeeHoustontoMargaret,December6,1841.

2SeeHoustontoMargaret,December2,1841.3SeeHoustontoMargaret,December1,1841.4MargaretmaybereferringtoherdisapprovalofaplantomovethecapitaltoHarrisburg.5JudgeAndrewBriscoeandhiswifeMaryJaneHarris,ofHarrisburg.Best,261.6Margaret"Mag"Stonewasthefourteen-year-oldwardofMillieandWilliamFairfax


(footnotecontinuedfrompreviouspage)Gray,wholivedneartheAndrews.Houstonwasfondof''Mag''andhislaterlettersindicateshemayhavehada"crush"onhim.ForherbiographyseePickrell,270-74.7ColonelJamesC.Neill.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,333n,andHandbookofTexas,II,268.

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AustinTexasSundaymorning12thDec1841

MyLove,

Thomyroomisfullofcompany,IdonotfeellikeconversationuntilIcantellyouofthedreamwhichIhadthismorning.JudgeTerrellwasmybedfellowlastnight,andisoneofthemostprofoundsleepersthatIhaveknown.Whenheroseatdaybreak,Ifellintoaprofoundanddelightfulsleep.Ifanciedthatyouwereinmyarms,andthatwewerefelicitatingourselves,thatallthecaresoftheworldwereshutoutfromus,andthatwewereashappyasmortalscanbe!Myheartbeathigh,andmybosomswelledwithjoyanddelight!Mydelightfulvisionwasdisturbedandannihilatedbyacallto"Breakfast."Thenindeed,IrealisedtheabsenceofmybelovedMargaret.Yes,ofmywife!Ohhowcruel,howpainfulisabsencetome,andaddtothatthefearofyourindisposition,whenifIwerepresent,Icou'dsootheoratleastsustainmydearestMargaret.UntilIcanagainbewithyou,Icanfeelbutoneroundofanxietyandsolicitude.Itrustthesessionwillnotbeprotracted,butifitshou'dthefaultwillnotbemine.Themomentthatitadjourns,withleaveofHeaven,Iwillflytoyourresponsivebosom,resolvedneveragaintoleaveyouonthisglobe.Ihavelivedformankind.Iwilltryandliveforourselves.

TodayIhavepromisedtodineoutwithmyoldfriend,Maj.Brigham,1inafamilyway.Iwillmeetafewpersonalfriendsthere,andsosoonasitisover,IwillreturnandfinishtheEpistle.YouneednotexpectthatIwillconvertitintoa"loveletter."No,nomoreofthatuntilyouhaveobtainedyourmothersandfriendsconsenttoourunion.

MyloveIhavedinedandalsoreturnedfromaridewithourfriendColHorton.Butohmydearest,ImusttellyouthatireIdinedIhadtheinexpressiblepleasuretoreceiveyourblessedletterbyMrEdmunds.2'TissaidbythosewhohavewatchedmethatIonlyread

itthreetimesintwohours.ThusmyLoveyoumayjudgeofmydelightwhenIfirstperuseditsendearingcontents.IwassohappythatIcou'dhardlyconfideinitsreality,andtoosocloselyalliedtotheillusionoflastnight!Idonowbelieveittobereality,andthisIhaveascertainedbytheresponsesofaffection.ThatMrEdmundsdidnotseeyoucannotbehelped,ashecou'dnotgotoseeyou,havingtostart,andhehadtheletter!Ioughttoreposesweetly,butthis[I]cannot[do]tonight.IamsomuchalivetosensibilitythatIcannot,willnotsleep.Tomorrowwillhavelittletodowithmymeditationsormythoughtstho'itistoembracethemostimportanteventtoTexasthatawaits,orhasawaitedher,inherhistory.Shenowgaspsforlife,forshehasbeenlongstrugling[sic]inthethrowsofcorruption.NewstoohasjustarrivedofthecaptureoftheSantaFeexpeditionbytheMexicans.Ithasarrivedthro[sic]theMexicanJournals,andisnotdoubted.Imayobtainfurtherparticulars,andinthateventyoushallhavethem!

TomorrowIdoubtnotbutwhatIshallsustainmyreputationforspeakingatleastIwillforpatriotismandsense.Expectationismuchquivive,andImustonaccountofdearMaggysprideandfelicity.Myownhappinessconsistsinmakingyouso!

Mydearest,asIintendtowritetoyouagainbeforeIcansendtoyou,Iwilldrawthislettertoaclose,forreally,tho'youmaybegratified,nay!rejoicedinhearingfromme,Idoapprehend,orfear,thatyouwillwearyyourselfinreadingsomuchasIhave,andmaywritetoyou.ForIaminwritingasIwasintalkingwhenIbegin.AndwhenIwritesomuch,Iamsuretoprosetosomeextend.IfIweretowritetoanyonebuttoyoumybeloved,Iknowitwou'dbedeemedinsipid.IthankyouforyourcommandstoBrotherWill,andyoumayissueasmanyforyourdearselfinanotherdirection.Inshort,doasyouwishmylove.IwillbePresidential.Iwill"approve."

ThineownHouston

Margaret

1MajorAsaBrigham,whowouldserveasHouston'sSecretaryofTreasury.Writings,II,310-11.ForadescriptionofthefestivitiesseeLubbock,141-43.2SeeMargarettoHouston,December6,1841.

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OnthedayofhisinaugurationaspresidentoftheRepublicofTexas,HoustonwroteMargaretthefollowingaccountoftheceremonies.

Austin13thDec1841

MyLove,

IamjuststartingtotheBallwhichispromisedtobeveryfine.1Iwillnotdetainlongforonmyreturn,Iwillresumethepleasureofwritingtoyouandcou'dIbymypresenceinspireeveryheartwithemotionsthatshouldreflectthesweetestsmilesfromeveryfairfaceintheroom,Ishou'dnotbewillingtoforgoonemomentthedutyanddelightoftellingyousomethingwhichmayinterestyou!

Dearest,IhavethismomentreturnedfromtheBall,andonemoreanimated,Ihavenotseenonanyoccasion.Allseemedtometofeelhappyonthechangeofanodious&unpopularadministrationforonewhichseemedtopromisewelltothenation.Therewasonealonewhofeltthathewaslonelyandcheerless,tho'heworesmilesontheoccasionImeanyourdevotedhusband.YouwerenottheremyLove,tho'youwereineverymouth,andeveryoneeitherexpressedregretatyourabsence,ormadekindinquiriesforyourwelfare,withthedeclarationofadesiretoseeandbecomeacquaintedwithyou.IfyouwerepresentIhavebutlittledoubtbutwhatyouwou'drivalmeinpopularity.Enoughhaveseenandbeenintroducedtoyoutopresentyouinthemostlivelyandagreeablecolours.Thesemattersdonotmortifymeintheleast,butaddtomypride,thepleasingreflectionthatIhavethefelicityofbeingunitedtoonewhofillssolargeaspaceintheworldseyeandwhosevirtuesandworthIamcapableofappreciating!

Ididnotdance,tho'importunedbyalltodoso.Ihadathousandreasonsfordeclining,butIwillonlyciteone,andthatissimplythatyouwou'dpreferthatIwou'dnot.Irefused,anddidnotwishtodanceforitwouldhavebeenheartlessnessinmetohavedonesowhenyouperhapswereprostrateonthebedofsicknessandratherthanyield,Itoldallofyourindisposition,andthatonalloccasionscheckedtheirtroublesomeimportunities.YouknowhowIfeelaboutthesematters.ForinstanceGenlThompsonswedding!!

ThedayanditsceremonieshadpassedoffAt11AMtheTravisGuardsmarchedtomyquartersandescortedmyselfwiththeVicePresident2tothePresidentsHouse.TherewerenorefreshmentseitherforthecommitteesofbothHouses,theGuards,orspectators.Forthefirsttime,ImetpoorLamarandrestrainedmycontemptsofarastobeproudlycivil.TheprocessionproceededtotheCapitolwhereseatswerepreparedfortheLadiesandanareafortheGentlemeninwhichtheyhadtostand.ThiswasinrearoftheCapitol,foritcou'dnotcontainonehalforfourthofthemultitudepresent.Lamarmadenovaledictory.Theoathwasthenadministeredtome(afterprayerbyourdearfriendJudgeBaylor)whenImademyinauguraladdress.Itwasanhourorhourandahalflong!Itpleasedeverypersonbutmyself,andindeedIwasnotpleasedwithit.Isustainedmyreputationwelltobesure,butIdidnotthinkitextremelyfelicitous.Itwaslesssothanifyou,mybeloved,hadbeenpresenttohaveinspiredmewithyourlooksofdeepsolicitudeonsuchoccasions.TheprocessionwhenIhadconcludedrepairedtomyquarters,whereIhadrefreshmentsprepared,andenjoyedthemselvesforanhourormore.Allpassedoffwell,andtheinhabitantsarenowwrappedinthearmsofMorpheusafteradayofjoytothem!Thedaywaslovely,andindicatedthefavorofabenignantGodtothispeople.

TonightIlearnedthatithadbeenpresentedthatIwou'dgetintoa"spree"beforeallwasoverbuttheywerewideofthemark.I"Touchnottastenot,andhandlenot(norwantnot)theunhallowedthing."!MyLoveImusttellyouajest,andonetoowhichmadethe"coldchillsrunoverme.''Theoathofofficewasadminister'dtotheV.Presidentwhenhesaid"FellowCitizens!asIhavepreparedanaddresstodeliverwhenItakemyseatinthesenate,Iwillnotmakeonenowandonlyreturnmythanksforthevotesofagratefulpeople."Whilethiswasdone,hisrighthandwaspresseduponhisheart,andwhenitconcludedhishandwasextendedwiththepalmupanda

schoolboybowcutshorttheceremony!Thismyloveisforyou,MrsAndrews,andMrs.Reily,andyoumaylettheCol&MajorReilytakeonelaughatit,butonlyone,andthen''Mumistheword."MydearthisisnoJestwhenallisconsidered.'Tisneverthelesstrue.'Tisnow3ockA.MandIwilltryandgetanapbymorning.IwillnotgototheWhiteHousetolive.3Tomorrow,IintendtohaveanInvoiceofthefurnituretaken,4andCongressmay

sellit,forIneverwilluseit.'Tisnearlyalldestroyed$8,000worthonly.Ihatethepollution!andthereforewillnevertouchonearticleofit!Baylor,Hockley,Hemphill,5Jones,Terrell,andahostofothersdesiretobepresentedtoyou.

YouDearest,willknowtowhomIwishmyregardstobepresented.


Margaret

Sixteensunshavesetsinceweparted.Tomeithasbeenanageofsolicitude!

YourOdetoyourGuitar6myLove,isaprettythingindeed,andlestImightbemistaken,Ishowedittoseveralcandidfriendsofknowntaste,andtheypronounceditveryfine!

Ididnotwanttheirjudgement,butIwassopleasedwithitthatIwishedtoexhibitit.Don'tscold!

ThyHouston

1TheInauguralBalltookplaceintheSenateChamber.Friend,103.2EdwardBurleson.Best,281-82.3HoustonchoseinsteadtoliveattheEberlyHouse.Friend,102,andLubbock,142.4ForthisinventoryseeWritings,II,409-15.5JudgeJohnHemphill.Writings,II,438.6ForthispoemseeMargarettoHouston,December6,1841.

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HoustonrepliedtoDr.Irion'sletterofDecember1,1841,inanotewhichmaybefoundintheIrionCollectionofDocuments,ArchivesDivision,oftheSamHoustonStateUniversitylibrary,Huntsville,Texas.

Austin15thDec1841

MydearIrion,

Icanonlycommandamomenttothankyouforyourvaluedfavor.IwastrulyhappytohearofMadams&yourwelfare.ForthesuggestionsandadviceyougaveinrelationtoMrs.Houstonscase,Irendertoyoumydevotedthanks.Thenewsofthetransactions

here,youwillhearofbyMrDurst.MrsHisnothere.ShecommandedmetopresenttoyouandMrsIrionherkindaffection.BepleasedtosaluteyourexcellentLadywithmydevotedesteemandkindestwishesforherhappiness.

ThydevotedfriendHouston

Dr.R.A.Irion

Oh,writeoften?

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Austin15thDec1841

Dearest,

Nolettercamefromyoubylastmail.Ihopeyoudidnotknowofitsdeparture.AsnoonebutMajorReilywrotetome,andhesaidyouwerequitewell,Iwillbelievehim,forIwou'dbemoremiserablethanIamifIdidnot.

MyLove,mytaskismorethanIcanperform,butmyfailureshallincurnocensure.Iwou'dratherresignandretiretoourhome.ACongress,senttoaidme,youwillsee,hasplacedeveryembarrassmentinmyway.Mydestinyisaqueerone,andImustseeitout!ThepeoplesenttoSantaFe1aredestroyed.IwillsendyouthefirstprinteddetailthatIcanattain!

IcanwriteyounothingmorethanthatIloveyoumoreandmoreeveryhourofmyexistence.ThisiscoarseandyoucannotthinkIamcomposingaloveletter,tho'Ioftenreperuseyours,andwonderatmyselfthatyouhavenothad(oryourletters)thepowertoinspireme

withthefaculty.Believeme,IfeelallthatisinexpressibleofloveandmydearestMargaret.

OhmyLovehowdevotedIamthyadoringHouston

Mrs.GenlSamHoustonCityofHoustonTexasOh,dowritetomealways?TotheAndrews&ReilysGivemyloveandtoourdearmother.

ThineEverHouston

1Houstonisreferringtotheill-fatedSantaFeExpedition.Foranaccountofthisexpedition,seeWisehart,382-91.

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ThefollowinglettertoMargaretwasdictatedbyHoustontohissecretaryWashingtonD.Miller:

Austin,Dec21st1841

MyDearest,

YouwilldiscoverthatIaddressyoubymyfriendMr.Miller1asmyamanuensis.Thatnoidlefeastmaybeentertained,orapprehensionsariseinthemindformywelfare,IwilltellyouwithoutceremonythatIamratherontheorderofinvalids.Myancle2[sic]hasplaguedmesomuch,thatfortwodayspastIhavemovedabout,whenImovedatall,onmycrutches.Withoutbeingatalldangerous,ithasbeenmostesquisitely[sic]painful.Moreover,mynightshavebeenentirelysleepless,butby-the-by,thatwasnogreatinconveniencetome,asitaffordedmeampletimetomeditateuponmydearMargaret.Lastnight,particularly,Iwas"verysatisfied"becauseIhadthepleasuretoreceiveyourdearletterbyMr.Lubbock,embracingtheincidentsofthreedays.3

Dec.22nd,1841.

Beingpreventedfromclosingmyletteronlastevening,Ihavenowresolvedtocontinuethecommunication.AsCongressadjournedoverfromyesterdayuntiltomorrow,todayIhavenodoubtIhavereceivedupwardsofanhundredvisits,someonbusiness,andagreatmanythroughpersonalregardasallenquiredhowtheancle[sic]cameon.Prettywellwastheanswer,butIhavenotsleptbutafewhoursinthelastforty-eight.YetmygeneralhealthisbetterthanwhenIhadto

regrettopartwithyou.LeavingyouinthesituationIdidatHouston,inthefeelingagonyofmyheart,itcertainlyformedanerainthehistoryofmyaffections.

Thisevening,byMaj.WesternandGen.Hunt,Ihadtheextremefelicityofreceivingyourletters4aboutthreehourssince,andIhaveonlyperusedthemeachtwice.Iaminthehabitofcarryingyour

lettersinabreastpocketofmyhuntingshirtbywayofreference.TheuseofthemIfearwillhaveatendencytodestroythedelectablemanuscriptanddisappointthenovelistinaspecimenofveryprettyepistolarycorrespondences.Amongstmanyotheragreeableincidentsmentionedinyourletter,IcouldnotavoidsmilingatthephilosophicaldisplayofaffectionindicatedintheremarksofourfriendMr.Huckins5suchthingsdohappen,butreallytheyformnoreasonwhyweshouldbeassimilatedtoothersinthesematters.IbelievethefirsttimeIseehim,IwillcalluponhimandknowifhehasapanaceaandifIcanobtainit.IfIhadmoreapathyandlessdevotionofheart,Iwouldenjoymoresleepandexperiencemuchlessanxiety.not,myLove,thatIhaveanyinclinationtoregardyoulesstenderlythanwhatIdo.Butthenyouknowthatphilosophygivessuchacharmtodignity.However,ifyouarenotsatisfiedwiththisplanofhappiness,Iwillendeavortoassimilatemyletterstomyaffections,andwritewhileeverIhaveroomandcanfilchanytimefromtheannoyingcircumstanceswhichsurroundme.Youspeakofyourcompanionshipwithmylikeness.IwillcontendthatIhavetheadvantageofyou.Thedearoriginalwouldbeconstantlypresenttomymind,ifIwereseparatedfromyoubytheAndesorthePacific.TherecollectionofyouissovividlyimpresseduponmymindthatitseemstomeIhearyoursoothingwhisperintonesofgentlestadmonitionsay,"Dearesthusband,donotforgetmydevotiontoyou,anddonotfailtobeacleverfellow."TowhichIrespond,"Donotdoubtme."Iamaware,myLove,thatyoufeelmuchanxietyaboutpredictionswhichwillbecertaintoreachyou,andthekindspeculationswhichmyenemiesarepleasedtomakeonthefuture.Iprayyouwillnotallowthemtoannoyyouintheleast.Ineverbelievedthattroublewasanyexcusefortiltingheadlonguponruin.Thegreatmeritoftruephilosophyisthatitsustainsthenoblesoulinadversity;andinspiresitwithpurposeswhichpointtotheexaltationofcharacterandconfirmahighdestiny.Themanthatisnotcapableofbearingmisfortunehaslittletodoin

thegreatbusinessoflife.Inuntriedcircumstances,hemighthaveapassablereputation,andmightattractthepassingnoticeofmankind,buttheincidentsofhislifewouldneverbestrikingnorcommandeithertheadmirationorreverenceofposterity.Iamnowplacedinthemidstofcircumstancesuntriedintheircharacter,fornocountryhaseverbeensimilarlysituatedwithTexas.Ifmyexertions,unitedwiththoseof

myfriends,(fortheyarethesaltoftheEarth,)shouldprovetriumphantincombatting[sic]thedifficultieswhichsurroundusatthismoment;itwillatleastillustratetwothings:first,thatTexasisfortunate,andsecond,thatIwillbetosomeextentinstrumentalintheillustrationofhergood.

Nonemybeloved,wouldenjoywithmoreextatic[sic]pleasureandfelicitythesuccessattendantuponmyeffortsthanyourself.EverypleasurewhichIderivefromtheanticipationofsuccessisblendedwithmydevotiontoyou.Tobehonoredtoberenownedtobethebenefactorofmankind,andanornamentandblessingtothisnation,wereyounottobeaparticipant,wouldbemattersofdutythatbelongtoaduesenseofcharacter.Butwithoutthedelightfulemotionswhichyourapprobationwouldinspire,woulddeprivemeofhalfthejoysanticipated.Inyourletters,myDear,youhavespokenofyourloveofretirementandseclusion,andthatyouwereonlyreconciledbythenecessitywhichseparatesus.Dearest,believemethatnootherconsiderationonEarth,butnecessitywouldinducemyabsencefromyouforonesingleday.ThegreatestperfectionofmyhappinessonEarthisyourpresence.Withoutyourpresenceiscontinuallycoupledanxiety,regretandpainfulsolicitude.Yourhealthisprecarious;yourcontinuedliabilitytoindispositionaremattersofintenseandvividinteresttome.Nocircumstances,myDear,shallinducemetoremainseparatedfromyou.ItakegreatpleasureinassuringyouthatIexpectandfondlyanticipateanearlyadjournmentofCongress,myDear,aboutthe15thofJanuary;andwiththeblessingofHeaven,thehourofitsadjournmentIintendshallfindmeonthewaytoHouston.SaxeWeimar6isinfinetrimfatandfrolicsome;andIentertainnofearsbutmyancle[sic]willbeinastateofperfectsolvency.Ishallfeelveryambitioustomakeashorttripandaquicksurprise.

0!by-the-by,Ihave'nt[sic]toldyou;IcommunicatedamessagetoCongresstheotherday.7Itissaidtobeveryclever.That'smyprivate

opinion.Mr.Miller,myPrivateSecretary,saysitsveryclever.Iamsatisfiedthathedidthinkso;forifhehaddeemeditveryfaultyhewouldhavebeensuretohavetakensparing.Hehassufficientpridetohavefeltdeeplymortifiedatanyfailure.Youcanjudgeofhispersonalregardfromhisletterswhichyouhaveseen.YouhaveheardVernalspeakofhisliterarypride.WhenIseeyou,myLove,IwilltellyouofapromiseIhavemadeMr.Miller.Heblushesatthe

verysuggestionnow;butIwillnotinflictthedistressuponhimoftellingyouwhatitis.

Well,butmyDear,theMessage,asIwassaying.Therewasjustsatinenoughintowntohaveyouacopystruckonit.ThatItakegreatpleasureinsendingtoyou.Praydon'tthink,myDearitwastopropitiateyoubyanymeans.Idoitmerelytoflatterasmallspiceofselfishvanityonyourpart.Youcandetermineitsmerits.Itcontainsnorhetoric.It'saplaincommonsensedocument"sensibletothelast."Theinvocation,myDear,isindeednothypocritical.It'singoodfaith,ifnotingoodtaste.IwillsendyoutwooncoloredsilkoneforMrs.ReilyandtheotherforMrs.Andrews.Thenyoucanexercisethatagreeablefacultyyouspeakof,myDear.Youknow"howagreeableitistobegenerous"etc.

Asitlacksafewminutesoftwelveo'clockatnight,Ishallbegintodrawthislettertoaclose,butImusttellyouofaballthathastakenplaceto-night,giventopoorLamar.8Itwasaforced-put.Hisfriendsaretryingtoshakeofftheodiumthatattachestohim.Congresshaswhiptandcleanedhimonceortwice.Thepleaurgedinhisbehalfwassourpity,andthatinspiredcontemptenoughtoshieldhimfromthepenaltyofhiscrime.Ididnotgo,thoughinvited.Ilearntherewerenothalfthenumberofladiestherethatwereattheinaugurationball.BobPotterandhemadespeechesatconsiderablelength,Iunderstand.HismajestyhasstillapenchantfortheCourtofSt.James.Icannotconsortwithrichscoundrels.Heisabadman,andutterlyimpure.

Ihavenottimetotellyouthenumerousamusingincidentsconnectedwithmyvisittotheplaceandthesolicitudeexpressedbyhisfriendsforreconciliation.

ByaccidentIhaveheardthatBledsoehasconcludedtogotoCedarPoint.Ihopeitisso.Butifnot,Iwillhopethebest.IgotaveryfineletterfromourbrotherHenrythatIenclosetoyou.Dearnoble

Fellow!IwishwecouldseehimoncehappilysituatedinTexas.Iadmirehisnobilityoffeeling;andtheexpressionofhisregardforuswastrulygratefultome.Iknowitwillbetrulygratifyingtoyou.

Maj.Reily,andLubbockandWesternandmanyfriendsarehere.TheholydaysofChristmasareonhand;butMr.Millerandmyselfwillnotparticipateinthem.YoumustcommendmewithgreataffectiontoMother.SaluteMrs.AndrewsandMrs.Reilywithakiss.Commendmetoallourfriends,andtellthemIwillwritetoyou

wheneverIcan.

IhavebeenatthemarriageofonememberofCongress9afewnightssinceIaminvitedtooneinthecountrytomorrowevening.Ihaveacarriageatmycommand;butifIshouldgo,I'lltakethecrutchesalong.

NowIdon'tknowwhattosayaboutthatlittleenchantress,MaggyStone.Tellherthatonyourbehalf,Iwillloveherjustasmuchasyoudo.Beingyourotherhalf,ifnotyourbetterhalf,Ioughttolovenolessthanhalf.TellherIamverysorrytohearthatshewasindisposedanddidnotaccompanyyoutoHarrisburg.Ifyoushouldbeunwell,(butHeavenavertit)don'tlethergiveyouanymedicine.TellherIsayso.You'veheardofspidersbeingputindumplings!!EverydayIamreproachedfornothavingbroughtyouwithme.Myapologyis,IamgoingforyouthemomentCongressmayadjourn.ItiswellenoughformyreputationthatIdidn'tbringyoualong;forIhavenodoubtyouwouldhavehadthecreditofallthecrackcompositionsthatIhaveproduced.'Tisgenerallybelievedhere,thatyouareentitledtoallthecreditofmyreformation;andthat'samostfamouswork,foritwasmorethanalltheworldbesidecoulddo.AndforthesakeofmydearMaggy,Iwillnotactthescamplestitmighttarnishherdeservedrenown.

NowIthink,myDear,thiswillpassforaposer.Mybelovedinclosing,ItakegreatpleasureinpresentingmyfriendsoldMillersbestrespectstoyouandifyouseeVernalpresentWMiller&myselftohim.SaluteColAndrewswithmybestregards.


Margaret

1WashingtonD.MillerwasHouston'sprivatesecretary.SeeHoustontoMiller,October12,1841,andHoustontoMiller,December13,1841,Writings,II,388-89,398.2Houston'sanklehadbeenshatteredintheBattleofSanJacinto,andhehadtroublewithitthroughouthislife.3SeeMargarettoHouston,December11,1841.4Theselettershavenotbeenlocated.5TheReverendJamesHuckins,aBaptistministerinHouston.HarlanJ.Matthews,CentennialStoryofTexasBaptists,(Dallas:BaptistGeneralConventionofTexas,1936),83.6Houston'shorse.7FirstMessagetoCongress,SecondAdministration.Writings,II,399-408.

ForadescriptionoftheBallseeFriend,103,andDailyBulletin,December23,1841.9TheweddingofCongressmanMosesFRobertsandNancyMurray,December20,1841.ListedinGrammer,76.

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Austin24thDec1841

MydearlybelovedMargaret,

Thismomentmyheartwasgreetedbyyourletterfavor'dbyMrHarris.1Everyendearingthoughtofyouhadbeencherishedbymeastheywilleverremain.ButIdidnotanticipatealetteratthistime.Mywholeheartrejoicedtolearnthatyouarecheerful,infundsandfinehealth!OhmyLove,thesethese[sic]assurancesrendermeIhadalmostsaidhappy,butnotheycannot,foryouarenotpresent!!!IamgratifiedthatyouwillbeineasycircumstancesuntilIcanoncemoreembracemybeloved.Iwasunhappyfromafearthatyoumightwishtopossesssomethingnotinyourpowertocommand.TheapprehensiontoothatyoumightbeagainattackedbysicknessandIwou'dnot[be]presenttowaituponyou,andcomfort,andsolaceyou.EventhedaysofyourafflictionandsicknessaffordmesomepleasurewhenIrecurtothem.Yousaidthatmyattentionswerekindandaffordedyoureliefinyourdistress.Everyevidenceofaffectionrenderedbymeandregardedbyyoumusteverremaindeartome.Tosumupmyaffectionforyou,Icanonlysaythatwithyou,IamhappyandwithoutyouIcou'dfeelnohappiness.MyLoveisboundless.Mydear,yousaythatyoupassedanightwithMrsReily,andthatyourthemewasyourhusbandsetc!Maggywearecleverfellows,youmaybeassured.Welovebackagain.Lastnight,wewereatawedding2tenmilesinthecountryandpassedthereforfirstrateGentlemen.The

MajorwasmyaidontheoccasionandIhadonecrutchwithme,soIwaswellsustained.MrSmiththeBridegroomwasagenteelmanandwelltodo.TheBridewasaprettybeing(nearly).Herhairwasdark&hereyes.Hercheekswereruddyandherhight[sic]andformtheperfectrepresentativesofOh!Iwou'dsaymydearestMaggy!InlifeIhavenotseenagreaterresemblance[sic]infigures.Andwhatdoyouthink?Thismorning,shepresentedherselfinadressmadeandincolorsjustlikeyoursilkdresswornbyyouthedayafterourunion!Ithoughtofyour

brotherHenry'sgreetingtoyou.NowunderallthesecircumstanceshowdoyouthinkIfelt?Curiousenough,youmaybesure!HerresemblancetoyouwassoimpressiveandhermodestysomuchincharacterthatIdidwantyesIdidwanttokissher!ThatIwou'dhavedonethereisbutlittledoubt,hadIbeenpreviouslyacquaintedwithherandherhusband,butIhadnotbeenintroducedtoeither!TodayIdinedathisFatherswiththeweddingparty&manyfromthisplace.Thedistancewasaboutthreemilesandthe"eatingdoings"werefirstratethroughout!YouwereasubjectofuniversalinquiryMalesandfemalesaskedyourhealthandadded"WhenwillyoubringMrsHoustontoAustin?Wewanttoseeher."NeverwasIsokindlytreated.Allwereaffectionatetome,andmylameanclethatwasasubjectofsimpathy[sic].Butmyancleitisnearlywell!

Nowmydear,Iwillrespondtoyouonthesubjectofpoliticks[sic].IhaveorderedtheNavyintoportsomedayssince,butkeptitasecrete[sic],asIdonotwishtoalarmtheirfearswhileatseaoruntilIcangetthemwithinmycontrol!3Youwilltakethehint.TherearesomeincommandthatIwou'dnotliketotrust,iftheysawtheiradvantagelayontheotherhand.AstotheseatofGovt,therearemanyreasons,Iamtold,whythathasnotagitated!TalkofAustinasthefinestplaceintheworld,ifyouthinkso,butsaynothingtothecontrarymydear,andwhenwemeet,Iwilltellyouthereason!

IreadyourremarksontheNavy4tosomemembersoftheCabinetwhowerepresentandtheywerepleasedandamusedatyourquiping[sic]tact.Theythinkyouareinrealitylikemyself,andMajorReilysaysthatyouwillbethenextPresident.TodayDr.Jones,Hockley,&TerrellwereallconfirmedbytheSenate.5OntomorroworwhentheSenatemeetsagain,MajReilywillbealso.MrGailBordenandMrLubbock6wereconfirmedintheirseveralstations!

ThisletterwascommencedwithahopethatIcou'dsendittomorrow,

butInowheardthatIwillnothaveanopportunity!SoyoumaysupposeIwilladdagooddealmorenewstowhatitalreadycontains.Dontmydearwifebeuneasy,abouttheLadywhoresemblesyousomuch.IneverexpecttoseeheragainandifIwere,andadmiredher,itwou'donlybeanevidenceofmyloveforyou.Icanlovenobeingbutyouandnootherimagecanevercommandmyloveandadmiration.Sowhateverpresentsyoutomythoughtsmustclaimmyremarkandrecallrecollectionsdearertomethanall

theotherscenesofbygoneexistences.

MyresolutionistakenthatifIlivetoembraceyouagain,Iwillneverleaveyou,norceasetoloveyou.Absencetomeistorture,andIalmostfearthatIloveyoutoomuch.Butthisfearifpossibleonlyrendersyoumoreendearedtomyaffections!Love,Christmastimesareonhand,butyourdevotedhusbandwillnotjoininthem.Nomydear,Iamthyhusband!!!AsIregardthyhappiness,soshallIbearmyself!IfeelcheerfulwhenIreflectuponmymasteryobtain[ed]overintemperanceandthatthruitIhaveaddedtoyoursumoffelicity.Myfriendstooarealljoyandcheerfulness.Indeed,everypatriotinTexas,Ibelievefeelsrejoicedatthechangewhileevenmalignityisrender'dharmless.YoumyLovewillappreciatemycauseofsatisfactionasmuchasanyoneorIwillsayasmuchmoreasanyone!

YouwillseebythepapersthatIamontomorrowtomaketheGrandMasonicinvocation.OnthismatterIhavehadnoreflectionnorpreparation.ImustdothebestIcan.MyonlydreadonthesemattersisthatImayfailandyouwillbemortified.But,Iknowyouyou[sic]cou'daccountforit,orifyoucan'tIcan.Ithinktoomuchaboutyoutothinkofanythingelseenough.Whatsayyoutothis?Isitnotcorrect?Isaythis,inhalfjest&earnest.Tellmewhatyouthinkonthesubject?

Iwillceasetonightasitis12M.andifnoopportunityoccurstomorrow,Iwillemploythemostofthedayinfinishingthisepistle!

ItisnowoneoclockChristmasday,andIresumemyepistolarywork.7Iwasmistakenaboutthedayanditsexercises.

The27thwillbethedayandinthemeantime,Imayhavesomeleisureandmakesomepreparation,atleasttryandmeetpublicexpectationwhateveritmaybe!TodayIfeelsad&melancholy.Myanclehaspainedmewhichisonecause.LastnightwhenIretiredI

thoughtthatIwou'denjoyapleasantnightsrepose,butIwaswofully[sic]disappointed.AportionofthenightIwasdelirious,andthismorningIarosefeebleandunwell.ButasIhadpromisedtofinishtodaythislettertoyou,Iwou'dnotmyloveforegosogreatapleasure,thoperformedinmuchpain.Ithinktoo,thatIammendingasIprogressinthecompletionofatasksoagreeableaslayingmycomplaintsbeforemydearestwife.DonttakesickbecauseIamnotaswellasIwishtobe.ThismorningIhavehadmanyvisits,notwithstandinganoticeonmydoorthatthemorninguntiloneoclockmy

timewillbeemployedinthedutiesofmyoffice.Itwillthenbeopenuntilsixatnightforcalls.Fromsixuntilmidnight,Iwillagainhavetimetolabourin''myvocation.''

Youwillperceivemylove,fromthishintthatIhavebut"littletodo"!ThiswillonlybethecaseuntiltheadjournmentofCongress.Formydearwife,IwillmostassuredlyresignbeforeIwillagainremainseperated[sic]fromyouforonemonthhereafter.HadIthecontroloftheGovernment,Icou'dsavethecountry,butnowIdoreallydistrusttheeffort.IwillnotsaythatIdespairofitsfutureexistence,butmymindisbynomeansfreefromapprehension,foritssafetyandsuccess.Mymeasuresarenottobecarriedoutinmyopinion,andiftheyarenotwemaylookoutforruin!!!Ifnotindividualruin,wemaylookoutforasuspensionofthefunctionsofGovernmentandthenanarchy.ItdoesappeartomethatnomortalpowercanaverttheruinimpendingoverTexas.Everyconvulsivethrowonlyleaveshermoreprostrateinhercondition.Herresourcesarewastedandthebodypolitickisweakenedsomuchthatevenmysanguinehopeisbeginningtolanguish!ThewaysofGodarepastfindingout,butindeedmylove,nomortalforecastwithmypresentmeanscanaverttheimpendingevils!

Mydearest,itisuselessforustorepine.Wecanbehappyinretirement.WehaveseenourhappiestdaysinlifeglidebyatCedarPoint.Wewerehappythereandhappywecanbeagain!Iwillnot,mydeardecideuponmycourseuntilIcanhaveyoursageadvice.YouwellknowthatIhavebornewithmycountryandthatmystrugglesinitsdarkestgloomanddespondencyhavesavedit!Iwou'dyetfreelyperilmylifetosaveandestablishitsLibertyonafirmfoundation.MydestinyorsomewaywardfatalitywillnotallowmethedelightfulanticipationswhichIhavesofondlycherished!Don'tyoudespond.Youhavenoneedtodoso.Youshallnotfeelthemiseriesofanarchy.WithmyhabitsIcouldgoanywhere,andbymyprofessionwecou'd

obtainalltheneedfulcomforts,andhavetheprotectionoflawwithalltheblessingsarisingfromorders!SomydearIwou'dbesorrythatyoushou'dpermityourdearselftobeunhappy.Iwou'dbeperhapsmorekindtoyouifIwerenottosaythismuchtoyouonthissubject,butdefermyremarksuntilwemeet.ButthetruthismyLove,IdonotwishtothinkorfeelanythingthatIwou'dconcealfromyou.Youareentitled,richlyentitled,toallthatIamortoallthatImaypossess.Ithankyouasthekind

andministeringangelinthehandofHeaventhathasrestrainedmefromvicioushabitsandrenderedmetherationalhusbandofmyamiableandlovelywife!'Tispossiblethatothersmighthavepossessedthecharms,butuponthissubject,Iwilleverremainaskeptic!ForthissimplereasonyouaretheonlydearobjectthatIeverlovedwithmywholeheartandexistence!Thatlovecanneverchangeunlessyoushou'ddeemmeunworthyofyours!ThatcannotbeanticipatedThereforewewilllove!!!

Sincewritingtheforegoingpartofmyletter,oralargeportionofit,Iwasinthemoodwhichitwou'dindicate!Iwasalittle,verylittle,inthedumpsButsomeSenatorsandRepresentativeshavebeentoseeme,andIbelievetheywilltryandsustainme,buttowhatextent,Icannotsay.

Dearestitis10PMandIhavenotbeenoutofmyofficetoday.Ihavereceivedmanykindwishesoftheseasonandreturnedmyfelicitationstomyvisitors.Ihadnothingtoextendtothem,butmyhand.Therewasnoliquor,noeggnog,norhaveIseenonedropofanythinginthattime!IdonotrememberaChristmaswhenIcou'dhavesaidaslittleforit.Youwillsayitisjustenough!Wellagreed.MyfriendReilyhasbeenheretoseemetwicetoday!andIreadaparagraphinhisLadiesletterinwhichshesaysmanykindandtruethingsofyou!

IseethatyouhavegotthestartofmeifIwereelligible[sic]toareelectionandIwou'dhavenoobjectionmyLoveasyouwillseebymyletterthatIamnotmuchcharmedwithmysituation.IreadaportionofthislettertotwomemberswhocalledtoseemeafterIhadwrittenit,andtheystaredagooddealandimploredmetoseeyoubeforeIcametoanysolemnconclusion!Soyoucanjudge,astheyweremenofgoodsensehowfarmattersarethoughtofatAustin.

Thisdayatleastasmuchdependsuponmyfirmnessandsagacity,asdidonthe21stofApl[sic]of36.ThenIwasabletosavethecountry

becauseIwassupreme!WereIsonow,Icou'ddoitwithoutanapparenteffortortheleastoppressions.Thetimeisonitsmarch,Ifearwhenneithernorbothwillsucceedwithoutaconvulsionofthemostdistressingcharacter!Iwou'dsavemycountryifIcould!butIfearitwillnotletmesaveitagain!

Fortunebecomeswearyinpursuingusifwedonotembraceheroccasionally!Shewoosusnow,butIfearshewillnotreceivethe

properattentionstoinsurethebenefitofhersmilesorthecontinuanceofherfavors.Asitis12atnight,Iwillcloseforthepresent,butnotsealmyshortletteruntilIseeifIcan'taddsomethingelsebeforeIcansendit.

26thThismorningmyLove,IammuchbetterandfeelasifIwou'dsoonbewell,butinasmuchasIwillbecompelledtoremainherelongerthanIhaveanywishtodo!AsthedaypassesIwillrecurtothisletter.

Mydearest,Isendyoua"NewYearsGift,"andyoucanretainordisposeofthemtoyourliking.Icanobtainnothingherethatpleasesme.ForreallyIwou'dnotpresentanythingcommontoyou!Butwemustbeaswecan,tho'notaswewishtobe,inAustin.MyloveyoumayconfideinthetrustthattheseatofGovernmentcannotandwillnotremainatthispoint.'TisreportedintownthismorningthatIndianswereinandprowlingaboutlastnight!

Othernewsofanunpleasantcharacterhasalsoreachedmethismoment.ThemailfromBexarhasnotarriveditwasdueonthursday,soitisdelinquentthreefulldays.Sosoonasthenewsreachedme,IorderedColHockleytosentouttherequisitenumberofmentoexamine,toact,andreport!Indianshavebeenseenwithintwelvemilesofthisplace,andontheroadbetween,andBexarontheroutebywhichthemailriderhadtopass.Thatheiskilledthereisnodoubtinthemindsofthosewhooughttobejudges.8'TisnotimprobablethatsomeofourmembersmayhavebeencaughtontheirwaytoBexar.MrMorris,withVanNess9andothers,wentovertotakeChristmas.Ihopetheymaynothavebeensurprisedontheway!

ThisistheLord'sdayandmydear,ImustconfesstoyouthatIwillbecompelledtotransactbusinessofmyoffice.Thisyoumaydeplore,butitcannotwellbeavoided.Ifothershadattendedtobusiness,Iwou'dhavelesstodo,andthecountryhavebeeninamuchmore

prosperouscondition!Givingyounews,ImusttellyouthataBallwasgiventoLamaronthe22ndbythosewhohadbeenfedattheexpenseoftheGovernment,andthosewhowishedtogivehimapuff.Ididnotattend,butinducedmyfriendstodosolesthemightsupposethatIthoughtenoughabouthimtodesignanythingconnectedwithhim.IntheBallroomIlearn,hewasaddressedby"BobPotter"inalongspeech,andmadeoneinanswer

parnobilefratrum!AllusionIbelievewasmadetothebosomofhisfamilyThiswilldo!Congresshadjust"whippedandclearedhim"astheywou'dsayinTennessee,andeventhiswastheresultofhardbeggingandpity.Hedeservespunishment,butcontemptmayshieldhim.

Mydear,Icannottelltowhatlengththisletterwillbespunout.ItmaynotgetoffuntilMajorReilystartsIfitdoesnot,Iwillcontinuetoannexamendmentstoitsoastohaveitatleastlongenough.Itshou'dbeso,andthusmakeamendsforitsdefects.IwishCongresswou'dadjourn!!!

27thDec.

MyLove!TodayIaminmyoffice,butwastooindisposedfromcoldtoattendtheMasonicprocessionandmaketheInvocation.10JudgeHutchinson11willnodoubtmakeaveryfineaddressontheoccasion.IregretmuchthatIcouldnotattend.IamveryhoarseandmymouthisprettymuchasitwasonourwayhomefromNacogdoches.WhetheritmayarisefrommyusinginferiorTobaccoIcannotsay.'Tiscertainthatwhenengaged[in]writingtoyouIdocutmyTobaccoratherfineasIdowheneverexcitedonanysubject!

Youmaybeamusedatthisitisneverthelessverytrue!DoyourecallatCedarPointoncertainoccasionshowparticularIwastohavethematsnearmewhenwriting?ItistrulyahardshipthatIcannotfindaconveyanceforthislettertoyou.HereafterIwillsendmynewsinsmallparcelsandnotimposeuponyousogreatataskastoreadahistorywithoutevenarestingspell.

ThesunnowshinesbrightlyuponthehillsofAustin,butmyheartissad.Iamfar,veryfardistantfromallthatIloveonearth.IamaprisonerofHopebutIfearitisthathopewhichmakeththeheartsick.HeavenItrustwillagainpermitusthepleasureofembracingeach

other,neveragaintobeseperated,andendureallthemiseriesofanxietyandsolicitude.NeverdearestwillIconsentagaineithertoendureortoinflictwretchednesssuchasresultsfromabsence!HowmuchIloveyou,Heavenonlyknows!Myfriendssaythat'tiswellformethatmyhabitsarereformed,eventhehabitofswearingwhichhasbeensodifficulttorepress!ItrustmyLove,thatyouwillneveragainhavereasontoreprovemeForthefutureIwillusemybestexertionsandindeedemployallmyenergiestoforegoapracticesoridiculousasswearing!Whateverbeneficialin-

fluencemyexamplemayhaveuponsocietyIwillfirmlyaccordtomycountry!ButmyLove,thereisaconsiderationmuchnearertomyheartandthatisadesiretorenderyouhappy.

Ifeeltoo,toamuchgreaterextentthanIeverhavedoneoratleastoflateyears,thattheimmortalsparkwillbecherishedbyacourseofGodlywalkandconversation.Mydearest,Iwasnotformedinmindorheartforviceorviciouspursuits.Theybringmenojoy,butleaveanachingemptyvoiceofunsatisfiedthought.

MyfriendshavesetformethecommencementofaNewYeartoabstainfromall"strongexpressions."Itoo,mydear,willappointthatday,butIwillfromthistimeputastop[to]theevilifIcan!Nousvarrons[sic]!

Todaythenewshasarrivedfromthescoutsentinquestofthemailriderthathewasfoundinadreadfullymutilatedcondition&thewolvespreyinguponhim.Themailwasgone,andthetrailwasalmosteffacedasfourdayshadtranspired!CongressatthelastsessiongavetheprotectionofthefrontiertotheChiefJustices,andhaddeprivedmeofthemeansofrenderingmyaidtothecountry.AgainthereisnomoneynoGovernmentstores,noammunitionnorarms!Afineconditionfora"NewCountry."ButofthisIwillpratenomoreaboutthesematters,asitcandonogood!Ihavemademyarrangementstogetasmuchmoneyaswillpaymywayhome!SothissubjectIwilldismiss.

JudgeBaylorhasjustbeeninmyofficeandasusualmydearMaggywasasubjectofourchat.HeisamostworthyGentlemanindeed!MajReilywasGrandOratoroftheFraternitytoday,andIaminformedmadeabeautifuladdress.Hehasjustbeentoseeme,butIdidnotthenknowthathehadsomuchcauseoffelicitationasInowdoSoIwillhavethepleasureofrenderinghimmycongratulations,whichwillbeshortly.MyLove,"howeasyitistobegenerouswhenitcosts

nothing."

YouseethatIdonotintendtobecomewearyinwelldoing.HavingleisureIwilltellyouthatourfriendMajWesternisinmyofficepouringoveranewspaper.Ifeartoavoidmyteasinghimaboutyou,withathousandinquiries!Doyouwhenyouseehim,taxhimwiththefact.Seewhatafineapologyhewillmake!Hethreatensmewithheavycomplaintsandaccusationstobemadetoyouagainstme.Youmustallowthemajorsomelatitudeinhisstatements!HisveracityIknowtobegood,butthenallGentlemenwho

travelarefondtodealinthemarvellous[sic].Soifhestatesanythinginthecharacterofaccusationagainstme,youIamassured,willsupposethatheisexercisingatravellerslicense!MajorReilyalsothreatensmeveryboldly.Iwillnotretaliateifheshou'dThuspassesaportionofourtimewhenleisurewillallow!

'TisnightmyLove,andIamjustfromaMasonicpartyMajorWestern,MajorReily,andGenlTerrellcametomyroom,andwou'dhavemetogowiththemtotheBallRoom.Ididso,andhavereturnedtomyoffice.IpassedroundandsawalltheLadies.Manyofthemcametomeandsalutedmeverykindly.IwasononecrutchwhichIhopesoontolayaside!

Manyinjunctionswerelaidmetobring"MrsHouston.Oh.wearesoanxioustoseeher."NothingcanaffordmesomuchpleasureastointroduceyoutoherthemomentthatCongressadjournsmyhorsewillbeatthedoorandIwillstarttoseeherLadyshipismyreply!Ifeelverymuchlikeanexile,eveninthemidstofwhatiscalledaveryfineparty!Heavensavefromthetortureofsuchparties,whenyouarenotpresent!JudgeEves,12thecharged'affaires,wasthere,andveryhappy.Iwonderatit.HehadaLadyonhisarm,alittlematterwhichhasnothappenedtomeinAustin.IsawMrsMayfieldshewasabusyasaBeeinaTarbarrel,andreallyseemedastho'herhusbandwasnotadefaulteetotheamountof$39,000.Neverthelessthisisafact!Justthinkofthiscorruption-$29,000wereexpendedinafewmonthsthatheplayedSec'yofState,and$10,000asanarmygentleman.

Thisisthewaythatthepeople'smoneyhasgone,andthereasoninvolved.'Tissaidthatthedarkesthourofnightisjustbeforethedawn.Butthisistoomuchtosayofthebaseandtheunprincipled!!Theeffortsofthoseinpowerwereallemployedtosinkthecountrysolowthatifitshou'ddissolveuponmetomakeanefforttosaymycountry,theeffortwou'dbeunavailing.Thisismycandidopinion.

Theymaybemistakenandwou'dbeifIcou'donlyhavemyway.

28thDecMyLove,todayMr.Walton13assuresmethathewillsetoutinafewhoursifhedoes,Iwillbereadyforhisdeparture,andcalculateonwritingagainbyMajorReilywhosayshewillstarttomorrow.Youneednotlookforanymorelongletters.Iwillcherishalltheloveforyouthatyoucanimagineordesire.Iknowyouare

notsocruelastowishmealtogethermiserable,andunlessyoudo,youwillnotdesiremetofeelmoreacutelythepangsofabsence.

IhavewrittentoColAndrews,butdidnotrequestthelettertobeshowntoyou!AsheisaGentlemanoffinesense,hewillhardlyshowit!Youmay,andIrequestit,kissMrsAndrews&MrsReilyformeandifyouchuseyoumaypinchyourlittlenamesakescheekforme!orbiteherearYesyoumaykissherifyouplease.Presentmekindlytoallourfriends,andmayGodofhisinfinitemercyandkindnessblessandprotectyou!


MrsM.L.HoustonCityofHoustonTexas

1Thisletterhasnotbeenlocated.ItwasprobablybroughtbyWilliamP.HarrisorhisbrotherJohnR.Harris,bothofwhomlivednearHouston.IdentifiedinWritings,II,260n.2TheweddingofAlfredSmithtoNancyAnnMills.ListedinGrammer,76.3TheTexasNavyunderCommodoreEdwinMoorehadsetsailforaninvasionofYucatan.Lankevitch,41.4Margaret'slettercontainingtheseremarkshasnotbeenlocated.5AnsonJones,SecretaryofState;GeorgeHockley,SecretaryofWar;GeorgeTerrell,AttorneyGeneral.Wisehart,377.6JamesReily,ministertotheU.S.;GailBorden,collectoroftheportatGalveston;FrancisLubbuck,comptroller.Ibid.7BecauseitwasdifficulttogetmailoutofAustin,HoustonoftencomposedonelettertoMargaretoveraperiodofseveraldays,numberingeachpageasheaddedtoit.8OnDecember23,1841,IndianssupposedtobeWacoesandTowaccanies

attackedasettlementbetweentheGuadalupeandColoradoRiversandkilledamailrider.L.W.Kemp,"GlimpsesofTexasHistory,"PostDispatch(Houston),August25,1929.9JohnD.MorrisandCorneliusVanNess,representativesfromSanAntonio.HandbookofTexas,II,237and831-32.10TheAustinDailyBulletin,December24,1841,reportedthatHoustonmadetheinvocation.Friend,104.(Thiswouldappeartobeanerror.)11JudgeAndersonHutchinson.Writings,III,524.12JudgeJosephEveofKentuckywaschargéd'affairesoftheUnitedStatestotheRepublicofTexas.Writings,III,135-36.13JohnWaltonofGalveston.IdentifiedinWhite,1840CensusofTexas,54.

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ToMrsMargaretLeaHoustonCityofHoustonTexasMrGreen

Austin29thDec1841

VeryDearMaggy,

AsMajorReilywillsetoutontomorrow,Iwillcommencetonightaletternotknowinghowlongitwillbespunout.Bythetimethatyougetthromylast,youwillhavethistocommence!IwillsendyouaNewspaperinwhichyouwillfindand[sic]oldacquaintance.Lookin3rdpage,3rdvolume,andyourecognizeit!TheonlyincidenttodayofnoteisthedeathofayoungmanbythenameofAnderson.Hediedofconsumption,andwasveryclever!Poorfellowhediedfar,veryfarinalandofstrangerstho'hereceivedeveryattentionuntilhewaslaidin"thenarrowhouse."

MyLove,Ihavenotsworntoday,butwasintheact,whenIcaughtmyself!Wedon'tknowhowgoodwecanbeuntilwetryingoodearnest.IhopetodomuchinthewayofreformationbutIwillnotbraguntilatwelvemonthhaspassedasyouaretohaveallthecredit!JudgeTerrellandmyselfintendtoaccompanyMajorReilyasfarasMrDurhams1tomorrowevening,ifwecan.Itisonlyninemilesfromthecity!Therewecangetgoodeatingforatleastoursupper,andabreakfastthatwilldousatleastforoneweekuntilwecanvisithimagain.Hisisapoorlittlecabbin[sic],butIassureyou,theeatingisfirstrate!itcan'tbebeatanywhere!IamnowwaitinginmyofficeforMajReilytohaveadiplomaticconfabwithhim,previoustohisdeparturefortheUStates!

YouwillmyLove,supposethatifIwerepresent,Iwou'dannoyyou

mostsuperlativelywithmychat,asIevincesuchanoutrageouspenchantforchattingtoyouatadistance.YoumustexcusemeforIcan'thelpit.Thisyouknow,istheexcuseforallbadhabits.Youmaydoubtwhetherornotthisisaverybadhabit?

IwaspainedthatIdidnotgetaletterfromyoubymail!'TistrueIhadthehappinesstogetseveralfromyouonrecentdates,butthenIcou'dreadalwayswhileyouaretheauthoress!BecauseyourNovelsarealwaysnew,nomatterwhentheywerewritten!

Thepeopleherelookcheerful,darkastheprospectseemsfor

thecountry.Theysay"Houstoncansaveus."The[y]mayberight,butitwillbeavery"tightsqueeze."Solongastheythinkso,theycan'tbeloss'd,buttheymaybeagood-dealbewildered!

IagainanticipatethepleasureofseeingtheCongressadjournbythe20thofJanuaryNothingcangivememorepleasurethanthisfact,buttoseemy"dearweewifie"andthiswou'dbeagrandmovetowardstheconsummationofthelatter!SosoonasCongresscanraisethewindtogetoff,IthinktheywillvacatethecityoftheHills,andflytotheLowlandsforrefugeandhomes!

Oh!sacredhour!Howfond,endearingisthethought,Thatallmytreasure,andmylovearethere!HowfleetlifecurrentscourseWhenmovedbypureaffectionAndarousedbyallthelust,Emotionsofanardentheart.AheartwhichbeatswithkindestloveMustirerecurtotheshrineOfallhishopesandcares!Theretruedevotion,willitofferupTothebrightStarwhichguidesItsdestiny(whichismydearMaggy)

YouseethisissetforPoetrywhitheritisornot.Byityouwillatleastdiscoverthatmyheartiswithyou!ifIamnot.Iwou'dhoweverlikemuchtobewithitforalltimestocome!

MyMrMillersays"MrsHoustonwillcriticiseittodeath."Iwou'dsendit,withallitsdefectsandrequireyoutosendmeacriticismuponitifyouplease.Don'tspareme,forIhadnobusinesstoattemptPoetryafteradaysincessantlabour!IwillceasefortonightSo,goodnightmyLove!

30thThismorningIhavenotseenMajorReily,anddonotknowwhetherornothewillgetofftoday!Itisaverycoldmorning,andIdoassureyouuponmywordafterseperating[sic]fromhimathalfpastoneoclockthismorning,Ineverclosedmyeyesinsleep.WehadtalkedofnationalaffairsandwhatwasmorewehadtalkedofLoveandhome!TodayIhave[to]makemanycommunications

toCongressonvarioussubjects!SoyoumayimaginethatIwillneitherenjoytranquilitynorsatisfaction!IaminformedthatthereisaprobabilityofCongressadoptingthesystemofFinancerecommendedinmymessage.Ifitshou'd,Iwillyetsavethecountry!UnlessCongressshou'dplaythefoolonotherveryimportantsubjects.TheIndianpolicyisnextinimportance.Ourchancetoo,forinvasionbyMexicoisgreaterthanithasbeensince1836.Godavertit!Butifitshou'dcome,Iwillmeetit,shou'dIlive!

MyLove,whileIthinkofit(andthethought[which]arisesfromthatofinvasion),Ihavetodaylaidawaymycrutchandfeelwell.IthankGod,verywell!

MyLove,thiswastogobyMajReily,buthecan'tgetoffuntilSaturday.DoletMrsReilyknowit.HedoesnotknowthatoldGreen2isgoing.SoIhavetoclosemyEpistleinsomuchhastethatIcannotcorrectthisletter.ItmaybebestsoifIweretodoitImightnotsendit.MyLovetoourfriends.


P.S.MydearMrGreenwillletyouknowwhenhewillreturn!Treathimcivilly.

H.

ToMrs.HoustonofHouston

1GeorgeJ.Durham.ForabiographyseeWritings,VIII,107-108nandHandbookofTexas,I,257.2HoustonmaybereferringtoGeorgeGreen,whowasintheemployofJamesSpillman.GiffordWhite,TheyAlsoServed,(Nacogdoches:EricsonBooks,1985),55.

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Mrs.SamHoustonCityofHoustonTexasByMajReilyMinister

Austin1stJany1842

Dearest,

WithpleasureIGreetyou!AhappyNewYear!ThatyoumayenjoymanymyLove,isinaccordancewithmymostdevoutprayers!

MajReilyisjustontheeveofdepartureforHouston.Ihavehadtroubletogethimoffforthewantofmoney!Iregrettoo,thatIcanonlywritetoyouanoteinplaceofa''poser''Youmustsupply,everythingnotexpressedbyme.Thisyourdearimaginationcando,fromthepast.Youknowmyincreasingdevotion!Thepastwillproveit.OhmyeverdearMaggy,dayafterdaypasses,andtheonlyhappinesswhichIfeel,arisesfrommyrecollectionofyou.LastnightIwasataprivateparty,whereMajReilywasoneoftheguests.Itwasprettypleasantforme,foreveryLadythereeitherspoketomeofyouorsatbymeandconversedaboutyou!Tosetyouhere;thereisgreatfeeling!ItellthemthatIwillbeabsentfromheresomefourweeksbeforeIreturnwithyou!!!Yes,itwillbe,atleast,fourweeksbeforeIwillbeenabledtosettlemybusinessandreturntothisplacefromHouston!IknowyoucanpreparetocomesosoonasImaywish!!!

IreiteratetoyoumyLove,thatthemomentCongressmayadjourn,Iwillhavemygoodhorse,SaxeWeimar,atthedoor,andthenIwillsetoffinanhour.MajorReilycantellyouallthenews,andreallymyLove,IhavenotimeIusuallyleavemyofficetosleep,at2oclockinthemorning.LastnightIrestedbetter,thanIhavedonesinceIwasorhavebeeninAustin.Iwou'difpossiblewritetoyouanythingifIhadtimetodoso.EverymomentIlookforJudgeTerrell,andMajReilytostartasanescort,withtheMajorasfarasCol[George]Durhams,onlytenmiles.ThecarriageishereIembraceyoumyeverdearestWifeMaggy,withallmyloveyes,myboundlesslove!!!

PresentmemostaffectionatelytoCol&MadameAndrewsandHowdayr[sic]friendMagStone!


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GeneralSamHoustonAustin,Texas

Houston,Jan.3rd1841[1842]

MyownLove,

Ihaveonlyfiveminutestospendinwritingtoyoubutyouwill

excusetheroughnessofahastyscrawl.IenclosealettertoyoufromAntoinette,1whichItookthelibertyofopeningasIknewitwasfromher,andIwasanxioustohearsomethingofher.Irec'dyoursofthe15thonyesterday,butithadtakenatriptoGalvestoninthemeantimebeingsentbymistake.Ialsorec'donefrombro.Vernalbythesameboat.HewentdowntheTrinitytoGalveston.Hegavemesomeofhisplans,butasSishaswrittenyouallaboutthemitwillbeunnecessarytorepeatthem.Mrs.Andrews'daughtersarrivedonyesterday.Mrs.Taylor2andMissThielman.3Theyarequiteanadditiontoourcircle,verysprightlyandintelligent.Dearestmyspiritsandfortitudeareallgone.IdofeelasifIcouldnotlivelongerwithoutyou.Ifyoucannotcometome,writemesomethingthatwillconsoleme,formyheartisverysad.

DearestthydevotedwifeM.L.Houston

1Thisletterhasnotbeenlocated.2BarbraTighlmanTaylor.InformationontheTighlman(sometimesspelledThilman)AndrewsfamilymaybefoundinthecollectionofMrs.I.B.McFarlandinthePeabodyLibrary,SamHoustonStateUniversity,Huntsville.3BettieTighlman(alsospelledThilman).

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Margaretwasanxiousforthecapitoltobemovedtoanotherlocationwhereshecouldbewithherhusband.Sheexpressedherfeelingsonthissubjectandotherpoliticalmatters:


Houston,Jan3rd.[1842]

DearestLove,

Irec'dyourinvaluablelettertonightbyMr.Green,1andalthoughitiswaypastmyusualhourforretiringImustanswerittonightashewillbeoffinthemorning.IwrotetoyouthismorningbyaMr.Fisher,2buttheletterwasreallysohurriedandincoherentthatIamnowashamedofitandatthistimeIamsooutofspirits,thatIcanhardlywriteatall.Mr.Greentellsmethatcongresswillnotadjournwithinlesstimethansixweeks,andthisismygrievance.Surelymy

loveyourpatriotismisundergoingaseveretestanddoubtlesswillcomeoutliketherefiner'sgold.MinehasbeenprettymuchshakenbyrecenteventsandImustconfessthatmypredominantthoughthasbeenthatmyhusbandwaswastinghistimeandenergiesuponanungratefulpeople!Butperhapsitiswrongtoindulgesuchfeelings.IfyouthinksoLove,Iwilltrytoovercomethese.Manythanksforyourpoetry.YourmuseiscertainlyveryamicabletovisityouinthemidstoftheturmoilandimpracticalbustlewhichmustnecessarilyreigninAustinatthistime,andIamcertainlymuchindebtedtoherforremindingyouofyourabsentMaggy.Ifsheissofortuitousatthistime,whatmayweexpectwhenweagainroamthroughthesweetwildwoodsaroundourhome!IndeedLove,Iwasdelightedwiththesentimentsentertainedinyourlines,particularlytheconclusion!Ihadhearof"jumpingatconclusions"butImustconfessIthoughtthataprettysuddenleap.Nevertheless,IwashighlyflatteredandInowconsidermyHusbandapoetaswellasahero,statesman,andIbelieveaphilosopher,butIdonotknowexactlyaboutthelatter!Nousverrons[sic]!?ThegoodpeopleofTexashavecertainlydeterminedtoascertain.

IhearnothingoftheseatofgovernmentbeingmovedanditisasubjectinwhichIamnotaltogetheruninterested.ItwouldbeasourceofconsolationtometoknowwhereinthefutureourhomeistobethatImightdrawplansforitandindulgevisionswhichthoughtheymayneverberealizedwouldatleastamusemeforthemoment.Buteventhisisdeniedus.Weareslavesofthepublicandmustawaititspleasures.MyLoveIamalmostsorrythatIhavesaidsomuch.Iknowthatitismydutytosootheyouinyourdeepdisappointmentsandtrialsasmuchaspossible,butatthismomentIamsoindignantattherecentactsofcongressthatIcannotrestrainmyfeelings.Iftheseatofgovernmentshouldnotbemoved,ImustconfesstoyoucandidlythatIwishyoutoresignimmediately.Ofcoursethiswillnot

decideyourcourseofconscienceinacaseofsuchimportance,butIneedtosaywhatIthinkandFeel!

Ifyouaretoservethepeoplefornothing3Ithinkyououghtatleasttohavetheprivilegeofperformingthelabourinsafetyandinsomecivilizedspot.Butdearestifyouaresatisfieditwillallberightwithmeforyourhappinessismine.MyLove,canitbethatthereisarealprobabilityofaMexicaninvasion!

MayHeavenavoidsuchacalamity.OhmyhusbandIcannot

endurethethought.Itistoodreadful!IcannotbehappyuntilIseeyouagainandhearfromyourownlipsthatthedangernolongerexists.

Dearestoneportionofyourlettergivesmemorepleasurethananyothers.Itwasthatyouwerestrivingtoriseabovethedreadfulpracticeofswearing.Ohcontinuethoseefforts.IentreatyouLovebyallthesacredhappinesswehaveenjoyedtogether,byeveryhopeoffuturehappinessdonotprofanethenameofhimwhohasbeensomercifultous.Arewenotmoreblessedthanothers?InvainwelookaroundforthatcommunionofheartsthatGodhassufferedustoenjoy.Andohdonotinreturnaskhisnameasanexpressionofangerortoembellishtheunjust!Dearesthusband,myconstantprayertoGodis"thatyoumaybesaved."OhthatIknewsomeargumentthatwoulddriveyoutothefeetofthesaviour!HowfreelywouldIyieldthisfleetingbreathandliedowninthecoldgraveifitwouldpurchaseyoursalvation.Butitcannotbe.IfyouwillnotflytoJesusforrefugethereremainethnomoresacrificefromsinbutacertainfearfulevokingforofjudgmentandfieryinaugurationwhichshalldevourtheadversaries.OhHowcanIrestonemomentwhilemyhusbandisexposedtothewrathofGod!Coldlukewarmheartofmine,toolonghastthoubeenswayedbyearthlyhopesanddrawnawayfrommyHeavenlyFatherbytheblessingsofhisownhand!Dearesteachnightandmorn,Iwillprayforyouwithmywholeheartandatthesecalmandpeacefulhours,willyounot"visit"withme?andOhIentreatyoutothrowasideeveryworldlythoughtatsuchatimeandpraywithaheartfreefromdistractions!

Itislate,verylateatnightandheartsmorejoyousthanminearelulledintogentlesleepandyetIwouldwriteuntiltheeastagainputsonherrosetintedmorninggarbforhowcanIsleep?Myheartistroubledlikethestormysea,andnogentlehusbandisnearmetohushbyhisbrightlooksofaffection,thedarknessandcloudsfrommyspiritsor

byhissoftwordstostilltheboisterouswordsofgrief.Iamfigurativeyouwillsaybutdearestitisnoexaggeratedpicture.Idofeelasifmyheartwasbursting&deepmidnightstillnessisreigningaroundme.Myownonethouarenothereandohhowsilentisthespotinwhichthyvoiceisnotheard!Howdarkanddrearythescene,ifIbeholdtheenot!DearestmyheartfindsreliefintheexpressionsofitsdeepfeelingsandIknowyouwillnottreatthemlightly.LastnightIwashappyforIdreamedmuchofyou.We

meanderedarm-in-armthroughalovelycountryandthickhangingbowsaboveourheadswerefilledwithathousandbrightbirdsandourpathwasfringedwithinnumerablestrangeandbeauteousflowers.Wemeanderedonandonbutfeltnofatigueforwewerehappy.Ohmayitpromiseavisionofourjourneythroughlife.Dearesttalknomore[torn]sacrificesforyourcountry.Itmustnotbe.Youaremineandminealoneandyoumustnotohnoyoucannotleavemeagain!Iamconstantlysurroundedbyfriends,butohIfeeldesolateforyouarenotwithmeandohwhatsolitudeislikethelonelinessofacrowd!Writeoftendearestandohdohastenhome.

YourdevotedwifeM.L.Houston

1SeeHoustontoMargaret,December29,1841.2MargaretisprobablyspeakingofHenryF.Fisher(alsospelledFischer),abookkeeperandsalesmaninHoustonwhowasseekinganappointmentasaconsulatBremen.Writings,III,379andJohnston,35.3TheRepublicofTexaswasindeepfinancialtrouble,andasaneconomymeasurethesalaryofthepresidentwasreducedbyhalf.Friend,380.

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HoustonJan5th[1842]

Mybelovedhusband,

Maj.Reillyarrivedtonightandbroughtmeyourhighlyvaluedletter.1IhavebeentwodaysandnightswithMrs.Reily,2havingbeendetainedbyrain,andourtimehaspassedaspleasantlyasitcouldbewithoutourhusbands.Yourlettercametomeinthemostsingular

way,forwithinthelastdayIhaverec'dthepackagesbyMajorsWaltonandGoodall3sincereceivingtheonebyMr.Green.IwillaccounttoyouformywritingnothingtoyouaboutyourlamenessforIknewnothingofit.Howcoldandheartlessyoumusthavethoughtmyletters!Notoneofthemcontainingawordofsympathyinyourfeelings!ButmyhusbandknowsmetoowelltosupposethatIwouldnotfeeldeeplyforhisaffliction.TheMaj.tellsmethat

Congresswilladjourninthreeweeks,buteventhatperiodseemsasifitwouldnevercome.Threeweeks!Ohwhataninterminableageofanxiety.

Iwaspleasedwithyouraccountoftheweddingandtheladywhoissomuchlikeme.Takecareyoudonotfallinlovewith"theshadowforthesubstance,"theresemblancefortheoriginal.Maj.Westernwritesmethatyouarebecomingagreatgallant,butyoumaytellhimthatheisforestalledbyyourwarnings!andMaj.Reilytoohastoldmesomanygoodthingsofyou.However,youmustthankthemajorforhisletterandforhisinformation,asithasnotmademeveryunhappy.MyLovetheyarenotdoingmuchatCedarPoint,andCapt.[JohnS.]Blackhasnotbeenabletogodownyet.IreadaletterfromArmstrong4todaywhichIdisliketosendyouasitcontainsdisagreeableinformation,whichIfearwillmakeyouunhappy,butIamatalosswhattodoandyoumustexcusemysendingit.

Dearest,Ifearyoutaketoomuchexercise.Ohdobecarefulofyourprecioushealth.NoonecanprizeitsomuchasyourownMaggy.Doyounotthinkyoumusthavewalkedtoomuchonyourancle[sic].TakegoodcareofyourselfLove,andItrustthathappydaysareinstoreforus.ItisverylateatnightdearestandImustbidyouFarewell.

ThydevotedMaggy

1SeeHoustontoMargaret,December24-28,1841.2EllenHartReily.3AlbertGoodall,theson-in-lawofGeneralJamesDavis.White,1840CitizensofTexas,VolumeILandGrants,96andHearneCollection,SanAntonio.4JacobArmstrongownedlandontheeastsideofCedarBayouinthevicinityofCedarPoint.AnAbstractoftheOriginalTitlesofRecordintheGeneralLandOffice-,(Austin:ReproducedbyPembertonPress,1964),123.This

letterhasnotbeenlocated.

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MrsHoustonCityofHoustonTexasByMrShaw1

Austin6thJany1842

Dearest,

MyfriendMrShawwillhandyouthisnote,andtellyouthenews!

Iwrotelastnight&restedprettywell,andtoday,Ifeellikeanewman.

MrShawisaverycleveryoungmanandpleasetreathimpolitely.

Nonewstoday.TheseatofGovernmentIamtoldwillbeadgitated[sic]todayorsoon!Isaynothingaboutit,andmydeardon'tmentionit.

MyLove,Commendmeverykindlytooutfriends.


Margaret

YoucanwritetoMotherandgivehermylove.H

1ThisprobablyreferstoJamesC.ShawofGalveston.ForabiographyseeRay,205,andBest,351.

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Austin6thJany1842

Mydearest,

MrShawhasbeendetainedsomelongerthanheexpected.HadIknownitIcou'dhavewrittenyoualongletterwithoutmuchinit.IhavejustgallopedSaxeWeimarsometwoorthreemiles!Ifounditof

greatadvantagetome.Ithasarousedmeintoaction,andIfeelquiteWell!Iwillrideeveryfinedayanhourorso!WhenIhaveasmuchtime.Indeedmydear,Ihaveverylittle.Ihavenogoodnews.JudgeBlake1begstobekindlypresentedtoyouasdoesHockley,andthemanyothers.AgainpresentmetoColAndrews,hisnobleLady,andtoourexcellentfriendMag[Stone]andMadame.2KissElla3&"Donny"Reily.4


Margaret

PSMrMiller5sendshisrespects,andwou'dsendthemtoSarahAnn,6byyou,nodoubt(ifhismodestydidnotprevent.)PleaseplayMrShawaprettytuneof[sic]theGuitar,ifyoupleasemydearHouston

1JudgeBennetBlake,chiefjusticeforNacogdoches.IdentifiedinMcDonald,4.2MargaretStone'saunt,Mrs.WilliamFairfax(MilleStone)Gray.3SamuellaAndrews,thedaughterofEugeniaandJohnD.Andrews.IdentifiedintheMcFarlandCollection,Huntsville,Texas.4DonnyReily,thesonofJamesandEllenReily.5WashingtonD.Miller.6SarahAnnRoyston.

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Houston,Jan7th1842

Dearesthusband,

AsIshallhaveanopportunityofsendingyoualettertomorrow,Ihavedeterminedtowritetonight,thoughIamnotverywell,havinghadaseverechillandfevertoday,andamnowsufferingintenselywiththeheadache.Butyoumustnotbeuneasyaboutmedearest,formygeneralhealthisexcellent,andIhavescarcelyhadanycoughsinceyouleft.IamstillwithMrs.Reily,thestreetsbeingsohorriblemuddy,thatIcannotgethome,butithascertainlybeenaveryagreeablecaptivity,fortheMaj.hasentertainedmewithsomanyaccountsofyou,thatmytimehasbeenpassedquitepleasantly,andMrs.Reilysympathisesfullywithmeandappreciatestheanxietiesof

awife.TheMaj.tellsmethatbridewhomyouthinksomuchlikemeisawfullyugly!Soyouseeheisrealytakingatraveller'slicenseasyoupredictedhewoulddo!Iamdeterminedtobelievethatsheisprettyindefianceofhim.AtalleventsIwillbelievethatyouthinkherpretty!IdeliveredyourkisstoMagStoneyesterdayevening,andshewasdelightedanddesiresmetosendyouoneinreturn.IhastentodosoasIwouldratheritshouldbedeliveredbyproxy,thoughIapprehendthatyouwouldliketogo

uponthecreditsysteminthiscaseanddefertheimmediatepaymentofthedebt.ButIwillbeveryobligingandbecomeresponsibleforalldebtsofthatkindwhichshemaycontractwithyou.Withwhatreadinessdoweundertakethepleasanttasksofourfriends,especiallywhenthierownperformanceofthemwouldnotbeveryagreeabletous!ThereisanewadageLove,andhereImightverywellbringinmyoldone.Howgenerouswecanbewhenitcostsusnothing!forIfearyouwillsayIhavenotexpendedmuchwitorwisdomuponit,butitcertainlyaugurssomeknowledgeoftheworld,andasagebringsexperienceandtimedothaddage,IthinkitveryproperthatIshouldexpressmyselfbyanadage!

Isupposethereisnoprospectofmovingtheseatofgovernmentimmediately.Whatarewetodo?IcanformnoplansforthefutureintheeventofthierretainingitinAustin.Maj.Reilydesiresmetosaytoyou,thatyourfriendsinHoustondonotwishyoutobringcensureuponyourselfbyanyattempttohaveitbroughttothisplaceindependentofcongress.IsupposeyousawMaj.Western'slettertome.HewishesmetousemyinfluencewithyouinfavorofHarrisburg.ThisIcannotdoforIwouldnotliketoseeHoustonputdown,especiallybysomeoftheproprietiesofHarrisburg!Neverthelessitwouldgivemepleasuretoobligeafriendsohighlyesteemedbybothofus,ifIcoulddoso,withoutsuchasacrificeoffeelingasitwouldcertainlycostmetocomplywithhisrequest.IthankyoudearestforbrotherH.'s1Letter.YouwillreadilyimaginewithwhatdelightIreadhisexpressionsofesteemandaffectionforyou.Heisadearnoblebrother,butIreallybelievethatIlikehimalittlebettersinceIfindthathelovesyousowellandappreciatesyou.

Mrs.Andrew'sdaughtersarequiteanadditiontooursocietyandhaveattractedconsiderableattention.Thegentlemenaregettingupaballforthem.IwasverymuchamusedatMr.Power2lastnight.Herequestedthehonourofattendingmetotheball,andwhenIreplied

thatIwouldnotthinkofgoingtoanypartywithoutmyhusband,heexclaimed,whyVictoriawouldgowithoutAlbert!ItwassaidwithsomuchseriousnessandsinceritythatrealyIhadnotthehearttolaughattheludicrouscomparison,andembarrassthepoorfellowbyrevealingtheabsurdityofhisEnglishnotions.OhmyLove,youcannotimaginehowdelightedIamtoknowthatyouhaveleftoffswearing!Ifeelasifanewlighthaddawneduponmyexistenceandatthismoment,sweetvisionsoffuturehappinessare

floatingthroughmymind.Aweightistakenfrommyheartagrievousweight,andItrustitwillneverreturn.DearestyouhaveconferredsomuchhappinessuponmethatIknownothowtoexpressmyjoyandthankfulness.ShouldHeavenspareus,alifeofunchangingdevotionshallexpressthemforme.Itisnearmidnight,andImustnowretire,butIfearitwillbetoasleeplesspillow,formythoughtsareallwithyou,andmyheartpinesforyou.TheMaj.says"givetheGen.mybestlove,"andMrs.ReilyandAnnaLubbock3sendthierstoyou.

Farewellmostbelovedofhusbands.ThydevotedMaggy

1HenryLea.Thisletterhasnotbeenfound.2CharlesPower,amerchantfromEngland.MadgeW.HearneCollection,SanAntonio.3ThesisterofFrancisR.Lubbock.DorothyKnoxHoughtonet.al.,Houston'sForgottenHeritage,(Houston:RiceUniversityPress,1991),25.

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ToMrsMargaretLeaHoustonCityofHoustonTexasByMajSmith

Austin8thJany1842

Mydearest,

MajSmith1willstarttodayforGalveston,andbyhimIwritetoyou,butnopleasantnews.MajorKaufman2wasshotbyMayfield3onthe6thinst.Heisnotdead,butlittlehopeisentertainedinfavourofhisrecovery.Poorfellow,hesuffersmuchinbodyandmindIfear!Ihavewrittentohisfatherinlaw4andrenderedmycondolencestohisdear

wife!IhavewrittenthebestletterthatIcoulddo,undercircumstancesofsodelicateacharacter!ThismomentDr.Jones5tellsmethatMajorKaufmanisbetter!Isincerelyhopethathemayrecover.HeisinthehandofanAlmightyGod!whotempersthebreezetotheshornlamb!

Mydearest!Ihopeyouwillnotfeelunhappyatthisnews,thoIamassuredthatyoumustfeelveryunpleasant!Anddistressed!Wemustlooktotheauthorofourexistence,forsafety&preservation!

MyLove!IfeelthatthereisaSpiritwhichpervadesallspace,andillumineseternity!Uponthatspirit,wewillrely.Mydearest,Ihavemaintainedmyresolution,asto''swearing,''andtheviceofintemperancehasnotonecharmforme!

Itwill,Ifeelassured,gratifyyoutohearthenewsfromme,becauseyouareaware,thatIwillneverdeceiveyou,evenintrifles,muchinlessinmatters,whichinvolvebothyourhappinessandcharacter,foritiscertainthatthewifemustsharethedestinyofherhusband,sofarashischaracteristoregulatehispositioninsociety!Iregardthedestinyofthehusband,asmuchdependentuponhisrelationstothedearobjectofhisaffections!Ifheisnoble,generous,andmanly,hewillalwaysregardherfeelingsandhappinesswhilesheontheotherhand,willconsulthisfeelings,andpreservehishonorastherichestjewelinlife'scasket!!!

Dearest,EverynightmyprayersareofferedtoHeaven,foryourpreservationandhappiness!Iwillnevercease,throughlife,toinvokethefavouroftheAlmighty!

MyeverdearMaggy!Nothinghasyetbeendone,abouttheseatofGovernment,butonethingyoumayrelyupon!Iwillneveroccupyanysituationthatwillrequiremetoremainapartfromyou!Seperation[sic]fromyouisthemostpainfulofallmyendurance!Ifsparedtoembraceyoumydearest,Iwillnotagainleaveyouuntilyoubidmego!Andsaytome"Mylove,Yourcountrydemandsyourservicesinthefield!Goanddefendher."ThiseventIhope,willneveroccur.ThereforeImaysay,thatIwillneverleaveyou,norforsakeyou!

Thisevening,IintendtorideouttoCol[George]DurhamswithJudge[GeorgeW.]Terrell,JudgeJosephEve]Evesandseveralmore,tostayuntilMonday,andobtainsomerest.Mylaborhereisnotsogreatasithasbeen!ThedispositionofCongressseemsmorekindtomethanit

hasdone!Ihopeitmayberealized,foritwillbesomuchbetterforthecountry!Onmypartnothingshallbewantingtopromote,andmaintainthebeststateoffeeling,solongasmyprerogativesarerespected!Youwou'dwishmetogonofurther,Iamsuremydear!

Icanwriteyounomore,exceptthatIwillnotfailtorememberthat"MajCocke6writesabeautifulhand.etc.

Mydear,Iwilldoanythinginmypowerforhim!Youdidthatbeautifully,mostbeautifully.Well,mydearest,Ionlyloveyouthe

more,forsodoing!Iwillomitnoopportunityoftellingyouorindicatingtoyou,asmallportionofmyboundlessloveforyou!

Youwill,Ihopepresentmeverykindly,toourdearfriends.Whendwellinginthoughtuponyoumydear,anddeploringyourprobableindisposition,IcannotbutembraceMrsAndrews,MrsReily,andyrfriendMagStone,inthegroupofyourkind,andgenerousattendance!Youmustrendertothem,aportionofgratitude.Icanneverexpressitsmeasure!

DonotfailtocommendmetoColAndrews,MajReilyandourfriends!MyLove,Iwillwritebymail,ifbutoneline!tosay"MyLove!IGreetyou!"Inthemeantimewritemuchtomeorasmuchasyoucanwithconvenience!

SendmylovetoMother,toourdearSisters,andbrothers,whenyouwritetothem!Ilookformanylettersfromyou,andhopetomeetoneormorethiseveningasIamtotravelthemainroad!MyLove,ifyouwantmoney,calluponMrRuthvan7orColAndrews.MajWesternishere.Idon'tknowwhatheisdoing,butIreckon,forHarrisburg8strongly!


Maggy

1ItisuncleartowhichSmithHoustonrefers.JohnH.SmithisidentifiedaresidentofHarrisCountybyDixonandKemp,104.2DavidSpanglerKaufman.3JamesMayfield.AccordingtoreportsMayfieldspokeontheHouseflooronajudiciarybillandmentionedKaufmaninaseveremanner,callinghimbyname.WhentheHouseadjournedKaufmanwaswaitingforhimarmedwithacane.MayfieldthenshotKaufmantwice.Hogan,272.ThestorywasreportedinTelegraphandTexasRegister,January19,1842.

4Col.DanielLongRichardsonofSabine,thefatherofJaneRichardsonKaufman.WhiteandToole,21.5AnsonJones.6HoustonprobablyisreferringtoMajorWilliamG.Cooke.7ArchibaldSt.ClairRuthvanwasthebookkeeperforRice-Nicholsfirm.HelaterbecameawellknownmerchantinHouston.ForabiographyseeWritings,VII,555n.8HoustonisreferringtothefactthatMajorThomasWesternwaslobbyingtohavethecapitolmovedtoHarrisburg.

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MrsSamHoustonCityofHoustonTexasByMrHarris

Austin10thJany1842

Mydearest,

Yoursofthe3rdinstant,Imetlasteveningninemilesfromthecity,1whereIwaspassingmytimefromSaturdayuntilthismorning.Iwasveryhappy,yes!Love,Iwasrejoicedtoreceive&peruseitagain,again!IalsolearnedfromMr.Greenwhosawyou,thatyouwerewell.Ihavealetterforyou,butcou'dnotsendit,asMajSmithwentoffwithoutmyknowledge.MrHarris2isnowwaitingonmeforthishastynote.

OnyesterdayIreadtheBible,andpassedthedayinpeaceandtranquility,athingthatIcou'dnothavedoneinAustin!MajKaufmanisthoughttobeoutofdanger.Iamrejoicedattheprospect!

IcanonlysaytoyoumyLovethatIthinkofyouconstantlyandloveyouwithoutmeasure.Yesmylove,Nonebutyoucaneverwarmthisheartintoboundlessaffection!Ohmydearest,don'tbeunhappyabouttheseatofGovernment!AboutthismatterIsaynothing!Idonotdrink,norswear,andonlythinkofourmutualhappiness,andofVirtue,andpurityofmylifeexcept,thoughtsofourcountry.Myregardstoourfriendsall!

ThydevotedHouston

Margaret

1AtthehomeofGeorgeDurham.2HoustonisprobablyreferringtoamemberofthefamilyofLouisBirdsallHarris,wholivedinHarrisburg.Best,353.

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Austin12thJany1842

MyDearest,

Yourverywelcomeepistle,1bythemail,cametomelastnightIsay"verywelcome,"butIneednotdoso,forallyourlettersaretomeendearedbyassociationtoreflect,whileIperuseyourletters

thatonlyafewhourspast,youbreatheduponthesheetwhichcontainsthebreathingofaffection,andyetIcannotevenbeholdthebelovedobjectofallmyloveanddevotion!Yes,mydearone,Ideemtheprivilegeofthesenselesspaperahappyone,foryoucanbestowasmileorsmilesuponit,andwhisperthesweetaccentsofthought,aswellasimpresstherecollectionsofotherdays!Dayswhicheverbesacredtome,tous!Theyaredaysof"Wildwood"memory.YoucannotmyLovecherishthosehoursofholyloveandaffectionwithmorelivelysensationsthanmyself.Iwasdelightedwithyourdream,andthesweetdescriptionofpasthoursOh!Withwhataconsuming,andmaddeninganxietydoIlookforwardtothemoment,whenIshallagainpressmybelovedtothislonelyheart!Love!Youfeel,andexpressthemostpainfulsolicitudeformyreturnItoofeel,butcannotexpress,intermssuchasyoucan,theemotionscommontousboth.

ThismomentIhavelearnedthatthereisaprospectofaspeedyadjournmentofCongressIpraythatitmaybethecase.Ihave"Saxe"wellshod,andkeephiminthecityreadytobeoffwiththefirsttodepart.ThiseveningIwillrideouttothecountry,andpassthenight,asthephysicianssaytomethegreatadvantagethatIderivefromexerciseshou'dbekeptup!Myfood,andtherelaxationofbusiness,areofgreatadvantagetome!IwillnotuntilwemeetdescribetoyouthewayinwhichIsubsistinthisawfulCity.Yes"mostawful"Whenwemeet,mybeloved,Iwilltakegreat,yea!vastpleasure,ingivingyouthedetailsofmy"obitiumcumdignitate,"atAustin!

Youmaybychance,seeapublicationinthepaperrelativetotheseatofGovernment!Thisisgratuitous,butIwillletitpass!Thepeoplehereareverykindtome,andsay"Houstonisaverycleverfellow.Iwillsupporthisadministration."Soyouseemydearhowstrongselfinterestisinthemortalfeelings.Yes!YouandIareselfishIloveyoubecauseIdeemyousuperiortoallothers,invirtue,andexcellence,andtherefore,Iwishyoutobemineonly,for,byyou,Iamhappyand

prov'dIamblessed,andtobehappy&blessedissurelyselfishinus!Youareselfish,becauseyoudonotwishmetoloveanother;becauseitwou'ddisparageyou,andyoucou'dnotloveme,butwou'dbemiserable.Mydearest,youwillseethatIamgreatlyhurried,andexcusetheinelegantmodeofexpressionusedbyme!

IwillwriteeverydaythatIcansendyoualetter,ifbutasinglelinetosay"DearestMargaret,indeedIloveyou."IhavejustseenGenlWoodandColNail.TheGenlsendstoyouandourMother,andtoyoualllove!

Ipresentedyoutobothgentlemenandtheyweredelighted.Iwilltry,anddosomethingfortheoldColonel.Itoldhimhowmuchyouweredelightedwithhispublications,andIthoughtHewou'dgointofits!

IdidnotraveatArmstrongs3letter,butwillsenditexpresssoontoCedarPoint.ButlestImaynot,pleasegetColAndrewstosendformyhorseforthwith,andlethimbeputatthestableofMrFloyd4inHouston.IftheColshou'dhavetopaymoney$20.00togetthehorsebroughttoHouston,Iwillrepayitwithpleasure,whenIcomedown.Dolethimbesentforbyallmeans.Hecostme$5,500.00.

Ingreathaste.MyLoveIameverthydevotedhusband.

Houston

Margaret

1SeeMargarettoHouston,January5,1842.2GeorgeF.WoodandJamesC.Neill.3JacobArmstrong.4ElishaFloydownedtheCityHotelonFranklinAvenuebetweenMainandTravisinHouston.Writings,I,341nandWhite,CitizensofTexas,v.1,LandGrants,84.

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MargarethadmettheBritishhistorianWilliamKennedyinHouston.ShewrotealetterofintroductionforhimtotaketoAustinalongwithapersonalnotetoherhusband.

HoustonJan.12th[1842]

Itakegreatpleasureinpresentingtomydearhusband,Mr.WilliamKennidy1whoseworkonTexashasinterestedussomuch.Hehasmyassuranceofthehighestimationinwhichyouholdhimandthegratificationitwillaffordyoutoformhisacquaintance.IhopetheveryfavourableimpressionhehasproducedabroadwithregardtoTexas,willbebourn[sic]inremembrancebythecitizensofAustin,

andthattheywillrenderhisvisitasagreeableaspossible.

EverthineMargaretLeaHouston

Gen.SamHouston

Thursday13th[1842],Jan.

Dearest,

Ihaveaboontoaskofyou.CanyounotgiveMr.KennidyalineaboutthetaskwhichweonceassignedtoDr.Irion:Asyoumaynotunderstandmeinaword,Iwishhimtowriteyourbiography!IhavesetmyheartuponitLove.Donotsuffermetobedisappointed.Iknownopenthatcouldsorichlyportraythethrillingincidentsofyourlife.YouwillnotdenymeLove.

ThyMaggy

P.S.Iamperfectlywellthismorning

1WilliamKennedywasconfirmedasconsulgeneralfromTexastoGreatBritainonFebruary3,1842.HeresignedashorttimelatertoacceptthepositionofBritishconsulfortheportofGalveston.WhileheneverdidwriteabiographyofSamHouston,hewastheauthorofahistoryofTexasintwovolumespublishedinLondon:TheRise,ProgressandProspectsoftheRepublicofTexas.Writings,II,450.

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MrsHoustonCityofHoustonTexasByJudgeHart1

Austin13thJany1842

Mydearest,

Yesterday,Iwrotetoyou,andthenspenttheeveningthreemilesfromthecityataMrSmiths,whereIhadmilkfirstrate,andhominy.IsleptprettywellandthismorningIamquitewell,asIthoughtofyouforhoursafterIlaydown.Iamnotdispleasedwithmyreflections.Youarethesoleofmythoughts,andthebrightstarofmyhopes!Thismorning,Icanonlysayawordtoyou,asJudgeHartisnowwaitinginmyroom,andwillsetoutassoonasIclose.IhavewrittentoColonelAndrewsbyJudgeHartanddirectedhimwhatI

wishdonewithmyhorse.Idislikemuchtothink,thatyouwillbetroubledwithanybusinessofmine!Don'tbeuneasy,Iprayyou.Iwilltakecarenottobevexedatanything,soastomakemyselfridiculous!!!Today,Ihaveavastdealofbusinesstotransact,andmustdoit!Timepasses,andImustconfessthatmyprinciple[sic]businesswilldometorecommendusefulmeasuresandpreventmischief!Iwillnothavethepleasuretoapproveanythingbeneficial,Ifear,forpoordearTexas.ButcheerupmyLove!Wewillhavebetterlucknexttime.YouwillseeDoctMoore2perhapsandifyoushou'dmydear,treathimkindly.IhaveburiedtheTomahawkwithhim,and'tiswelltodoso.IamatwarnowwithnooneandonlypassMayfield3withoutnotice!Iwillonlytrytogethome,andseemylove,andlivehappy.Yes,happywithyou,withmydearlybelovedMargaret.OhmyLove,myheartswellswithemotionsmostpainful,whenIlookoutmywindow,thismorning,andseethebrightsunofKindHeavencheeringallnature,butmylonelyheart.

Myregardstoallourfriends,anddobelievethatmyheartisincapableofentertainingaffectionorloveforanybeingonearthbutyouMaggy!

ToDayareporthasreached[me]fromSanAntoniothat70IndianscametoaRanchobelowthetown,some30mileswoundedasmany.IwillmakeamessagetoCongress,onthesematterstoday!

Behappyandrelyuponmydevotionandboundlesslove.DearestAdieu.

ThyHouston

LadyMargaret

1JudgeWilliamHart.2Dr.FrancisMoore,Jr.,editoroftheTelegraphandTexasRegister.ForabiographyseeWritings,VIII,125n.

3RobertMayfield.

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Austin14thJany1842

Youcanhavenoideamydearest,ofthepleasurewhichyourveryagreeablelettergavetome!MrAllenarrived,andIheardthathehadaletterfromyou.1ImmediatelyIsentforhimandtheletter!

Indeed,Iperuseditwithuncommonhaste!Theonlyportionwhichgavemepainwasthatwhichannouncedtomeyourindisposition.Oh,thosemiserablechills&feversdoannoyanddistressyousomuch!Ihopeyouwillsoonescapetheirinfluenceandbecomeentirelywell!WereIwithyoudearest,Iwou'dnotbesounhappyontheiraccount,andforotherreasons,Iwou'dbetenthousandtimesmorehappy!Iwouldhaveanoblehearttosympathisewithme,ineverycare,andinallsolicitude.

TomorrowDearest,Iintendtovisitthecountryandstayuntilmondaymorning.JudgeBaylorwillpreachthereandwewillgodowntogetherItisthehousewheretheweddingwas,buttheBride2doesnotlivethere.Sodon'tthinkthatsheistheattractionforthoinvitedbyherhusband,3Ihavenotseenhersincethewedding.

IgrantthatMajReilymayhaveintendedacomplimenttoyou,buthesurelydidslanderthelady!Sheisnotugly,atthesametimeIwillnotadmitthatsheisbyagooddeal,asprettyasyourLadyship,nordoIloveher,sowellbyaninfinitedeal!

(15th)Dearest,Ireposedlastnightwell,andfeeltodayasthoIwasonthemendinghand.AllmyfriendssaytheyhavenotseenmelooksowellinTexas!Somydearest,Ihopeasyourgeneralhealthissogood,thatweshallmeet,both,(andbothofus)incheerfulness,andpreparetomakeourramblesatCedarPoint.

TodayLove,amancametometobeemployedinbuildingmeahousewhereeverImightdesiresoIwillsendhimtoHoustonifheleaveshere,andlethimputusupahouseeitheratmyRancho,4oratthePoint,5aswemaythinkbest.IintendtohaveitRough-cast,(white,oranycolourwhichyoumaychuse)Iwillhaveitveryneatifwelive.

Whilewriting,mymindflys[sic]inadvance,tohappydays,daysyet

tocome!MyLove,Idonotforget,thatourbreathisinournostrilsandthatourdestinyisinthehadofourCreatorGod!OnHimdoIrelyforevery"goodandperfectgift."

Mydearyouwillsee,thatIhaveissuedaRecommendationtokeepaHolyFastonthe2nddayofMarchnext.Howthismayberegardedbysomepersons,Idonotknow;normydearestdoIcare.HadIbeenchary,Iwou'dnothavebeenSamHouston,butbeingHouston,Iwillnotbefoolishlyindreadofwhattheworldmaysay,

orthinkofmyactions;beingsatisfiedmyselfthattheyareright,Iwillmaintainthemso!MyLove,YouIknowwillapprovethemeasurehighlyandtruly!Thiswou'dbeenoughformysatisfaction!Ihavedoneright!!!

18th

Dearest,IwenttothecountrywithHonBaylor,Terrell,GeneralHunt,Hockley&others.OnsundaywehadpreachingthonotbyJudgeBaylorashewastoounwell!Wepassedthedayveryquietly,andthatnight,JudgeBaylorandmyselfhadanargumentaboutman'saccountability,andI,ofcoursethoughtmyviewsmostorthodox.Wedifferedbutdidnotquarrel!TheJudgeisagoodman,butnoCalvinist.Ididnotknowyourviewonthesematters,tho'thequestionarose!Thesematterswealludedtoonce,butyoumaynotrememberit!

ManythanksdearestforyourvariouslettersbyMrKennedy.6Theoneintroductorywasverypretty,andveryproper!Fortheothers,Love,Iamobligedtoyouverymuch!

Iwill"notrefuseyourrequest,"abouttheitemsofHistoryforMrK,butIwilldeferacompliancewithit,untilwecanmeet,&thenmydearestwewilldetermine,astothemostdelicateanddignifiedmodeofdoingthething.

Ihaveeverydisposition,DearWife,tocomplywithyourwishes,becausetheyarealwayssensible.They[are]justsuchastheIdolofmyheartshou'dentertain,andsuchasadevotedhusbandshou'dbeproud&happytogratifyThismydear,isapartfromthepleasureofcontributingtoyourvanitywhichItrulyconfessismoreonaccountofmyselfthanonouraccount.YouwillthinkIintendtobesmart?butnoIonlydesigntobefacetious,butitmayrequirealooktogivethepropereffect.

YourletterLove,onthesubjectof"addages"7mademeveryhappy,andasIletafriendortwoseeit,wewereallamused,andwerepleased,thatitindicatedatleastaclear&healthyconditionofmind,thothechillsandfeversafflictedyourbody!YouspeakofwhatMajorReilytoldyouaboutthe"Bride."ShewasonavisittoColDurhamsonlastsaturday,withherdearhusband!SoIreadtoher,andMrsDurhamthepartofyouletterconcerningher,andasyousaidthat"youwouldbelievethatshewaspretty"etc.Ithoughtshewou'dfaintwithpleasure!Ohshewassopleased,andtheold

Ladytoo!Shewillalwaysbehappy,andremainsatisfiedwithherself.ButLove,youwillremember,thatIdidnotsaysheresemble[d]youinfeatures.Ohno!thatwon'tdo!Sheisnotprettybutherform,andgaitorstep,areverymuch"likemysisterEliza's."

YouItellyou[sic]thatyouremindmeofherattimes.IdonotcompareyoutoanyotherTheymayresembleyouinsomethings,butnotinall.You(asyoubelieve)aremynonpareil.IamhappythatyourfaithinthisisperfectIfitwerenot,Ishoulddoubtmyownworth,andhonor,thodearest,onthissubject,Ihaveneverbeensceptical[sic].Couldyoubutseetheemotionsofmyheartreflectedyouwou'd[not]doubt,thatallearthcomparedtoyouinmyaffectionsisaverynothing,andevenmymindextendsinmyloveforyoutoaneternalroundofbeing.YesmyDearestthoughthespeculationisenshroudedbymyimperviousmystery,yetitisnotsinfultohope,andaspireinsoul,tothecontemplationofsuchsubjectDidIdoso,inderisionofGods[sic]attributes,Iwou'dbesinful,butIdosowithreverence,ifnotwitha"perfectheart."IknowthatnothinglessthanvirtuecanguaranteethesweetvisionsofHope!

Mydearest,Iwillcherishvirtue,andallmyexertionsshallbedirectedtosecureaninterestinEternallife.Thismydear,must[be]underthedispensationofheaven,byvirtueofChrist'satonement.Youmydearest,mayrestassured,thatIwillnevertriflewithprofessionsconnectedwiththeinstitutionsofReligionortheadorationofJehovah!Iamdonewiththevanitiesandfrivolitiesoflife,sofarasIcanjudgeofmyself!Mycheerfulness,Ihope,willretainunimpaired,orratherimproved!IhopemyeverDearestMaggy,thatwhenwemeet,youwillhavereasontobecheerful!IprayHeaven,thatwemaysoonmeetagain,nevertobeabsentfromeachother,onesingleweekthro'life!

Dearest,YouspeakofMaggyStoneNowdon'tyoutellherthatIwill

becertaintokissher,ifyouarepresentwhenIseeher,but"myprivateopinion"isthatIwillreallygiveherabuss,orpinchherear!ThisIintendtodo,forthelovewhichshehasborneyou,inmyabsence!TellherthatIsaysheisa"littleCaptain."

MyLove,IwashappytoreceivedearAntoinettesletter.8Ifearsheisnothappy,butIpraythatmyapprehensionsmaybegroundless.Sheoughttobehappy,abeingsopure,andsweetshouldbehappy!IdoregretthattheydidnotsettleatthePoint.Itwou'dhave

beenofgreatadvantagetousboth!IwillnotsaysotoourSister,andasforBledsoe,Iwillnotwritetohim!Ihopehemayprosper,butindeedIfear,thathewillbeunpopularwhereverheresides,andthiswillrenderDearSisterunhappyifsheshou'dknowit!Forher,Iwilldoeverythinginmypower.WhytheydidnotpreferthePointIcannotsay,tho'Imightguess.Myoffersweresoliberal,thatnoonecou'dobjectwhohadgoodsense!IamsureitwasnotthefaultofSister!

IamgladthatyouhaveseenVernalandthinkstrangethatMartinhasnotbeenovertoseeus.Poorfellow,Ifearthathefeelshisembarrassments.Iwou'dbeveryhappy,ifitwereinmypowertorelieveallhiswants.

VernalmaydowellatLibertytho'Ididnotwishhimtosettlethere,asitisregardedtobethemostsicklyvillageinTexas.Iofferedmyadvicetohim,touchingMontgomery,buthedidnotlikeit.ShouldheevenenjoyhealthinLiberty,hisfriendswillfeeluneasyabouthim.Hadhebeensettled,Icou'dhaveappointedhimsolicitorforsomeDistrict.

WheneverVernalasksformyadvice,inobediencetoourDearHenrysrequest,Iwillgivehimmyadviceandsuggestions,butnototherwise!Helacksconfidenceinmyjudgment,andIregretitsincerely!Ineverthelessshallfeeladeepinterestinhiswelfareandsuccess!

DearestMaggy,IamfearfulthatyouwillthinkIaminapet!WellImaybeso,fortodayIhavebeenpesteredoutofallmeasure,anditisverylateatnight.IhopeearlyinthemorningtosendyouthisletterbyMrDoswell,9andbymailImaywritealso.

Ihavenothingfunnytowritetoyou,noranythingpleasant.Idonotknowwhenourwisemenwillgettiredofearning$8.00perday,ingoodfunds.Theyappeartohaveapenchant,forsuchlabour.They(or

apartofthem)seemtolikethebusiness,&Ithinktheyhadbestdoso,forIsincerelyhopeitwillbethelasttimethatmanyofthemwillhaveachancetoservetheirdearconstituentsinCongress.

ThiseveningLove,IrodeoutwithMrKennedy,andwehadmuchtosaytoeachother.Ithinkwhenherivises[sic]hiswork,hewillbeinpossessionofmoreinformationtouchingTexasmatters!HethinksCongressisnotsowiseastheythinkthemselves.HeisintheEnglishsenseavery''cleverman.''Iammuchpleasedwithhim,Iassureyou,andheseemstothinkmyhuntingshirtquitecomfort-

able&Respectable!

Iamsureyouwillwearybythetimethatyouhaveperusedthisletterofmanydays!Ifeelmorehappywhencommuningwithyou,evenbyletterthanatanyothertime,whileIamabsentfromyourdearestLove!Reflectthen,whatmyhappinesswouldbe,ifIcou'donlyembrace,pressyoutomyheart!Ihopethedayisnotremote,whenwewillmeet,andmydearestyouwillobtaintheconsentofyourMother,toourunion,forreallyIdofeelastho'Ihadwrittennearly"loveletters"enoughforonecourtship!But"nousverrons"ifyoushou'drejectmedearLady,IwillneveraddressanotherGal,youmaybesure.SoyouseeIamingoodearnestandnojoke,shou'dKindHeavenpermitusoncemoretomeet.

YoumustalwayspresentmekindlytoourdearMother,andrelativeswhenyouwritetoanyofthem.Icanonlywritetoyou,andthatchieflyatnight!

Youknowbest,inwhatphrasetopresentmetoourfriendssoIdelegatetoyouLove,fullpowers!

HowtheseatofGovernmentwillbedetermined,Icantsay,butIlearnedthereismuchfeelingaboutthematterToliveapartfromyouLove,whilewedolive,Iwillnotsubmitto,ifIhaveonlylefttomethepowertoresignalltheoffice[sic]thatInowhold!

Congressmustadjournbythe30thinstant,butIhopemuchsooner.ItisdoingnogoodIassureyou!Thepeoplewillnotthankthemforwhattheyhavedone,inmyopinion!

Dear,Myonlypleasureisinreadingyourletters,andIthankyougreatlytrulyforyourfrequentletters.Theycannotcometoooften!Iwillnothavetimetoreadandcorrectthisletter.

Thyeverdevotedhusband

Houston

LadyMaggy

1SeeMargarettoHouston,January7,1842.2NancyAnnMillsSmith.IdentifiedinGrammer,76.3AlfredSmith.Ibid.4HoustonownedpropertyonthesouthwestoutskirtsofHoustonnearthehomeofHadleyandObedienceSmith.SeeHoustontoMargaret,May14,1842.5CedarPointonGalvestonBay.6SeeWilliamKennedy'sletterofintroductionandMargarettoHouston,January12,1842.7SeeMargarettoHouston,January7,1842.8Thisletterhadnotbeenlocated.

J.TempleDoswell,aHoustonmerchant.IdentifiedinHoughton,66.

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HoustonJan14,1842

DearestHusband,

IreturnedthiseveningfromMaj.Reily'sandIamnowinmyroomwiththelonelywidowofMr.Butler,whosharesitwithmesinceherhusband'sdeath.OhmyLove,itisasadofficetocheerthebereavedinheart!forwhatcanwesaytothem?Wecannotsayhewillcomeagainwhenthecloudsandgloomofwinterarepast,andthespringreturns.Ohno,heisgonetohislonghome,andwillcomenomore!Norcanwesaythathomeisahappyone,forthemysteriesofeternityarehiddenfrommortalsight.Poordesolateone!WouldthatIcouldofferhersomeconsolation!Ienjoyedamelancholysatisfactiontonightonleavingthegayandcrowdedparlourbelow,forthepurposeofcuringhersolitude,forIfeltthatitwasasacredduty.

DearestIamdeeplydeprest[sic]tonightandrealyoughtnottowriteyouinsuchspirits,butassomegentlemenaregoinguptomorrow,Imustsayawordortwotoyou.Irec'dyourlettertodaybyMr.Shaw,lbutyousaidnothingaboutcominghome,andashedidnotdeliverithimself,Ihadnoopportunityonquestioninghimabouttheprobabilityofanadjournment.IfeelasifIwouldnotlivewithoutyouanylonger.Myfriendsareveryattentivetomeandexertthemselvestoamuseme.AlmosteverydayIhaveaninvitationtodineout,butmyhealthdoesnotoftensuffermetogoout.TomorrowIexpecttodinewithMrs.Norwood2andontuesday,IthinkMrs.Reily,theMaj.andIwillgoouttoMrs.Hadly's.3

MyLoveIcannotwritemoretonight,foritisquitelateandIamfeebleandunwell,butIwillwriteagainbyDr.Smith4whoexpectstosetoffinadayortwo.Dowritetomeoftendearest,foryoulettersaremycomforters.

ThinedevotedlyM.L.Houston

1HoustontoMargaret,January6,1842.2MargaretisprobablyreferringtoMrs.NathanielNorwood(MargariteAdeleEwing).IdentifiedinBest,351.3PietySmithHadley,thewifeofT.J.B.HadleyofHouston.IdentifiedinKarenThompson,ed.,DefendersoftheRepublicofTexas,v.1,(Austin:LaurelHousePress,1989),24.4Dr.AshbelSmith.

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HoustonJan15th1842

Mybelovedhusband,

IwrotetoyoulastnightandpromisedtowriteagainbyDr.Smith.Ibelievethathegoesuptomorrow,sothatthiswillreachyoubythetimeyouhavequitefinishedtheformerscrawlandyouwillbecalleduponforanewtrialofpatience.Butno,Ishouldnotsaythatformyhusband'sletteraresuchsweetconsolerstomethatsurelyminemustinteresthimroughastheymaybe.Itisnothisbeautifullyroundedsentencesthatimpartsomuchjoytomyheart,buthisgentleexpressionofcontinuedloveandremembrance.Yourlettershavebeenlessfrequentoflateandmyspiritshavebeenfarlessbuoyant.Ihaveacontinualwearinessatmyheart,andtheverysightofcompanyisirksometome.IconversewithoutknowingwhatIsay,andsmileyetfeelnojoy.IbelieveIamgrowingselfish,forIcannotsympathisewithotherswhentheyarehappy,andalmostwondertoseethemso,expectingthemtofeelmyowngloomanddespondency.IdidnotdinewithMrs.Norwoodtoday,asItoldyoulastnightIwoulddoasIfeltsadandaversetoseeingcompany.

Capt.[JohnS.]BlackcalledonmetodayandbroughtveryencouragingnewsfromthePoint,buthehaswrittenyoueverythingsothatitwillbeunnecessaryformetorepeatit.OhhowIregrethavingannoyedyouwithArmstrong'sletter!Butmydear,IsentitbecauseIfeareditmightputyoutosomeinconveniencehereafterifIkeptyouinignoranceoftherealstateofthings.Butenoughofthis.OhmyLove,Icangiveyounocauseofmyutterprostrationofspirit!IremarkedtooneofmyfriendstodaythatIfeltthesamegloomthatopprest[sic]metheweekyouleftme.SincethattimeIhaveliveduponhopewiththeassistanceofsomefortitude,butnowIamwith-

outeither.Itseemscrueltotellyousomuchofmysorrow,althoughitiscausedbymyabsencefromyou,butdearestImustpouroutmyfullhearttoyou.Ifnottoyouwhoisthereinthiswideworldthatcanfeelmygrief!ThygenerousbosomhaseverbeenreadytoyielditssympathyandIwishnootheralleviation.Imightrushintothevertexoffashionandgaietyandforgetmylonelinessawhile,butnointheabsenceofmyhusbandthatlonelinessissacred.

Sabbathmorning16th

Ifeelinbetterspiritsthismorningandwouldwriteyoualongletter,butDr.Smithisjuststarting.Bro.V[ernal]leftyesterdayandrequestedmetoaskyoutowritetohimatLibertyandhewishedsomeintroductoryletteramongstothersonetoMr.Uzzell.1DearestIampiningtoseeyou.Ohdocomehome.

ThydevotedwifeMaggy

'ElishaUzzell.

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ToMrs.HoustonCityofHoustonByMr.[J.Temple]Doswell

Austin19thJany1842

DearMargaret,

ThismorningIfeelquiterefreshedagainwithsleep.Twonights,IhaverestedmorethaninanyformerperiodinthesametimesincemyarrivalinthisCity.IlookhourlyforMr.Doswell.Iusehimtosendlettersbyhim,butnotthathehasbeenorisa"Houstonman."The

reasonwhyIfeelmoretranquil,thanusualisthatIhopesoontoberelievedfromthisplaceandbewhereIhopeforHappiness,forlove,forjoy,butnotforpeace.PeacecannotbemineDearestwhileIseemycountrydepressedasitisatthistime!

MyLove,Youwishmetosayifwearetohavewar,andthatyouwillrelyuponmyopinion,orsayso.Icanonlysaymydear,thatMexicoisinabettersituationtoinvadeTexas,thanshehasbeen,since1836.Nowwhethersheisyetinaconditiontomakeacam-

paignagainstusmustbedeterminedbyourselves.ThismiserableCongress,Idonotmeanall,iscalculatedtodestroythecountryifanythingcandoit.(thisissubrosa).Butofthistherestwhenwemeet.Thebearerwillbehereinafewmoments,andImustclosewithofferingtheembracesofmymosttenderanddevotedaffection!

ThesessionofCongressandSupremeCourtatthesametime,iswhatprolongsourSessiontosuchauselesslengthoftime.AmajorityoftheLawyerscomposeCongress,andtheyhavebusinessinCourtlikewise!

Dearest,NoapplicationhasbeenmadeforleavetomarchtroopsthroTexasfromtheUStates,nortoinvadeMexico,orifithasbeendone,Ihavenotheardofit.

Myregardstoourfriends.ManyblessingstoMajReily,Madame,&Donny.IwillsendletterstotheMajor.

ThymostdevotedhusbandHouston

MrsMaggy

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MargaretLeaHoustonCityofHoustonTexasMail

Austin19thJany1842

Dearest

Iamjustreadytorideoutthiseveningandgetamorseltoeat,forheremyloveIcangetnothingfittoliveon.IndeedIwouldpityadog

whowassituatedasIam.Ihavenobedtosleepupon.Allwas,andremainswastethatbelongedtoGovernment.Iamindeeddestitute,butthankmyGod,Iwillsoonbereleasedfromthismiserableplace,againandagain,andagainseeyouMyLoveToseeyou,andnottoleaveyou!norforsakeyou.TheBaroucheisatthedoor!


Maggy

MrKennedy,GeneralsHunt&Morehouse'willbewithme!InthemorningIwillreturn.

1EdwinMorehouse,AdjutantGeneraloftheArmy.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,521n.

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HoustonJan20th1842

MyLove,

IhavehadtheextremegratificationofreceivingyourlettersbyMr.Harris1andJudgeHart.2TheformerIdidnotsee.TheJudgecalledonmeyesterday.Thepoorfellowstillsmartsundertheremembrancesofhisderelictionfromduty.Iendeavoredtomakehimaseasyaspossible,buteverythingthatwassaidseemedtoremindhimofhisformerinconsistencyandcalledforthanapologyfromhim.Hetellsmethatcongresswillinallprobabilityadjourntoday,soIamwritingtoyouhalfexpectingthatmyletterwillpassyouontheway,butIwillriskit.Idonotintendtolookforyouwithoutanystrongreason,forIdonotthinkIcouldbearadisappointmentatpresent.Itwouldcertainlybeverypainful.MyheartbeatsalmosttosuffocationwhenIthinkofmeetingyou.IfIplaythesillychildLove,youmustexcuseme,butIwilltrytoactwithbecomingdignity!Dearest,youtellmethatyoucannotexpressyouraffectionforme.Anddoyourealylovememorethanyouexpress?Ifso,Iamblessedindeed!ImyselfthoughIhavenottoldyouso,haveoftenfeltasaddearthoflanguage,andinreviewingmyletters,theyfallsofarshortofmydevotiontoyouthattheyseemcoldandlifeless,andIfearyouhavethoughtthemso.Iregretonethingthattheyhavebeensogloomyandcalculatedmoreto

depressthantocheeryou,buthowwouldIbegaywhenseperatedfrommybelovedhusband?

Itisacoldandgloomydayandtheladiesaredullandspiritlessfromlastnight'sball.TheyallwentfromthehouseexceptmypoorfriendMrs.Butlerandmyself.Ispenttheeveninginreligiousconversationwithher,howmuchmorehappilythanifIhadjoinedothersinthelevityandfrivolitythatgildsthewaytodarknessanddeath!Mrs.B.isnaturallyalightheartedthoughtlessbeing,andbe-

foreherhusband'sdeathoftenchidedherforspeecheswhichIconsideredirreverentandsinful,butnowsheishumbledandsubduedandmuchinterestedinreligioussubjects.Ohhowafflictionbendstheproudspirit!Dearest,thedesolatesituationofmypoorfriendhascausedmetothinkmuchofthefewpastmonthsofourweddedhappinessandtoaskmyselfsolemnlyifmyhearthadnotbeentoostronglyboundbyearthlyties!IwouldnotwishtoloveyoulessthanIdo,butohItremble,whenIrememberhowcompletelyeverythought,hope,andfeelingofmysoulwasabsorbedinthatlove,andhowforgetfulIhavebeenofthatgreateternalbeingwhobestowedsomuchhappinessuponme!CouldIhavequestionedthejusticeofGod,ifhehadtakenyoufromme,andleftmelikeothersinthisdarkworld,heart-brokenandhopeless?Ahno,myguiltyconsciencecouldhavewhisperedthatIhadneglectedyoureternalinterestwhileyouwerewithmeandsufferedmyaffectionstocreateanearthlyHeavenforthemselvesanddeservedthedespairthathadfallenuponme!Dearesthusband,youareyetsparedtome,andifmyeagerhopesdeniedmenotyourhearthasbeentouchedbytheHolySpirit.AhdonotgrievethatSpiritbutyieldtoitsgentlepleadings.DearestIhaveneverattemptedtogiveyouafullexpressionofthehappinesswhichyourrecentsacrificesofhabithaveconferreduponme,forhowcouldIexpressitandevenifmylanguagewereadequate,perhapsyouwouldthinkitanunreasonabledegreeofjoyforsuchacausefornohumanbeingcanappreciatemyfeelingsinthiscasenonotevenmydearhusbandwhohasneverfailedtosympathisewithanyotheremotionofmyheart.Butthereisabeing,whoseall-seeingeyehasmarkedanyvariationofmysoul'sdeepfeeling.ThatGodwhohasheardandansweredthewife'sprayer!

Ihavenointerestingdetailsforyou,orIwouldwritethem.YoumayrelyuponmydiscretioninspeakingofAustin,andeveryotherGovernmentalaffair.Awordfromthewiseissufficient!TheMaj.and

Mrs.Reilyarebusilypreparingforthierdeparture.3Hecomplainsthatyouhavenotwrittentohim.DearestItakeleaveofyouwiththehopeofhavingyouwithmesoon.

EverthydevotedwifeM.L.Houston

1HoustontoMargaret,January10,1842.

HoustontoMargaret,January13,1842.3JamesReilyhadbeenappointedastheTexasministertotheUnitedStates.TheywerepreparingtoleaveforWashingtonD.C.JosephWilliamSchmitz,TexasStatecraft1836-1845,(SanAntonio:Naylor,1941),178.

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Austin21stJany1842

EverDearestMaggy,

TwoorThreedayshaveelapsedsinceIwrotetoyou,andIabsolutelyfeellonesome.TodayIrodeoutforanhourwithMrKennedy,andeverydayhecallstoseeme.Iamverymuchpleasedwithhim,andweconverseveryfinelywheneverwearetogether.Ontomorrow,Iamincompanywithhimtovisitthecountryandstayuntilmonday.YouhavenoideaLove,howmuchtheairandscenesofthecountryimprovemyfeelings,aswellasmyhealth.Cou'dIonlyenjoythepresenceofmydear"weewifie,"anditwasanywherebutonthefrontier,Ifeelastho'Iwou'dbetrulyhappy.SinceIhavequitswearing(forIreallyhavequit)Ifeelmuchmoretranquil,andequanimityhastakentheplaceofpassionandtemper.Idofeelmydear,attimes,thatIwou'dbewillingtocasteverythingaside,andstarttoseeyou,andbehappy.

AstotheremovaloftheseatofGovernmentIamtoldithasbeensubmittedtoCongressbyvariousapplicants,representingdifferentplaces.Thattheyhaveallbeenrefer'dtoacommittee,whichwillreportonthesubjectinadayortwo.Ihavenoideawhatthereportwillbe,asItakenopartinthematter!MydutiesaretrulyarduousandifitwerenotthatIsometimesgettothecountry,Icou'dnotsustainmyself,tho'allsaythatmycolour,andhealthimprovedaily.Some

evensay,thatyouwillnotknowme,asmyhealthissomuchimproved.SoIhope,asyouwilllooksowell,thatwhenwedoseeeachother,therewillbeaweddingandforthisreason,Ihavesaid,obtainyourMothersapprobationtoourunion.Mymindissettledonthissubject,andIdonotexpecttochange!Ionlyregretthatyouwillhavesolongatimetodeliberate,butasIdon'tseeyoufickle,Iwillrelyuponafavourabledecision.IhopeCongresswillnotlonginterposeitssessiontotheconsummationofourwishes!Iamtold,thatithasbeensaidthatitwilladjourninsomeeightdaystowhichsayamenifnotbefore!

TheywillnotwishtostaymuchlongerIhope,andbelievefromthefactthatIsendthemmessageswhichmakemyenemies,andthoseofthecountrymind.Today,IsentaprettysmartonetotheHouseofRepresentatives.1Mayfield,Iaminformed,saiditwasinsultingtotheBodyHehasnogreatnumbertothinkwithhim.Theywillgetothers,yetstronger.Theonetodaywasprettyable!Itwaspreparedintoomuchhaste!

CongresshaspassedanexchequerBillwhichhasbecomealaw,andIlearnthataTariffBillhaspassedbutithasnotreachedme.Thelesstheydofortheremainderofthesession,thebetterforTexas!TheactionofabodyofmenisveryuncertainandtobefrankLove,notinfrequentlyveryinjurioustoapeople.

Imusttellyou,thatIammuchpleasedwithMrKennedy.Heisagentlemanofverycorrectmoralfeelings,andclearlyintellectual!TodayIplacedsomepapersinhishand,whichhavenevermetthepubliceye!TheywereinrelationtoSantaAnna'sliberationbyme.OnewasavetouponaResolutionoftheSenate.TheotherwasaletterfromSantaAnnatome2andhisautographwithwhichMrKwasmuchpleasedandMrKthinksaveryabledocumentuponthesubject.Hewillseetheotherpapershereimportanttothehistoryofthosetimes!IwillshowhimmyprophesyabouttheAlamo&Goliad!IpresumehewillgodownwithmetoHoustonwhenIgo,unlessheshou'dgotoSanAntoniodeBexar.Ihavenottoldyoumydear,thatMrsColSeguin3ofBexarsentmePeloucet4(Ithinkitiscalled)sugarandsomecharmingbread!IamgreatlypressedtovisitthemLove,butIwillnotgounlessyouarewithme!

YouwillhearthatIhavegotoppositioninCongress,butdonotbedismayed,myDear!Itwillallcomeoutright,butitmaybewhenthepeoplehaveexercisedtheirbenigninfluenceatthepolls!Atleastyoumaybeassuredthatyourhusbandwillpreservehishonorand

maintainthedignityofhisstation.Ifnotindress,hewillinaddress!IhavemanythingstosayLove,thatIwillnotwrite.YouknowthatIwou'dnotmakeafinehistorian,butamabetterspeaker,thereforeIhopesoontospeakthemalltoyou!Yes,talkyoutosleepasusual!Don'tthinkthisisanattemptatsmartness,forindeed,tonightIcou'dnotbesmartifIweretotryeversomuch!Today,Ihadbeenbotheredquitetoomuch,ifIcou'dhelpit!'TislateandIwilltry,andgetsomerest!Inthemorningdearest,Iwilldoubtlessresumemyepistle!soIwillsay"pleasantdreams"!

22ndDearest,'Tismorningandaprettyonetoo,butcold.MyreposeIthankGod,waspleasantandrefreshing!Thegood''Cits''areaboutbreakfasting,anduntilIcanrideoutthisevening,mytimewillbemuchoccupied!

UntilIcangetofffromhere,Iwillbepressedbyaconstantincreaseofbusiness.Itisalwaystheway,aboutthecloseofthesession.

MyLove,asyouaremyPremier,Imusttellyouasecrite[sic],andthatyoumaynotbekeptinsuspense,itisthis!MyfriendColAnderson5cannotgointotheTreasurybecauseheiscompelledtocomebacktotheHouseofReprs.'Tisallrightthatheshoulddoso,andhisprivatecircumstancesrequirethatheshou'dstayintheEastwithhisfamily.Heregretsthenecessity,butmustyield.Iamsatisfied,becauseIretainhisconfidence!

Tofillthestationproposedforhim,IwillselectColDangerfield6ofSanAntonio.Heisagentlemanofperfecthonor,finesense,indeedgenius,andhasbornehimselfthissessionlikeaPrince,andanablegentleman!WiththosewhichIhaveinthecabinet,Imoveonmostharmoniously,andhopebeneficiallyforthecountry,ifitisnottoofargonetosaveit!

Idonotknowofanysmartthingtowrite,andcanonlyrepeattheoft'madedeclaration,"IdowishthatIwaswithmydearest,mybelovedMaggy"thencatchmeawayagain,ifyoucan.

MajorWesternishere,andoneofthemostbusyGentlemenontheglobe.Heisalwaysmoving,andhisplans,soprofoundinhisplans,thateveryoneknowsitaboutthetimethathehasplannedit!JudgeTerrell,Hockley,andperhapsDr.JoneswillaccompanyMrKennedy&myself.Therewillbesomehalfdozenofus,inall,andIwillreadtheBibleonSunday,mydear,andonMonday,Ihopetoreturningoodhealth,andspirits,forthebusinessoftheweek.

Arduousasthedutiesare,IfeelmuchpleasureintheirperformancewhenIcansupposetheywillresultinadvantagetothepublicgood.Iagainpromisenottoprateonthesubject,asitcou'ddonogood,buttodistressyou.MyDearMaggy.Withgoodtemper,andtemperanceadded,Iwilltryandmoveonascalmlyaspossible.

MyDear,IhadthepleasuretoreceivealetterfromVernal,&wasverywellpleasedwithitscontents.Isaypleased,becauseheispleased,andIwillwritetohim,butatthesametimeIdonothopeit

willdotheleastgood!Iinvokehimbyeverythingdear,andsacred,nottosettlehisnegroesonafarm,buttosettleinthevillageofMontgomery,hirethemoutunderhiseye,liveupontheirhire,havingonetowaituponhim,andthathecou'dlivelikeagentleman,untilhisprofessionwou'dgivehimmeans.IfnotinthevillageofMontgomery,anyotherwhereheprefer'dlocating.Iknewandtoldhim,thatonafarmhemustsupportthemforyears,andhismindwillbedivertedfromhisprofession7andeverytriflingoccurrencewillnowrequirepresencewithhisnegroes.Thiswillcosthimsome$300.00peryear.TheywillmakenoportionoftheamounttheymustbefedandcladandthiswillrequiremoneyIdonotadvisehimtochangehisplansnorwillIdo,asabrotherandonewhosebosomswelledwithaffectionwhileIwastalkingtohim.Isuggestedthesethings,andifhewou'dnotpursuethem,hewou'dnotliketoadoptthem,untilheiscompelledbynecessitytochangehisplan!IloveVernalasabrother,hefeelsasneartome,asdoesmyownbrotherWill,buttheybothhavedeemedtheirownjudgementbest!MyreasonforthegreatanxietywhichIentertainedtohaveourkinfolkatthepointwasthatVernalcou'dthensettlewherehepleasedandpursueuninfluenced,hisprofessionandattaintothatdistinction,whichhisgenius,education,andfamily,aswellasfamilyhopeshaveassignedtohim.YoungRoystonisyounger,andisnowrisinginhisprofession,andmustbeamanofdistinction.ByBledsoesettlingonTrinityVernalisinducedtolocateinLiberty,tobenearSister!Yes,thisisthewholematter,andIlovehim,forhisaffectionforher,andblessherdearSpirit,shedeservesitall!HadBsettledatthePoint,Mothertoowou'dhavebeenthere,wewou'dhavebeenthere,andVernalcou'dhavemadealocationuninfluencedbyfeeling,butforuponhisjudgement,andhiswill.Nowbotharecontrolledbyfeeling,andmydearest(forindeedmyeyeisnottearless)ImustbeassuredthatVernalhaschosenthelastcountyseatinTexas,atwhichIwouldreside,tho'itisaprettyplace.Ihaveseenmoresicknessthereinone

day,thanIeversawinanArmyforthesametime!WhereBhasgonetosettleitisnotso,butTrinityorLibertyfromitslocationIdodislike.ThereitwasmynoblefriendColLynch8departed.

Deathwillassailusineveryclimeandsurpriseusineverysituation,thereforenoplacecanbeexemptfromdisease."Bud"mayhavehishealththere,butIfearit.Donotalarmhimaboutit,ifhe

prefersit,hemayenjoyhealth,andifhehadlocatedatMontgomeryhemightsickenanddie!

Allthatwecandoishopeandprayforthebest.WhenIhavethehappinesstoembraceyoumyBelovedwewilltalkallthesemattersover,andtakethedirection,whichyourhappinesswillrequire!Ifinddearest,inallthings,youradviceissound,andcalculatedtopromoteourmutualhappiness&prosperity.Nothingofhappiness,andhonor,andfameorevenGlorycanbeentertainedbyme,unlessyouformthemostprominentfeatureinthePicture!

SomyverydearWife,IfIhavesaidanythingthatmayaffectyourfeelings,IprayLovethatyouwillascribetomenounkindness,noradispositiontoinflict,uponyournobleandgenerousnature!NoLove,Inevercanforonemomententertainathoughtofgivingyouonemomentspainoranguish.ButtheSubjectsonwhichIhavebeenwritingarenotpleasant,andnowIreallywou'dratherapprovethandisapprovewhereIcandosoincandor.Youwillatleastgivecredittomyheart,ifIhavebeenroughinmyexpressions.

Iwillnothavetimetoreviewthisletter,andyouwillpleasetosupplydefects.Idoubtnottheyaremanynodoubt.IwillwritetoourbelovedbrotherHenryandprobablyMartininafewdays.IsurelyoweHenryaverykind&sensibleletter!Independentofhisverykindlettertome,Ialwaysentertainforhimthekindestregardandattachment.Yes,andIreckonthesecreteisaboutthisHeisthebrother,dearbrother,ofmydearlybelovedMargaret!DobehappyLoveuntilIcanbewithyou!TodayIlearned(internous)9thattheseatofGovernmentwillberemoved.MajWesternisbusy&hassomegoodaids!IthinkhewilltakeittoHarrisburgifitgoestoanyoneparticularplace!Thepowerofremovalmaybeaccordedtothepresident.

Ihopemydearestthatyouwillcommendmeinkindestphrasetoourfriends,andlovetoVernalifhehasnotleftyou!Don'tlethimknow

anythingthatwillincreasehisdiscontent!Heisnotofahappymood,andIhopehewilldowell!

KissMagStoneformeandifshesaysonewordpleasebiteherearorhercheek,orherneck!Iwillwriteashortnote,toMajorReilyasIhavebutamoment!


Mrs.Maggy

Mr.Green10goesexpress,andwillhandthisinperson.

1SeeWritings,II,434-38.2HoustonisprobablyreferringtoaletterfromSantaAnnadatedJuly22,1836,oroneonNovember15,1836.CopiesofbothareintheMadgeW.HearneCollection,SanAntonio,Texas,andoriginalsareintheBarkerHistoryCenter,Austin,Texas.3Mrs.JuanSeguin(GertrudisFlores).IdentifiedbyFrederickC.Chabot,WiththeMakersofSanAntonio,(SanAntonio:PrivatelyPublishedbyArtesGraficas,1937),128.4Aformofbrownsugarformedintoacone.5KennethL.AndersonofSanAugustine,SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,424n.6WilliamHenryDaingerfield.ForthenominationseeWritings,II,452.7VernalLeawasalawyer.MadgeW.HearneCollection,SanAntonio,Texas.8ProbablyJamesLynch,whodiedin1840.Ray,53.9Thewords"isthisright"arewritteninthemarginatthispoint.10HoustonmaybereferringtoGeorgeGreen,whowasanassociateofJamesSpillmanofHarrisCounty.White,TheyAlsoServed,55.

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Austin25thJany1842

DearestWife,

Yourvaluableletter1reachedmeafewhourssince,andtho'itisverylateatnight,Iwillnotdenymyselfthepleasureofrecordingthefact.ThePostMasterwasabsentfromhisofficefromsomecause,andIwasinsuspense,andtomorrowIthinkthegentlemanwill,inallprobability,meetwitharebuke!

ButmyLoveIamsohappytohearfromyouthatIamdisposedto

forgiveness.ThereisinyourdearletterashadeofgloomwhichIcannotbutfeel,andappreciatewithgreattendernessandsympathy.Indeedmybosomswellswithemotions,whichIcannotessaytoexpress.Youaregloomyandsadinheart,myLove,whileIamdistantfromyouandcannotsustainyoubyconsolation!Butdearest,wemustlooktothefuture,whenweshallmeetandwiththeassurancethatwearenotagaintobeseperatedinthisworld,asItrulyandverilyhope!

YouaskmemyBeloved,ifindeedIdoloveyoumorethanIcanexpress?IndeedIdo.ButIoughtnottosayso,foryouwilljustlychargemewithwriting"loveletters,"andyouknowthatyouare

ratherinclinedtodothatattimes.Don'tthinkdearestthatImeanthisasataunt.No,notbyanymeans,tho'Idon'tknowthatIcanexpresstheideaonpaper,sowellasIcou'dwereIpresentwithmydearverydearMaggy!Icou'dthensayit,feelit,andmanifestit,bylooks,bywords,andgestures.

Yourreflectionsonthe"past,"withthelessonwhichyouteachme,arenotdisregardedmyLove,norcantheyeverbelaidaside,solongasmyfacultiesofmindremainunimpairedormyheartretainsitsbestimpulses.Iknowthatwehavetodie,andafterdeaththejudgment.Forboththeseevents,eternalintheirconsequences,Iwillbyallmeansinmypower,endeavourtoprepare.'Tistrueoflatemymindhasdweltwithmorereflectionandearnestnessupontheseimportantsubjectsthanithaseverdone,anduponthisvastandboundlessthemeofeternity.Iwou'dnotflatter,neithermislead,nortriflewithanycreatedbeing,butIdobelievemyBeloved,thatyouareintendedbyHeavenasthedearbeing,whoistocallhomemyheart,whichhasbeensolongestrangedfromGod,toasenseofmygreatdependenceuponhisgoodnessandhisalmightypower!Ifthisisnottobedone,bythemediationofablessedSavior,IhopeatleastthatIamsofarimpressedwithproperfeelingthatIwillneverviolate,inanydegree,themoststrictproprietiesoflife!

Ifeelthatweareindeed,butthepassingincidentsoftimeinourmortalcareer,butwhenIgazeontheblueheavens,andthebrightevidencesofaCreatorGod,IamassuredthattheveryintelligencewhichIpossess,andwhichenablesmetoadmireHisworks,isbutapartofhisreflectedessence,forGodisintelligence,andmustbegoodness,thereforeIwilladoreHimandadmireHiscreation.

IfwelivetomeetdearestLovewecantalkfreely,andmuchuponthesesubjects,soimportanttoourpeacehereandhappinessineternity!Idonotfearthatanyreflectionsofmineuponthesesubjects

willdepressyouinspiritsbecauseyouarefamiliarwiththem.

26th

Dearest,Iceasedwritinglastnightatoneoclock,orratherthismorning,andenjoyedsweetreposeuntilthismorningwhenthankmyGod,Ifeelwellrefreshedandresumedtheveryagreeable(Iwillnotsay"task"but)employmentofcontinuingmyepistletomydear"weewifie"Maggy!OfcourseyoucannotsupposethatIhaveanygreatoccasionofnews,asthetimehasbeeninactiveandmymind

whenawakeemployedinbusinessreflections.

Congressisdrawingtoacloseinitssession,andthememberssaytheywilladjourntomorrow.ThisIknowisnotpossible,nordoIhope,trulythattheywilladjournbeforethe30thor31stinstant.Thenthemattersmostimportanttothecountrywillhavebeenpassedover,andneglected,whileothersofminor(orratherno)importancehavebeenattendedtowithgreatcare.YouwillsupposemydearestthatIamnotinthebesthumourpossible.Thiswillbeajustsupposition&onethatIregrettosay,willbefullysustainedbyfacts.WretchedandblindhasbeentheentirecourseoflegislationpursuedbythepresentCongressandduringthepresentsession.TheGovernmentmuststop.Iwillno[t]saycease,forthatIdonotbelievesolongasIlive!

MyLoveColAndrewswritestomethatmyhorsemattersareeasy,&CaptBlackwritesmeaboutourweehome,poorhome.2Iloveit,forthehappinessthatwehaveenjoyedatit,andforthehopethatweareyettobehappythere!Yes,dearest!Idolooktoitwithhope,asasuccedaneumforusinotherdays.Dayswhenwecanenjoytheshadeandthefruitofourownvine&figtree,andworshipourGod,inallthesincerityoffaithfulhearts.Faithfultoeachother,andfaithfultoJehovah,theGodofHosts!MyDearest,Iwillnolongerattempttheexpressionofmyaffectionatedevotiontoyou.ThatIshou'dentertaindevotiontoyouisreasonable,andItrustnotimpious.Towhomshou'dIrenderallmyearthlyhomage,buttoYoumyLove,withwhomIamsohappy,andwithoutwhomIamsomiserable!YouhavetomebeentheStarofhope,theguidetohappinessandpeacewhenIamwithyou.Iamnotcourtingmydear,anddon'tyousupposeme"astrying"toinspireyouryoungheartwithanticipationsthatyouarenottorealise,sofarasImaybeenabled,onmypart,toinsuretheirconsummation.No,nothingofthisistobefancied.AndasanearnestofwhatIsay,youare[at]liberty,andevenrequested,toobtainyourexcellentMothersleavetoourunion,sosoonaswemeet,and

preparationsforthenuptialscanbeinreadiness.SoyouseeIamnotmyfairone,disposedtotriflewithyourfeelings,nortowoundyouryoungandtenderaffections.

Don'tletMagStoneseethisletter,orshewillwishtobeoneoftheBridesmaids,andIthinkwehadaswelldispensewiththattritecustom.Butassheisafriendofyours,andaclever"littleCap-

tain"youmayconsulther,butitmaybeaswellthatyoushou'dconsultourdearfriendMrsAndrews.Shemayentertainsomeverypropernotionsonon[sic]thissubject!"NousVerions."

OurfriendBlackwaswofully[sic]mistakeninpromising40acresoflandtoSmith3onthePoint.Iwou'dnottake$800dollars,andreallyIthinkleavetolivethereandraisewhathecanisverygoodrecompence[sic].ButofthisLoveIwillsaynothinguntilIgethome,andthenyoumaybeassuredIwillsaynothingunkindnoroutoftemper.

Asyouwillbegladtohearit,IwilltellyouwhatIlearnbyothersandIsupposeitistrueIamrisingintheestimationofCongress,orratherbecomingmorepopularwiththeirmajesties!!!Nowhowmuch,mydeardoyouthinkIcareaboutthismatter?notonefig.Tofeel,andknowthatIdorightisenoughforme!-'tisallIwish,ordesire.Verily,theyshallhavetheirreward,andthatwillberenderedbythepeople.IamdeterminedbynomeanstofalloutwiththeexcellentRepresentatives,Oh!mostexcellent!

Dearest,Idonotknowwhattosaythatwillbepleasantoragreeabletoyou.Iwillforthefirsttime,layacommanduponyou!Youarenottowritetomeanymore,atthisplace,untilIseeyou,afteryoureceivethisletter.Idonotintendthatitshallbemylasttoyoubyanymeans.OurfriendMr[FrancisR.]LubbuckwillsetoutdoubtlessonSaturday,soImustwritebyhim!Isendyouanewspaperwithwhichyouwillbeamusedwhenyoureflect,asIamtolditwaswrittentoalarmpoorLamar.Ihavemarkedtwopiecesforyournotice.Oneistouchingthe"Recommendation,"whichIassureyouwasnotpublishedwithaneyetopopularity,butasamatterofprinciple!

MyLove,IhavereadwithdeepandheartfeltsympathyyourremarksrelativetopoorMrsButler.4Hersituationmustbedisconsolate,andherbereavment[sic]profound!Fromherdisposition,asyoudescribe

it,shemusthaveexperiencedallthewildnessofgrief.ItiswiththeAlmightyaloneto"temperthebreezetotheshornLamb."Thebruisedreedhewillnotbreak,norquenchthesmokingflame!

IamnotdisappointedDearest,inyourkindministrationtohermelancholyanddepressedcondition.Iknowthatyouwillalwaysbethekind,generous,&noblefriendofthevirtuousinafflictionandsorrow!Ohmydear,ifIcou'donlyembraceyouandpressyou

tomyswellingheart,Iwou'dimpressuponyourlovelycheekathousandevidencesofmytenderandfrankaffectionforyou!Yes,Iwouldexpressmoreaffectionforyoudearestthanwordscaneverconveytoyourmind!

BythistimeyouarehalfprovokedMaggyatmydisregardofyouranticipationsatourmeeting.WhenthathappymomentarrivesLove,youmaywhimperalittle,andifafugitivetearshouldbedetected,stealingoverthepuredamaskofyourcheek,Love,Iwillberudeenoughtoarrestitwithakiss.SoIwillexcuseyourweaknessifyouwillpardonmyrudeness!Doyounotdeemthisaveryfairgroundforagoodunderstandingbetweenusdear?Forfearyoumaybecomewearylove,Imustclosemyletter.Ifyoushou'dreallywishalongerletter,youwillonlyhavetoreadthisagain.YouseemyLovehoweconomicalIambecominginmattersoffamily.BythebyeLove,IhopetohavesomeGoldtopresentyouwithonarrivalathome!Home,ah!HomemydearestDon'tthinkthatIwillinflictthecriticismofanotherodeuponyou,butImustdoonethingindespiteofmyselfImust"jumptoaconclusion"ofthisletterasthemailmustcloseinashorttime.

IameverthineLoveHouston

LadyMargaret

1MargarettoHouston,January20,1842.2CedarPoint.3HoustonhadtwocloseneighborsatCedarPoint,WilliamSmithwhoownedadjoiningpropertyandChristianSmithwhoownedpropertyontheeastsideofCedarBayou.SeeearlymapofChambersCounty,n.d.,inSanAntonioGenealogicalLibrary.4SeeMargarettoHouston,January20,1842.GeneralSamHouston

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Austin,Texas

Jan25th1842

Dearest

ThegentlemenbywhomIexpectedtosendthisletterhavedeclinedgoingandIhavebrokenthissealforthepurposeofmaking

somelittlealterations.IhavebeeninformedthatMaj.Neighbors1willleaveinthemorningforAustinsothatIhavedeterminedtosayonemorewordtoyoualthoughitis3o'clockAM.Thepartyisjustdispursed,[sic]andaveryagreeableoneitwas.OuramusementsfortheeveningconcludedwithtwosongsfromJeffWright,2andhisgrimaceswereinimitableIassureyou.Dearestyoumustcomehome!Itisoutofthequestion.Icouldsayathousandthingstoyou,butmyeyesareheavywithsleep.

LovedonefarewellMaggy

1RobertS.Neighbors,AssistantQuartermasteroftheTexasArmy.HandbookofTexas,II,267-68.2JeffersonWrightwasanartistandportraitpainterwhohadastudioinHouston.Writings,II,191nandHandbookofTexas,II,938.

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Austin27thJany1842

MyverydearMaggy,

Aftersendingmylettertothemaillastnight,Irodeoutaboutthreemileswithseveralgentlementogetagoodsoundsleep.Ithoughtmyappetiteforsleepwasfirstrate,andsoitwas,nodoubt,butwhenIretiredmymindwanderedtotheplaceofitsearthlyabodethebosomofmyowndearMargaret,andtheshrillclarionofthecock,thesentinelofdomesticlife,proclaimedtheapproachofdawnireitwasrecalledormyeyesclosedinrepose!

IndeedmyLove,Ihavegreatreasontochideyou,ortoquarrelwithyou,ifIdiddesire[blurred]tobeamiableinyourestimation!Orhad

welivedinoldentimes,Icou'dhavesustainedthechargeofwitchcraftcraft[sic]againstyouonthegroundthatyouhadbewitchedmeandowingtothatfact,Icannotsleepinconsequenceofthespellwhichyouhavethrownuponme!

Nowmydear,whatdoyouthinkofthisaccusation?WhenwemeetIwillendeavortoenforceitmostimpressively.TheLipanIndianshavejustretiredfrommyoffice.Ihadalongtalkwiththemtonight.1Itcommencedat8oclk,anditisnow12M.Soyousee,thespellisyetuponme,dearest!OnereasonwhyIwritetonightisthatIhopebyMrLubbuck,tosendthisletterinadayortwo.Every

momentofmytimeisoccupiedwithbusiness.Asusualforme,muchofmytimeistakenupinwritingvetos[sic].2Thiswasmyformerhabit,andaspoorworthlessLamar&Burnetmadenone,itdoesnotsitwellonthestomachofthepresentbodyofHonorables.ThismyLovedoesnotvaryintheleastmyfeelingsorcourseofconduct.Iwillpursuetheeventenorofmyway,andfearshallneverdetermefromanhonestdischargeofofficialduty.Inthe"gloriousuncertainty"ofLegislationwhattodaymaycalldowndenunciationsmaytomorrowcommandelogy[sic]andencomium.

IhavemadethisdigressioninthebeliefthatyoumayhearthatIamunpopularwithCongress.Thisisnotso,onlywiththosewhohaveeitherselfishorcorruptendstoanswer!NeithermyLove,shallevermeetmycountenance.No,noteventolerance!Thisisindeednoegotismmyfairone.ItiswhatIamandjustwhatyouwishmetobe!ThisisThursdaynightand'tissaidthatCongresswilladjournonMondaymorning.Thisisamattermostdevoutlytobewished!Thecountrywillbeblessedbytheevent,andIhopetobeequallyblessedordoublyso,asIwillhope,andtryfaithfullytoembraceyoudearMaggyinaslittletimeasSaxecanreachHouston!Isawhimexercisedtoday,andheseemedtoanticipatetherenewalofmyespecialattentionstohim!

MrLubbuckwilltellyouallthenewsifheshouldnotloose[sic]allhissensesabouthisdearwife.3Heisquitecrazy!Andhecan'tlovehermorethanhalfasmuchasIdoyou!TodaymyLoveImadeamovementtowardstheSantaFeprisoners!Ifanythingcanbedone,mycoursewillinsuresuccess.Astomarchingtroopsandreleasethembyforce,thatisfarcical.IfaforcewerenowwithinonehundredmilesoftheCityofMexico,itwou'davailnothingtothem.Itwou'ddoubtlessinsuretheirinstantexecution.Theywou'dbesubjectperhapstothefrenzyofamob,ortheywou'difnotdestroyedinstantly,betransportedtotheinteriorofMexico,andsecuredin

somemines!YouwillseemydeariftheexpeditionisunderstoodatWashingtonthattheGovernmentoftheU.S.willnotbehalfsobraveasyounowsuppose!Theyhavenothingtodowiththematter,andyouwillfindthatthegeneralfeelingandenthusiasmofthepeoplewillsubside,andiftheyshou'dsurvive,thatnegociation[sic]willberesortedtobytheUnitedStates.Themeetingsnowheldinvariouspartswillbeforgottensoon,andthephilanthropistswhoarenowallardourandvalourwillthinkofpitchingcropsforthe

presentyear.Theywillfindoutthattheywillrequiremuchmeans,and''timesareveryhardindeed.''Yes"canhardlymakeouttolive""WhywasLamarsuchafoolastosendmenonsuchawildgoosechase?"AllthesethingswillsucceedtotheboastsofconquestsittingonthethroneoftheMontezuma'sandsuchlikeprettythings.TheAmericansareliketheEnglish,apeopleofwords,buttheyarepeopleofreflectionuntiltheygetasfarsouthasTexasandherethesun,aswellastheMoon,hasasurprisinginfluenceuponthebrain.Butwewillsee!Youwillwishtoknowmyplanforthereleaseofthepoorfellows,andmyLove,Iwilltellyou"subrosa"MrKennedyhaswrittentoMrPackenham,theBritishMinisteratMexico,andifanythingcanbedoneforthem,itwillbethro'thismedium.4AmInotright?Whymydear,withtheforcesoftheU.Statesnowinthearmy,andtheirentirenavy,theycou'dnotreachthecityofMexicowithalltheirresourcesaddedunderfourmonths!Thenhowlongwou'ditrequireforamob,forsuchwou'dbethecharacterofthosewhowou'dgoupontheirownhooktoreachMexico?Theywou'dneverdoit!FurthermoretheU.S.wou'dnotpermitaforcetoberaisedwithinherTerritoryforanysuchpurpose.Mexicoistothemafriendlypower,andChristendomwou'darminherbehalf!Thesemydeararethetruegroundsonwhichtoviewthissubject.

VeryDearWife,'tisnowthe28thJanyandIamupearly,andboundtofinishorprogresswiththisepistle.Youwou'difyoucou'dfeelnodeepinterestbeamusedatthefusssomegentlemenaremakingtogetoffsosoonasCongressmayrise.AmongthemisDr.Jones.HisLady5isontheBrasos[sic]nearWashington,andwithherafinenoblechubbyboy,whichiscalled"SamHouston"forafriendofours(muchfartherfromHoustonatthistimethanhehasanywishtobe!)6Well,isnotthisgoodreasonwhyheshou'dwishtobeathome,andhereaftertostaywithhiswifeorhavehertostaywithhim.

PoordearWives,buttheyhaveasadtime,ifitisonlyhalfasbadas

thatoftheirhusbandsinAustin.WhymyLove,youcan,inHouston,obtainsomethingtoeat.Someoysters,somefruit,orsomebreadthatispalatiable[sic],butherewearedestituteandmiserableinmindaswellasbody!

Theprivation,whichthesoldierfeelsorenduresforhiscountryisrenderedtolerablefromthefactthathecandonobetterandthat

sternnecessityimposesuponhimacertainamountofprivations.Itisdifferentwithus,whoallfeelthatitisnosacrificewhichwearemakingtothecountry,orforit,butthateverysacrificeismadetocorruptionandspeculationtotheadvantageofafewselfishmenwhocarenothingforthegeneralgood!SuchmyLove,weretheconsiderationswhichledtoaremovaloftheseatofGovernmentinthefirstinstance,anditremainshereonlybecauseselfishnesscannotlocateitatsomenewpointorreturnittotheoldone!Donotimaginedearest,thatIamframinganapologyorintendingtorenderareasonformyfutureabsencefromyou!NoIndeedIamnot,forallthatIhavepromisedhasbeendoneingoodfaith,andmyheart,aswellasmylips,assuremeoftheintegrityofmypromise!Icannot,willnotenduretheideaofbeingseperatedfromyouorremainingonedayabsentbeyondthecallsofsternnecessity.Theconstantactionofmymemory,aswellasmyheart,assuresmeofatruthsointerestingtomeandIneednotenforceuponyouDearest,thatIdoloveyoutoomuchtoremainabsentfromyou!Youwillsay"Poorfellow!Iknowthatheiscandid,orhewou'dneverhaveteasedmebywritingsomanyandsuchlongprosinglettersashehasdonesinceweparted,ifhehadnotlovedmemostmiserably,forIamsureitismiserytohim!"AmInotrightinthismattermyLove:ButIseeasthedayadvancesthathoursarepassing,andIhopetheywillsoonbringmetomydearestWife,myfriend,companionyes,myMaggy!

HereagainIcatchmyselfcomposing&actuallywriting"loveletters."Nowjustforonemoment,supposethatmyletterscou'dmeettheeyesoftheworld,doyouthinkthewisepeoplewou'deveragainsupposethatIwasfitforaPresidentofanation?Nottheymydear!Buttheywou'dthinkthatifIwerenotfitthatIcertainlywou'dhaveafitwhenwemeet!!Eventhe"LittleCaptain"7wou'dsaytoherself''WellIamastonishedthatGeneralHoustonshou'dbesosillyastomakesuchafussabouthiswife,asifnootherhusbandhadtobeabsentfromhis

wife."Nowthefirsttimethatyouseeheraskherifshedoesnotsupposeme"bewitched''byyouandifshesaysyes,slapher,butifshedoesnotwhythenwhyyoumaykissher!

Aftertransactingmuchbusinesstoday,Imustclosethisletter.EverydayIwillwriteifIcansendtheletter,andifwhenontheroadIshou'dhaveagoodchanceandamanweretoouttravelme,Iam

notsosurebutwhatIwou'dagainwrite.CanyoubeatthismyLove?Ifyoucan,youcanbeatme!

MrKennedyhasjustleftmyroom.Hewashereonbusiness.HehasBecomeagreatpetwithme,andseemstrulypleased.Iamgladthathehappenedherethissession.ItwillbewellfortheCountry,anditwillbenohindrancetoHistory.Hehassaidtome,andheisquitemodest,"Genl,youhavenotonlyhadyourshareofabuse,butyouhavebeenmoremisrepresentedthatanyotherman."HesaysthathefelttherewasagapinhisHistory,buthecou'dgetnoinformation,onlysuchashederivedfromthefewprivateDocumentspublishedinrelationtomypublicacts.Theseyouknowarebutfew,andformbutlittleHistory.Hewillhaveabetteropportunitymydear,andIsupposeImust"grant"your''request.''8Oh!Maggy,youmeant,Idoinmyheartcommand?NowdidyounotmyLove.FrankL[ubbock]can'twaitlonger.

NowdearWife,commendmewithgreataffectiontoColAndrews&hisdearLady.Kisstheweeones,andifMajorReilyandthecharmingmadamarethere,commendmybestand"kindestsalutations,"tothem.Toourotherfriends,presentmyGreetings.

ThyEverDevotedHouston

LadyMargaretJudge[Joseph]Evesistogodownwithme!Heisa[blurred]

1ForHouston'sordersconcerningpeaceeffortswiththeLipanIndiansseeWritings,IV,72,HoustontoL.B.Franks,February1,1842.2Writings,II,445-47.3AdeleBarron(Mrs.Frank)Lubbock.IdentifiedinRossPhares,TheGovernorsofTexas,(Gretna,Louisiana:ThePelicanPublishingCompany,1976),99.

4RichardPackenhamofferedhisservicestoSantaAnnaasamediatorinsecuringanarmisticebetweenMexicoandTexas.Wisehart,350-51.5MaryMcCroryJones,identifiedinGrammer,76.6Dr.AnsonJonesnamedhissonSamHoustonJones.SeveralyearslaterwhenHoustonfellintodisfavorwithJones,theboy'snamewaschangedtoSamuelEdwardJones.HerbertGambrell,AnsonJones:TheLastPresidentofTexas,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1964),425.7Houston'snicknameforMargaretStone.8HoustonisreferringtoMargaret'srequestthatWilliamKennedywritehisbiography.

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HoustonJan29th1842

DearestHusband,

IcannotresignthepleasureofwritingtoyousolongasIamdisbarredfromtheblessedprivilegeofbeingwithyou.Mylastwaswrittenwiththefirmimpressionthatitwouldbethelastofthepresentseriesatleast.YoursbyMr.Doswell1receivedonyesterdaywasasourceofgreatpleasurefromitsexpressionsofaffection,butputtoflightthesweethopeofseeingyouimmediately.Ithoughtatfirstmycouragewouldhavefailedme,butafterreadingyourdearletteragainandagainmyspiritsrevivedandIdeterminednottoyieldwhileIhadonegrainofphilosophytobearmeout.

YouflatteredmeLove,bynoticingmydreamsomuchthatIamalmosttemptedtotellyouwhatIdreampt[sic]lastnight.HoweverIwillonlytellyouapartofit.Iwasin[sic]afewmilesofyoubutcouldnotgettoyou,andasmyexertionsoneafteranotherweredefeatedIawokeinanagony.Itissaidthat"Dreamsarebutourwakingthoughts."Youwillthinkdearestthatmythoughtsmustbesadindeedandyouwillnotbefarwrong.Ohwhenshallthiswearyachingheadreposeoncemoreonthatfaithfulbosom,neveragaintobeexiled.Myheartpinesforquietandretirement.Thisbusyworldwithitsboisterousscenesofmirthanditswilysnaresisnohomeforme.Myspiritisturnedtothemurmurofwildstreamsandthesongofforestbirds!HowsweetlycouldIpasstheremainderofmydaysinuninterruptedcommunionwiththesharerofallmygriefsandjoys!Dearest,methinksthatwewouldsoonforgetthatearthhadany

happinessbeyondourselvesorthatsuchathingassorrowexistedallowingthatyourdevotionisequaltomine!butIdonotthinkitisquite.HoweverIwillnotarguethequestionuntilyoucanspeakforyourself,andifyouconvincemethatIammistaken,Ishallnotbe"Convincedagainstmywill!"

Mrs.Andrews'daughterMrs.Taylor2andherhusband3areveryfondofeachotherandaleeth[sic]ostentatiousinthatway.HeoftenasksmeifIdonotthinkthemcrueltoremindmesomuchofyoubythierownhappinessanddisplayofaffection?Itoldhimyes-

terdaythatIneedednomemorial.Imighthavesaidtothemthatourweddedlovewasayearandahalfolderthantheirs!butIforbornthinkingtheycouldnottriumphmuchlonger!Itwouldbewellforsocietyifithadmoreemulationofthekind.Mrs.Andrewsgivesalargepartytomorroweveningandeveryoneexpressesdisappointmentthatyouwillnotbepresent.Iexpecttominglewithmyfriendsandwillendeavortobeasagreeableaspossible,butmyheartwillbejoylessanddesolatefortheonlybeingthatcanimparthappinesstomeisfarfaraway.

ThiswillbehandedtoyoubyMr.Castro4whocomesonsomeembassywhichIhavenotascertainedexactly.WhatfromGen.Hamilton5beingevidentlyconnectedwithitIpresumeitissomenewschemeofhisandhaveapresentimentthatyouwillnotrelishitmuch.Ifmyapprehensionsshouldprovereal,dearestyoumustnotforgetyourhabitualpoliteness!PerhapsIhavenorighttosaysuchathingtoyouwhoknowssomuchmoreofpublicmattersthanIdo,butmydearhusband,youknowhowearnestlyIdesirethatyoushouldbelovedandadmiredbyeveryone.PositivelyIhavegivenyoualecturebeforeIwasawareofit,butIhopeyouwillnotbethelessattentivetoit.

OhmyLove,Iwishyouwouldcomehome!IhavewrittenyousomuchstuffthatIamashamedofit,butthetruthisIhavenothingelsetowriteformymindisinsuchastatethatIcanbarelyreadorthink.SometimesIalmostforgeteverythingexceptthatyouarenotwithmeandthatmyheartpinesforyou.Ihaveaconstantsenseoflonelinessthatnocompanyoramusementcandispel.NordoIwishitbanishedforitisacherishedsorrowwhichtheworldshallnottakefromme.

Mr.Lee6arrivedherethismorningfromCol.Morgan's.7MydearfriendMrs.Lee8andhersweetbabyarewell.IhavenotheardfromMotherlately.NonewslatelyfrombrotherM[artin].Itisadark

drearydayandthechillblastismoaningmostdismallyaroundus.Iambeginningtosympathise[sic]withthegloomofnatureandlestIshouldsaysomethingtomakeyoumelancholyIwillquitwriting.OhmyLovesurelyanotherweekwillnotpassbeforeyouarewithme.ComehomeifthecountrymustbesacrificedbyitforIdonotseehowyoucansavethepeopleagainstthierwill.

Thywife,MargaretL.Houston

1SeeHoustontoMargaret,January19,1842.2BarbaraTilghmanTaylor.3WilliamTaylor.4HenryCastro,aFrenchemigrantwhobecameaU.S.citizenandlaterestablishedacolonyontheMedinaRiver.Writings,II,441-42.ForadescriptionofCastro'striptoAustinseeCorneliaEnglishCrook,HenryCastro:AStudyofEarlyColonizationinTexas,(SanAntonio:St.Mary'sUniversityPress,1988),15-16.ForHouston'sletterconcerningacontractseeWritings,IV,HoustontoMessers.KennedyandCastro,February5,1842.AcopyofthecontractmaybefoundinCrook,187-91.5GeneralJamesHamilton,GovernorofSouthCarolina.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,32n.ForinformationonHamilton'srelationshipwithCastroseeCrook,14-15,58.6W.DouglasLee.IdentifiedinWritings,II,313nasadeveloperoftheCityofSabine.7Col.JamesMorganofNewWashingtononGalvestonBay.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,407n.8OpheliaMorganLee.IdentifiedbyGrammer,34.

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DuringhisadministrationMirabeauB.LamarhadappointedJamesHamiltonasCommissionerofLoans.HamiltonhadtraveledtoEuropetoseekfundsforTexas.AsLamar'stermdrewtoacloseHamiltontriedtonegotiatealoanfromBelgium.Houstonwasnotinfavorofsecuringanotherdebtandhadthelawauthorizingtheloanrepealed.HewroteMargaretofhisplanstodismissHamilton.

Austin30thJany1842

MydearLove,

TomorrowIhavefondlyregardedasthedayofliberationfromcorrodinganxietyandsolicitude.IdidhopethatIwou'dhavebeenreleased,andonmywaytoembracethetreasureofmyloveandallmymanlyaffections.LasteveningCary1camewithanexpressfromGeneralHamilton,requestingthedelayofCongressforhisarrival!WhatacoursetheymayadoptIknownot,butthisIdoknow,thatwithmyconsenttherewillbenodetention.ThisflummeryIamtiredof.Thecountryshallbenolongerhumbuggedwithmyapprobation.Wearenowlanguishingunderthewitheringinfluenceofspeculationsandspeculators!

Iamprovokedoutofalltemper,butdonotevincewhatIdofeel.Ihopethenationwillnolongersuffervoluntarydegradation,whateveritmaybecompelledtoendurefromsternnecessityarisingfromtheactsofimbeciles!

Texasyethaseverythingtoexpectfromawisecourse,butIamfearfulthatthecourseofproprietywillnotberegardedandforthewantofcooperationtheexecutivewillbeleftalonetosustainthecountryinastateofwretcheddespondency!Iwillnotpretendtomakethisa"loveletter"Dear,butwillcontentmyselfwithbeingcrosswitheverythingaroundme,butnotwithyou!

Congressshou'dadjournsosoonaspossible,andsavewhateverwemayhaveofmeans,credit,andcharacterleftwithus.'Tisbutlittle,aye,verylittleindeed.

Itwou'dbevainmyLove,toattempttheimpressionofmyfeelingsatthismoment!'Tishopedefered[sic]andexpectationsdisappointedthatIhavenowtoanticipate.MycountenancewillwearnosmileuntilIcanleavethisplaceforthesolaceofyourrationalandblandsociety.

Theotherdaybysomemeans,Iknownothowitwas,buttheideathatyouweremyfriendflasheduponmewithgreatforce.Thatyouweremywife,thatyoulovedme,andthatIlovedyou,thatyouweremycompanionwithmanyotherideaswereallfamiliartomymeditations,buttherealitythatyouweremyfriendhadneverbeenpowerfullyimpresseduponmymind,apartfromlove&allthetenderendearmentsofourassociation.Thusyoumaysupposehowwonderfullystrangeitwastomewhenathoughtsubstantiveandconveyingtheideaoffriend,independentofallotherrelationsbursteduponmymindathoughtnewyetdelightfullypleasingtome!Tofeelthatinthissordidworld,Icou'dclaimandpossessthefriendshipofonepureandenlightenedbeingwasreallyapleasingsensation!Thiswou'dhaveconfirmedme,hadanybeennecessary,neveragainto

departfrommyLovelyMargaret,ifwearesoblessedastomeetagain.

Iamwritingonthe5thpage,andwhenIbeganIdidnotthinkthatIwouldfinishtwoormore.

CareywillgodowntomorrowIexpect,andIwishedtogiveyouthenews,andtosaysomething,forasIhavetoldyou,Ihavenopleasureapartfromyou.Iwouldbemiserablewereitnotforyou,andyouasyouare!NayImightandnodoubt,butwhatIwou'dbe

dissipated.Asthingsare,Icou'dnot,nay,Iwou'dnotbeso!TodayImustwritesomefourvetosfortheHon'bleCongressbytomorrow.2TheyrequiremuchattentionSoIwillwritenomoreuntilCary[sic]isreadytosetout!

Isnatchamomenttoclosethisnote.CareytellsmethathewillsetoutveryearlyinthemorningsoImustcloseandresumemybusiness.Idonotexpecttoretirebeforeoneoclocktonightifthen.Mydutiesareverypressing,andIdeplorethefactthatmydutieswillnotendtomorrow,asIfeartheywillnot!

ThismomentIhadthehappinesstogetyourlettersbyMrCastro,3buthavenothadthepleasureofseeingthem.Heistoseemetomorrow.

MyverydearLove!YouneednotsupposethatIwillfailtoretainmywantedaddressandcomposurewhichIfindmuchmoreeasytodo,thanIdidwhenIindulgedtheshamefulhabitofswearing.Thatmydearisended,andIwillnotresumeitinlifeIamsure!NomyLove,thisisnotonlyasilly,butaviciouspractice!GenlH.willbeinformedonhisarrivalthathehasbeenrecalled,andhastosettlehisaccounts.Ihopehewillhavenodifficulty,inthebusiness&ifso,Congressneednotbedetainedtoalongtime!Idonotfeelpleasant,myLove,whenIreflectuponthegrossimpositionswhichGenlH.haspractiseduponmypoorcountry.4Imayfeelalltheforceofthis,butIwillneitherspeaknorlookit.Iwillbeallthatyoucou'dwishmetobe!Icherishyoutoofondlyinmyhearttodoaughtthatcou'dinflictuponyoutheslightestpangoreverjeopardiseyourhappinesstho'youshou'dseemyeveryact!TonightIamnothappy.Wou'dthatyourlastdreamhadbeenaspleasantasyourfirst!Butthisisnocauseofdepressionnoroughtnottobeso.

AthememorepleasantisthehopesthatHeavenmaygrantthatweshallsoonmeet,andevincetoothersandtoourselvesthatwetoocan

behappywithoutimpairingthehappinessofothers!TellMr&MrsTaylor5thatIcanlovemorethanhecan,thatIhavelongerexperience!!!!Iwassorrythatyoucutoutaportionofyourletter.YouknewmewellenoughLove,tobeassuredthatIoughttoseeanythingthatyouwou'dwritetome.Ithankyouforwhatyouhavewritten,andthebalancenodoubtwou'dhaveaddedtomysenseofobligation!Butofthisyouwerethebestjudge.Dearest,what[is]makingyoutalkof"snares?"Thewiseandthepurecanavoidthem!Thevainandsillyalonearecaughtinthem.Whenyou

refertothefirstpartofthisletteryouwillseeinwhatlightIregardyou,andyoushou'dalwaysbewithme,asIamwithyou!YouwillfindthatIesteemyouasafriendmostcapableofadvisingme,anduponwhoseadviceIwou'dplacethemostimmeasurablepriceofallothersTherefore,whycutoutthepiece?

Ifyouarenotconfidentinme,whatamI?NayLove,hadyousaideversomuch,Iwou'dhaveregardedallthatyouhadsaidasanemanationofthepurestlove!

Ifeelsorrowfulfromthiscauseonly,andthatIcannotseeyou,Ifear,sosoonasIhadhopedtohavedone.But'tissaid,"thedarkesthourisjustbeforethebreakofday."Ihopeabrightdawnofhappinesswillsoonburstuponusanduponourcountry.OhIdowishthatIcou'dcheeryou,andmakeyouhappyLove,bysomegentleinfluence;howblessedIshou'dbe!OurGodwillblessus,andthenwewillbetrulyblessed.IhavespentallmyleisurewithMrKennedy,andIfindhimamanoffinemoralsentimentsandagentlemanmostperfectinallhisprinciples.Heloathesthevileandpollutedofhisspecies!Isendyouascrap,whichIattributetohim,butdonotknowthathewroteit.Ialsosendyouanewspaper,whichmayinterestyou!'Tismarked!Theauthorisagoodwriter,butasitisnotmyself,Ican'tsaywhoitis.

Dearest!Youneveracknowledgedmymessage,norGloves,noranythingIsenttoyou!Ifearyoudidnotgetthem!IsentthembyWalton,6MrShaw7andsomeoneelseIthink.

IwillcontinuetowriteateverymomentthatIcancommand,&sendbyeverychance.Ihopeyoumaystillhavecontinuedtowrite,asImaybedetained.ThisisthesolemnSabbathnight,andIamalonecommuningwiththeonlyobjectonearthwhohaspossessionofmyheartandcontrolofmyhappiness.YouandmyGodshallcommandmythoughtsandmyhopes.Commendmetoourfriendsall.ThismomentafriendtellsmethatCongressmaynotadjournuntil

Thursday,orevenSaturday!Oh!isnotthismostcruel?Lovebearwiththiscrossfortome,itismostcruel!Dearest,ifthisletterisnotpleasant,doIprayyoupardonme!ForLove,dobeassuredofmyboundlessaffection.Youaretheonlytiewhichbindsmetosociety;Imayalmostsaytolife!

AdieumyLoveThyHouston

MrsMaggyHouston!

1ThisisprobablySethCareyofGalveston.ForabiographyseeRay,34.2Writings,IV,456-59.3SeeMargarettoHouston,January29,1842.4HamiltonhadofferedanunauthorizedproposaltoSantaAnnathatMexicoacknowledgetheindependenceofTexasinexchangeforpaymentoffivemilliondollars.James,323.5Theson-in-lawanddaughterofEugeniaAndrews.6JohnA.Walton,themayorofGalveston.7JamesShaw.

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HoustonwroteMargaretasecondletterlaterthesameevening,orrather,veryearlythenextmorning.Itisnotdated,butiswiththepreviousletterandnumbered"two"intheseries.Theletterthatfollowsthisoneisnumbered"three."

[Jan.31,1842]

MyLove,

Itishalfpastoneoclock,andIhavewrittenaveto,1somyfumesaresomewhatoffme.Imusttryandgetsomeresttonight,butIfeartheeffortwillbevain,asIknowmythoughtswillwandertothebosomofherIlove.Ohthatbosom,Iwishitsweetpeace!ThatheadIwishagaintopillowonabosomthatcanfeelnorestuntilitfeelsthegentlepressureandthepalpitationofaresponsiveheart!

Love!youtoldmetosaysometimestoyouthatIwas"temperate."Sofarasabstinencefromwineandeveryotherdrink,(milkexcepted,thatatabitabottle,)Iamtrulyso.Iwou'dbetheveriestsinner,ifIweretoindulge,forindeedmyLoveIhavenopropensitytotasteonedropofanythingonearththatcouldexciteorintoxicateme!

MyhealthIhavenotspokenoflately.IthankourHeavenlyFatherthatIaminfinehealth.Betterthanyouhaveeverseenme!Idrawtheverypleasinginferencethatyouareinfinehealth,oryouwouldhavesaidsotome!

Imustcease,retire,andreflectuponmydearestMargaret.

ThyownHouston

1ThevetoisprobablyoneofthoseinWritings,II,456-59.January30wasaSunday,soHoustonmayhavedatedthemJanuary31,1842,thedatetheywerepresentedtoCongress.

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Austin31stJanuary42

MyLove,

'Tismorning,andIpromisedrightlylastnightforsurelymyrestwasbutwearyrest!Tho'Iamblessedwithabrightmorning,andfeelquitewell.TheMessengerhasnotsetout,ashadsupposed,thereforeIwillwritetothelastmoment.

OnematterIwilltellyouofthatmaybeasubjectofgossip.ItisDr[Ashbel]Smithsaffair.Chalmers1thebraggadociohasnotbeenoutofhisshell,IamtoldsincehelearnedthattheDoctorhadcometotown,butnowsayshewillgotoOrleansandfightBaileyPeyton.2Whatadustweraise,astheflysaidridingontheox'shorn!Ihope.ItisreportedherethatLamarandotherdignitariesareontheirwayherewithGenlH.3-Icannotmyselfarriveatanyconclusion,butthisyoumayrelyupon,asrumoursays.IfLamarshou'dcome,Genl[Memucan]Huntwillcalluponhimforcertainslanderscirculatedinthe"Sentinel"lastsummerchargingGenlHuntwithanattempttosupplantGenlHenderson4atLondonasministeretc.ThiswasfalseandGenlHuntcalledfortheauthor.Chalmerswasgivenuptohim,whenhecalleduponhimbyhisfriend,CgaveupLamarasthestorygoes,soIamnowtoldthatGenl[Memucan]H[unt]willcalluponMrLamar,andtheywillhavetoadjustthematter.Somuchforthis!Nextmydearwife,Imusttellyouanotherpieceofnews,orreallyImayaswellsaytruth.AletterwasputintomyhandbyColonelLove,5sent

tomebyMrBurnley6whichhadbeenwrittentohimbyGenlHamilton,7inwhichwascontainedthisominousexpression,referingtotheloanandasIsuppose,partyinfluence."Standbyyourpost,andkeeptheforcestogetheruntilwecomeup."Tomymind"thisisverynice.''IwasastonishedthatLove,whoisacuteman,didnotperceivethebearingoftheexpressionandkeepitfromme!Fortomemydearestitspokevolumes.-Itbetrayedatleastaconspiracytocarry,ifneedful,ameasurebycombination,whichtheExecutivemightnotwishtosanction!Whatthinkyou

[of]it,myonlyLove?Wehavefallenuponeviltimes.GenlHamiltonwhileinLondonasMinister,Loanagent,etc,withothers,gotupanagencytosellTexaslandsandtogiveiteffectinLondon,occupiedanofficeinExeterHall,nextdoortotheroominwhichtheabolitionistsheldtheirmeetings.IlearnthatDrLevyJones,8ColLove,andmanyotherswereinterestedinthematter!Nowmydear,youcanseewhatcauseIhavetobe"outofsorts."YetthisshallnotinducemeLove,toloose[sic]myselfcontrol.No!Iwillbemyself,for"Richardishimselfagain!"Toreflectthataman,paidbyGovernmentalargesalaryshouldforgeteverythingbutself,andthattoo,whenTexasrequiredeverymanconnectedwithhertodohisduty.

Thismoment,MrGreenplacedyourletterofthe26instinmyhand.9Ihaveperusedithastily,andregretverymuchthatyourindispositionhasreturned.IwasfearfulLove,thatyouhadsattoolateattheParty,butIwou'dnotsayso,lestyoumightsupposemeselfish.OhmyLove,Iamcrazytoseeyou.HowIamtolivewithoutyou,Icannottell.Iammiserableindeed.ButourGodcancomfortus,andsustainus!

MyregardstoColA,Lady,andfamily.DoyoumydearestkissMagandtellherthat"littleCaptains"shou'dcutnocapers.Biteheronthechinalittle!

MyownLoveFarewellThyDevotedHouston

MaggyIwillrememberHenry[Lea],andcomplywithyourrequest.

1JohnChalmers,SecretaryofStatein1841underactingpresident,DavidG.Burnet.Writings,III,239n.DuringtheHouston-Burnetfeudofthe

summerof1841,AshbelSmithgotintoadebatewithJohnC.Chalmers,whopublishedanarticleattackingDr.Smithonpersonalgrounds.SmiththenaccusedChalmersofpokinghisnoseinto"abachelor'skitchen"todivertpublicattentionfromhisownmisdeedsandthreatenedtoputbeforethepublicproofofChalmers'sguiltasaswindleriftheinsultscontinued.Atthispointthematterwasdropped.SeeElizabethSilverthorne,AshbelSmithofTexas,(CollegeStation:TexasA&MUniversityPress,1982),69-70.2SometimesspelledBaliePeyton.HewasanoldfriendofHouston'sfromTennesseeandabrotherofHouston'slandlord,AngelinaEberly.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,I,540.3JamesHamilton.

JamesPinckneyHenderson.5JamesLoveofGalveston,anoutspokenfoeofHouston's.ForabiographyseeBest,324.6AlbertTriplettBurnleywasactinginconjunctionwithHamiltontosecureloansfortheRepublic.TheyhadnegotiatedaloanfromtheBankofPennsylvania.Schmitz,TexasStatecraft1836-1845,101.7JamesHamiltontoA.T.Burnley,November18,1841.SamHoustonPapers,CatholicArchivesofTexas,Austin,Texas.8Dr.LeviJonesofHouston.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,I,925.9HoustonmaybereferringtoMargaret'sletterofJanuary25,1842.

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Mrs.SamHoustonHoustonTexas[by]Mr.Williamson

Austin1stFeby1842

DearestLove,

ThismomentIcanwritealinetoyouonthesubjectofnews.GeneralHamiltonandhiscompanyarrivedthismorningandIlearnthatheischopfallenagooddeal.[torn]issotoo,andinpartbyhis[torn].At2PMIamtohaveavisitfromhim.Iwillbeverypolite,youmaybeassuredmyLove.HispresencewillnotinmyopiniondetainCongress-surelynotsofarasIamconcerned,andmyconsent.ImustseeyoumyLove;thattomeiseverythingonearth.

IhaveonlytimetosaythatyoumustsumupalltheLovethatIhaveeverexpressedforyou,andmakeitanhundredfold,andbeassuredthatyouwillonlyestimateaportionofmylove!Thusyoumayifyou

pleasetermthisa''loveletter"too.Iwilldenyit,forIalledge[sic]thatfrommeitispurelymatrimonial.IwilllookwithpainfulanxietyforadjournmentofCongress.Myheartisanimatedbythepurestaffection,mydearMargaret.

Oh!forthedayofourmeeting.MaykindHeavenshieldandprotectyou,myeveryhope,andeveryjoy.

CommendmetoourfriendsandbiteMagStoneforme.


LadyMargaret

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AustinPM3oclk1stFeby1842

MyLove

GenlHamiltonisnowinmyoffice.Ourinterviewhasbeenpleasantbuttoomuchsaidtowriteall,whichIhopesoontotellyouinperson.Iwillbearmyselfinallthings,asyoudearwou'danddodesire.1

Togratifyyou,mydearest,IwillsaythatMr.Kennedyshallhavetheinformation,whichyoudesireheshou'dhave.Hockley,DrJones,andeverypersonwishestobepresentedtoyourLadyship.


1ForHouston'smessagetoCongressconcerningGeneralHamiltonseeWritings,II,471-72.

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ThefollowingisthelastknownletterthatHoustonwrotetoMargaretduringthesixthsessionofthecongress.

Mrs.SamHoustonCityofHoustonTexas

Austin3rdFeby1842

Dearest

Themailisjustclosing,andIwillonlyhavetimetowritealine.TodayIwrotealonglettertoourbrotherHenry,andtoldhimwhatasober,decentmanIwas.AlsohowmuchIlovedyou,nayhowtrulyIamdevotedtoyou,andabusedCongressfornotadjourning-whenitwillIcan'tsay,butIhopeintwodays.OhLoveIamverydistressedatthis,butImustbearit.YoumusttoomyDearest

Love!Ican'taskyoutobepatient,forIamnot,norcanIbeso.Ishownotemper,buteverydaythrowssomenewlightupontheactsofGenlHamilton.Hewon'tdo,butyoumaybeassuredthatIwon'tshowitinmyintercourse.Iwou'dhavewrittenyoualonglettertoday,onlyIhadtowriteanimportantveto,1anditwasablydone!sosaythosewhohearditread.Myvetosaregrowinginpopularity!

OhmyDearest!Myeverythoughtembracesyouwithalltheardourandaffectionofmynature!Myheartbeatshighwitheverytenderandpainfulemotion!ItappearstomethatIamthegreatestmartyrtomycountrysservice.

Youmustallowmetoexpress,Iwillnotsayweakness,butthewildnessofmyaffection.DearIfeelsorrowfulthatyouwillexperiencesomuchdisappointment,forIknowmyownsufferings&solicitude!

SendmyLovetoourdearMother.IwillwritetoSisterA[ntoinette]andVernal.DowritetoourdearSisterEliza[HoustonMoore]andtobrotherWill[iamHouston].

Iwillnotseemtoomelancholy,butdeepasaremyregrets,andpainfulmydisappointments,IwillbegyoutobiteMagStoneeitheronthechin,ortheear.Ifyoubiteherashardasyoudidafriend,shewillneverforgetit,orifshedoes,Iamsureyourfriendneverwill!Commendmetoourfriends.


MaggyHouston

1Writings,II,466-67,473-74.

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ItispossiblethatMargaret'slastletterdidnotreachHoustonbeforeheleftthecapital.CongressadjournedonFebruary5,1841,andHoustonimmediatelyleftforHoustonCityonamulecalledBruin,makingthetripintwohourslessthanfourdays.ForadescriptionofhistriphomeseetheletterfromHoustontoWashingtonD.MillerwrittenFebruary15,1842,Writings,II,484.

ToGeneralSamHoustonAustin,TexasMr.Moore

Houston,Feb.7th1842

Dearesthusband,

Youcommandedmenottowritetoyouanymore,butrecollectMr.Crawford1didnotmakemepromisetoobeyyou,sothatyoucannotchargemewithrebellion.ThedayissocoldandmyhandssoperfectlyfrozenthatIbelieveifitwerenotfortheloveofshowingmyindependence,Iwouldnotwritetoyou.Nowmygoodfellow,takecarehowyoucommandmehereafter.BrotherVernalcameuplastnightandwentoutwithmetodayvisitingandshopping.ImetMr.Moore2attheHoustonhouse3andhetoldmehewouldsetoffforAustinthisevening,soIhurriedhometowritetomybeloved,notwithstandinghisinjunctionstothecontrary.Dearestitwasafoolishthinginmetoexciteyourcuriosityoftakingoutapartofmyletter,butIassureyouitwaswhollyunintentional,andIhadnoideaoftheenormityofituntilyoupresenteditbeforeme,inallitshideouscolours.Iwilldosonomore!

ThetruthisIhaddetailedtoyousomeveryextravagantcomplimentsthatwerepaidmebyaforeignerwhovisitedthisplaceincompanywithMr.Castro,amongwhichwasthathehadseenVictoria,4butMrs.Houstonwasfarsuperior&Ithoughtitwasagoodjoke,whilstIwaswritingthem,butIafterwardsconcludedthatIwouldnotrisktheimputationofvanityfromyou,butIregretnowthatIdidnot,forthedelayanddiscussiongivesitanimportancewhichitrealydoesnotdeserve.IdinedtodayattheHoustonhousewithMrs.Butlerwhoisstayingthereatpresent,butreturnedintimetoseeGen.LamaratCol.Andrews'sdinnertable.Helookslikeagreatclumsybear.Poorfellow!Unfortunatelytheconversationatthetableturneduponbeauty

andgraceandIgaveitthedirectionmyself,butwithouttheslightestdesignofdisconcertinghimIassureyou.ButmyLove,Icouldnotsuppressasmileashearosefromthetableandhobbledalongbeforeustothesittingroom.Iwaspoliteenoughtoconcealmyamusementfromthecompany,andIthinkIdeservesomecreditforthat.YouwillsayIamingoodspiritstoday.WellrealyIam,andIcannotaccountforitunlessitisthatIhavemydearbrotherwithme.Ihavehaddearaffectionatefriendsallthewhile,buttheyarenotlikekindred.Andmyspirit

hasbeensolongloweredtotheearthbyyourabsencethatsinceseeingbrotherV.andhearingthatMotherwaswell,Ihavebeenanewcreature.Idonotknowwhentolookforyouandthesuspenseisintolerable,butIwillnotsink!Ihadacharmingletterfrombro.Willafewdaysago,butIwillnotsendittoyouforfearitmightbelost.MyLovecomehome,andIwillbehappyagain.

ThyMaggy

Myhealthisgood,andIhavehadseveralsuppliesofmoneyfromGalveston.Joshuaishere,butIhavenotbeenabletohirehim,soCol.Andrewskeepshimemployed.

[Onenvelope]DearGnl

IonlyhavetimeatpresenttoaddawordtowhatMaggyhassaid.IhavesomemessagesforyoufromGenlCombs5whichherequestedmetodeliverinPersontouchingthepolicyasregardsourNavy.IthinkIshallnotgotoLibertybeforeIseeyouwhichIdohopewillbesoon.

affectionatelyV.B.Lea

1ReverendPeterCrawfordwhoofficiatedattheweddingofHoustonandMargaretLea.2MargaretwasprobablyreferringtoJohnW.Moore,sheriffofHarrisCounty.3AhotelinHoustonCity.Hogan,106.4QueenVictoriaofEngland.5GeneralLeslieCombsofKentucky.ForabiographyseeWritings,IV,450-51n.

ChapterVMay5,1842July5,1842May5,1842:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

May5,1842:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

May8,[1842]:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

May6-16,1842:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

May13,1842:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston




May24-31,1842:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

May31,[1842]:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

June3-8,1842:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

June3,1842:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

[June?]1842:Dr.NathanielFletchertoMargaretHouston

June14,1842:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

June25,1842:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

July5,1842:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

InthelatespringMargaretsailedfromGalvestononatripbacktovisitherfamilyinAlabama.RestlessTexanswereclamoringforaninvasionofMexicotorescuetheSantaFeprisoners.Houstonwasstrugglingtomaintainanarmywithoutfundstopayforit.HesentanumberofagentstotheUnitedStatestoaskforvolunteerswhocouldequipthemselvesattheirownexpensewithclothing,arifleormusket,ammunition,andfoodforeightdays.HoustonhadashortvisitinGalvestonandthenreturnedtoHouston.Thefollowingletterspassedbetweenthecoupleduringthesummerof1842.

SteamerNewYork1GeneralSamHouston

Houston,TexasMay5,1842

MyBeloved,

TwostormynightsarepastandwearenowwithinafewhoursrunofNewOrleans.TheboatjarsdisgracefullybutlestIshouldnothaveanopportunityofwritinginthecityIwillatleastbeginaletterhere.DearestwearefarapartandIcanscarcelyrealizeIamabreathingcreatureandthusfarfromthatbeinginwhoseaffectionIhavelivedsolong.Ohhowmyeyeshaveachedwithunshedtears!andmyhearthasbeenheavingwithsuchfreshsensation,butitisforyouLove,thatIamseekinghealthandnoeffortshallbewantingonmyparttosecureit.IhavefoundMrs.Fuller2aninterestingcompanion.WearebothbaptistsandhaveamusedourselvestodaybyarguingwithaCatholicladyonboard.IhavejustshowedMrs.F.theimmensebundleoflettersthatyouwrotemefromAustin,andshelaughedverymuch.

IhavehadsomeconversationwithCol.Gillespie3abouttheremovalofthearchives.Heseemstothinkthatthewesternpeoplewouldbe

satisfiedwithWashingtonasalocation.Dearestyouknowbest[.]Myhealthhasimprovedconstantlysinceweparted.NightbeforelastIwasdreadfullysea-sick.Bro.M[artin]hassufferedagreatdealtoo,butpoorMartha4wasworsethaneither!WehadsomeinterestingscenesIassureyou!Ratherontheorderofcomicaltragedy!

TheCapt.andMrs.Knight5areamongstthekindestfriendsIhaveevermet.TheCapt.amusedmeverymuchyesterdayinspeakingofthe"Love6meeting"theyhadinGalvestonafewevenings

ago.Hesaysheneverbeforetookpartinanypoliticalmeetingbutasitwasexpectedyournamewouldbehandledprettyroughly,heandhisclerkMr.Philipsbothattendedarmedwithbowieknivesandpistolsintendingtousethemifthescoundrelsgavethemtheslightestprovocation.ThisspiritshouldnotbeencouragedyetIcannotbutprizethefriendshipthatiswillingtoriskeverythingforyou.

9o'clockatnightNewOrleans,

Wearrivedthismorningabout6andhaveconcludedtoremainontheboat.Themosquitoesareawful,butIwillwriteinspiteofthem.TheCreole7leavestomorrowat12,andwemustbereadyforher.Mr.[Pizene]Edmundswasuptoseemetonight.HeistheonlyacquaintanceIhavemet.OhhowlonelyIfeelinthisvastworldofstrangers!IwillseeMrs.Christy8ifpossibleaccordingtoyourrequest.IfweremainlongenoughinMobileIwillwritetoyouagainfromthatplace.ButmyLovedowritetomeconstantly.Myheartisveryheavy.Icannotlivelongawayfromyou.Donotcondemnmetoalongabsence.IwouldimploreyouandpostponemyreturnpastJuly,butIfearyouwillwearyofmyentreaties.Farewelldearest,ohfaretheewell.

Thydevotedwife,Maggy

1ForadescriptionofthisshipwhichsailedbetweenGalvestonandNewOrleansseeMattieAustinHatcher,MaryAustinHolley,(Dallas:SouthwestPress,1933),79.2ThisisprobablyCharlotte(Mrs.Nathan)FullerwhohelpedfoundtheFirstBaptistChurchofHouston.B.H.Carroll,StandardHistoryofHouston,(Knoxville,Tennessee:H.W.CrewandCompany,1912),143.3ColonelBarryGillespiehadbeenappointedgeneralagentofthegovernmentfortheMississippiTerritorytoappointsubagentsworthyofconfidence.ForHouston'sinstructionstoGillespieseeWritings,IV,113-14.4ALeafamilyslave.

5MargaretmaybereferringtoJamesKnight,amerchantinFt.BendCountywhowasfromAlabama.Mrs.KnightwasformerlyMrs.Bacomb.HandbookofTexas,I,970.AnotherpossibilityisIsaacKnight,whoisidentifiedasalawyerfromGalvestoninWhite,FirstSettlersofGalvestonCountyTexas,6.6JamesLoveinGalvestonwasaleaderofpersonsopposingHouston.Best,324.ForadescriptionofthismeetingheldattheMerchant'sExchangeinGalvestonseeJosephMiltonNance,AttackandCounter-Attack:TheTexas-MexicanFrontier,1842,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1964),163.ForareportofthismeetingseeTelegraphandTexasRegister,May4,1842.7ThesteamshipCreoleranbetweenNewOrleansandMobile.

Mrs.WilliamChristy(KatherineKriederBaker)ofNewOrleans.

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Mrs.MargaretLeaHoustonMarionAlabama

CityofHouston5thMay1842

Mydearest,

UntilobjectsontheBoatgrewsmall&dim,Igazedaftermydepartinglove,yesindeedmywifemyMargaret.Myprayers,mysoulascendedtoHeavenforyoursafety,foryourhappiness,foryourreturntotheembracesofanadoringhusband!Butyouwillbesafe,youmustbehappy,andyouwillmakeotherssotoo.Wecameuponyesterday&madethetripinoneday.IfoundallthingsheremuchasIleftthemallquietandnonethatIhaveseeninbadtemper!Thereisnoimportantnewsfrommyquarters.SomenoiseofIndians,butnotverysatisfactory!GenlDavis1willstartontomorrowmorningforCorpusChristi&Ihopeforsomegoodthingsto''comeoutofNazareth."GenlSomerville2ishere,butIhavenothadtimetoconversewithhim.Ihopehemayhaveanexcuse!

TheenemywillnotcrosstheRioGrandeinanyforce,Ifeelconfident.ItwillnotbeuntilwecangetmorearmsfromtheUStates,thatwewilladvanceuponMexico.YouneednotfearthatIwouldbewillingtoplayyoutheslip&breakofftowar.IfIhadtogoIguessIshouldrathermovefromasenseofimperativeduty,thanfrominclinationorchoice.Sodearesthavenofears:forIwilltrysending,asIconsideritundignifiedtogoontriflingerrands!Butofthisenough.OnceforallIprayyoumyLovetohavenouneasiness.Whilst

youareonearthmyleadingstar,youneednotfearthatIwillactregardlessofyourhappiness.FromallquartersIlearnthatthepeopleareunitedinsupportoftheExecutiveandhispolicy.MydearImusttellyouthatIsawyouatyourwindowastheBoatroundedto,andIthinkyoucalledMarthatostandthere,thatImightknowwhereyouwere.Itwasneedless.AffectionpointedoutNo5andIsawyou,ormyfancytoldmeastory.FromthenceIwenttotheTremont3anddinedwithHockley.4Ididnotreturnuntileveningtoourroom,andwhenIopenedthedoor,andlookedinOh!how

solitaryandsaditseemedtome.MyeyeswerebedimmedwithbutIsoonlefttheapartment,andinafewminuteswenttoMothers,5andstayeduntilafternine.Young[LeaRoyston]wenthomewithmeforthenight,andat3oclkweretired.Daylightfoundmesleepless,andIfeltnoonetohailwiththeusualsalutation!"Doyoutake?"akiss.No!indeed,Iwaslonesome!ButIamhereasbusyasever.ImustfinishmyletterasMrSydnor6isgoingdownfortheNeptune.IsendyoualetterfromSister[Antoinette].Iwillwritetoherandsendheralllove.Ihaveseennoonehere.Istaid[sic]atMrDeShains.7Hehadaroom&invitedmetostaywithhim.IdonotknowwhereIwillstaymost,butIthinkinthecountry.IdidnotgotoColA's8norhaveIseenMissMag[Stone].9Iwillforyouandtohearhertalkofyou.

Doprayrendermylovetoall,andembracethemforme.DonotforgetourdearAuntLea.10

TellMartinofhisfrogs&shellstheycan'tsurpassthemerrybellswhichringthro'Marionshills&dells.ButrenderhimmyfraternalregardsandSisterA11myaffection.

MostDevotedlythyhusbandHouston

Mrs.Maggy

1JamesDaviswasappointedActingAdjutantGeneraloftheArmyonMay2,1842.OnMay5,1842,HoustonorderedDavistoproceedtoCorpusChristitotakecommandofthetroopsthere.Wisehart,400.2AndrewSomerville.ForabiographyseeWritings,II,493n.ThenameisalsospelledSommervill,Somerville,Somervell,andSomervill.InMarch,1842,MexicanforcesunderRafaelVasquezcrossedtheRioGrandeandcapturedGoliad,Victoria,andSanAntonio.Theinvadersdidnothingmorethanoccupythecities,raisetheMexicanflagandinspectTexandefenses,beforewithdrawing.OnMarch18,1842,HoustonsentBrigadierGeneral

AndrewSomervilletoSanAntoniowithorderstodrivetheMexicanforcesoutofTexas.InthemeantimeEdwardBurleson,withoutorders,hadgatheredthreecavalrycompaniesandrushedtoSanAntoniowithagroupeagertofollowhimacrosstheRioGrandetoavengetheVasquezraid.WhenSomervillearrived,thevolunteersinformedhimthattheywouldserveonlyunderBurleson.SomervillewithdrewwithoutattemptingtooustBurlesonwho,uponreconsideringhisinsubordination,alsowithdrew.Thetroopswerethenleftwithoutacommander.DavidNevinet.al.,eds.,TheTexans,(NewYork:Time-LifeBooks,1975),216;Writings,II,509-11;Wisehart,401-402.3TheTremontHotelinGalveston.ForinformationonthehotelseeHogan,106.4GeorgeHockley.

NancyLea'shome.6JohnSydnor.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,49n.7PossiblytheG.G.DeshonidentifiedinWhite,FirstSettlersofGalvestonCounty,Texas,10,34.8ColonelJohnD.Andrews.9MargaretStone.10Margaret'saunt,PeggyMoffettLea,Nancy'ssisterwhowasmarriedtoTempleLea'sbrother.MadgeW.HearneCollectionofPapers,SanAntonio.11ApphiaLea,Martin'swife.Ibid.

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GeneralSamHoustonHouston,Texas

MobileSaturday8thofMay[1842]

DearestLove,

Wehavebeenabout10minutesinport,andseveralgentlemenofmyacquaintancehavecalledonme,amongsttherestCol.Walton1andCapt.Penneger.2Mrs.Levert3hasleftthecity.

ThisinstantCol.Washington4andMrs.Megginson5called.Weexpecttogetoffat5P.M.anditisnowabout11.LastnightforthefirsttimesincewepartedIhadaseverefitofcoughing.Ihadsomedifficultyinfindingmysmokingimplements.6Isearchedmydressingbox,butcouldnotseethem.Ithenopenedmybagbasketasyoutermitandtherich''treasuresofthedeep"werepouredintomylapintheformofshells.Afterauselesssearchthroughthem,Ireturnedtomydressingboxandfoundthem.AproposofshellswhatbeautifulthingstheyarethatisImeanwhatbeautifultormentors!Youhaveheardofthem,haveyounot?Inevercomprehendedtheexpressionbefore.

Bro.M[artin]sayshehasnottakenadropsincewetookleaveofyou.Ibelievehim,andwiththat,seemstohavevanishedhisinordinatefancyforshellssothattheyareleftquietlyonmyhands.Buthehastakenexcellentcareofthebaggageandyoumustgivehimcreditforit.HoweverIbelieveIwillrecommendhimtopurchaseaworkonconchologyandbeginregularlytostudythescience.Thehornedfrogswereleft,andIamafraidtolaughathimaboutthemlestheshouldthinkIhadsomethingtodoinliberatingthem.

DearestImusthurryastheboatbywhichthisgoeshasrungitsbell.OhhowIlongtobewithyou,butIwillnotleavemypost.Your

ruleisnevertore-appointonewhodoessowithoutleave,butthatwillnotbemyrestrainingmotion,forIdonotthinkIwilleveracceptanotherappointmentawayfromyou.Mrs.Christysayssheisafraidtotrustyouawayfromme,butItoldhersheneednotbe.Writeoften.

IngreathastethyMaggy

OnboardtheCreole,aboutstarting.Ihavebeenintroducedtoseveralveryagreeablepassengers.IcouldnotfindEdmunds.Myhealthisgood.Farewell

Maggy

1PossiblyGeorgeWalton.IdentifiedasaresidentofMobilebyPaulineJonesGandrud,compiler,Marriage,DeathandLegalNoticesfromEarlyAlabamaNewspapers1819-1893,(Easley,S.C.:SouthernHistoricalPress,1981),270.2MargaretmaybereferringtoJamesPenicarofMobile,theonlynameinthe1840censuswhichcomescloseinpronunciation.IdentifiedinFederalCensusofAlabama,1840,MobileCounty,428.3OctaviaWaltonLeVert,thewifeofDr.HenryLeVertofMobile.Ibid.Forabiography,seeWillisBrewer,Alabama:HerHistory,Resources,WarRecordsandPublicMen,(Spartanburg,SC:ReprintComapny,1975),395.4Col.LewisM.H.Washington,theTexasagentinNewOrleans.SeeHoustontoWashington,May1,1842,Writings,IV,91-92.5Mrs.GeorgeD.Megginson(SarahHill).ForabiographyseeOwen,IV,1184.6Itwasacommonmedicalpracticeatthistimetoprescribetheinhalingofburningstromoniumleavesforthereliefofasthma.Dorland,1208.SeealsoDr.NathanielFletcher's"PrescriptionforMrs.Houston",n.d.,inFranklinWestonWilliamsCollection,WoodsonResearchCenter,RiceUniversity,Houston,Texas.

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AfterputtingMargaretontheshipforAlabama,HoustonreturnedtoHoustonCity.Hewrotethefollowingletteroveraten-dayperiod:

Mrs.MargaretLeaHoustonMarionAlabama


Mybeloved,

LasteveningIcalleduptoseeColonelAndrews&family,whomIfoundwellandwaskindlywelcomedwithmanyregretsandmuchcondolencesforyourabsence!OnmywaydownIcamebywithGenl[GeorgeW.]Terrell,andsawMissMag[Stone].Shewasprettywell,andwetalkedaltogetherofyou.Itoldherhowkindyouweretomeandwhyitwas.Sherepliedthatyouhadguessedverywell.ItookleavewithamostsuperbbowandwenttothesuppergiventoMrThomasLubbuck1onhisarrival.TherewereatthepartyabouttwohundredguestsasIsupposed.ManysentimentsweregivenwhenIwascalledonforacatchasIsupposed,atleastintendedsobysome.Well,Igave"theSantaFePrisoners!Texasispledgedtoredeemthemfromtheirmanacles.Unionandvaliantheartscandoit."Theapplausewastremendous,tho'allweresober!Youseetheymadenothing.AtnineoclkIslidoffslily[sic]andretiredtobusinessuntil12Mandthenwassleeplessuntilnearday.JeffWrightwasmyroommate.Iwillwritesomeeveryday!

7thMay

Yesterdaypassedandnoimportantresults.AllwasquietandIdidnothearoftheillustriousscrubMosely2butonce.Ihavesaid[no]importantresults.Inthis,Iwaswrong,forIreceivedabeautifulpresentforyou.ItisaMexicanreticule,andtheprettiestlittlethingthatIhaveseen,andnotsolittleeither.WhenYounggoeson,Iwillsendittoyou,asIamsureyouwillbepleasedwiththetribute.ItwaspresentedbyaMrBakerofMonclovainMexico.Hewishestopresentmeahorse,butIhavenotconsentedtohisacceptance.IcalledincompanywithGenlSomervilleandtookTeaatmyfriendMr.Levys.3TheoldLadyhadathousandregrets,aswellashim,for

yourindispositionandmanyprayersforyourhappinessandsafereturn.Theyverykindlyappreciatemylossofyoursociety,anddoalltheycantoamuseandrousemeintocheerfulness.Abeautifulfancycakewaspresentedtome,andIwouldhavekeptit,andsentittoyou,butIdidthinkitwascarryingthejoketoofar,andwouldbeasbadasourdearbrothers"frogsandshells."

8thMay

AfterIhadceasedwritingyesterday,therewasnothinginTownthattookplaceButtherewasahorseraceatHarrisburgandMonroeBlack4wascompelledtoshootNimrodHunt5sonofMrsMann,6whowaslatelymarriedtoMrsPagesdaughter.7HebeganthequarrelandMonroedeclinedadifficulty,butitseemedthatfatehaddeterminedtheresult.Monroestartedhome,andtheotherfollowedhimwitharmsandthreateningtocommitviolenceuponhim.TheywereonhorsesandMonroeshotathim,andstruckhishand.Theotherrenewedtheattack&firedatBlack.Blackfiredathimagain,andshothimthro.theheart.TomorrowisMondaywhenMonroewillcomeintoTownandgivehimselfuptotheauthorities.AllappeartojustifytheactandbelievethatMonroewascompelledtodothedeed.Thecaptain[JohnS.Black]issomewhatdistressed,butisconsoledbytheassurancethatitwasunavoidable.

MydearestsinceyouleftIhavebeenmuchaffectedwithcold.MyheadachesgrievouslynotwithstandingwhichIhavecommencedmyallottedtask.IhavereadsixchaptersatthecommencementofthenewTestament.

OnmyreturntoHouston,IfoundlesspressofbusinessthanIhaveexperiencedsincethefirstofMarch!Fromthiscause,unitedwithmysolitarystateoffeelingproducedbyyourabsence,mymind,orspirit,orsoul,forIcanonlyexpressit,asanintellectualexerciseofmyfaculties,hasbeennewlyandstrangelyexercised.Mythoughtsweredrawntothesceneofdeath,theterminationofallthingstemporal,andofirrevocabledestiny.Theuncertaintyoflife,andtheawfulcertaintyofdeathandeternity.ThusdidIreflectuponmysituationandtheutterimpossibilityofattainingevenonemomentsrespitewhenthefinalsummonscometh.Myapprehensionsandfeelingsweresuch,asIhadneverbeforeexperienced,andsincethatmomenttheyhaveagainreturnedtome,andmyunderstandingsaystome"Hearken[sic]tothevoiceofsalvation."Mydearest,Imaybe

awakened,butIamnotyetrenewedinheart,butbeassuredthatIwillnotquenchthespirit,butseekthro'mediationofJesusChristthatrepentancewhichisnottoberepentedof.

IfeelconfidentmyeverdearestMargaretthatyoutoowillofferprayerstoGodformysalvation.Andthataswehavelivedunitedonearth,soweshallexistinHeaven.IwillnotceasetopresentmyprayersatathroneofGrace,untilmypardonissealedandmyacceptanceissure,thro'themediationofaSaviororIamrejectedas

unworthyofHisatonement!Iwillbeearnest&continuedinprayer!IknowmyLove,thatyouwillbedistressedandgratifiedalsoatmysituation.Sofarasyouwillbehappy,Iwillbegratified.ButIprayyounottobeunhappyonmyaccount.ItistruemyLove,thattearsofaffection,aswellasthoseofcontritionbedimmyvisionwhileIamwritingtoyou,buttheyarethepureeffusionofpenitenceforhavingsolongneglectedthedutiesofreligion,andtoagreatextent,indulgenceinthefooleriesandvicesoftheworld,whichcannotbeanabidingplaceforus.AllitshonorsanditsvanitiesarelessthanshadowscomparedtotheleastconceptionofEternity.Onearthweseenumberlesstrifles,butwhenwereflectonEternity,nonebuttheGreatJohovah[sic]andHisEmaculateHostarethere!IwillendeavourtoobtaineventheHumblestplaceinthepresenceofmyGod,thro'thebloodandatonementofJesusChristmySavior!

10thMay

Tho'yesterdaywasourcelebration,orwastohavebeen,ofourweddingday,Imustassureyouthatwasadayofgreatsufferingtome.IwasattackedatGalvestonwithabadcold,anditincreasedaftermyreturnuntilIwasattackedwithapainabovemyrighteye(towhichyouknowIamsubject)wheneveryremedyfailedaltho'IhadDoctFosgate(whoisverydecent)withme.Ihadrecoursetobloodletting,whichrelievedmeentirely,andtodayasusual,Ihavebeenbusy.YouwillperceivethatIdidnotcelebratethe"9thofMay"8ascheerfullyasIcou'dhavedesired.Icanonlypraythathereaftersuchoccasionsmaybemoreinkeepingwiththeiroriginalcause.

Lamar&GenlHuntdidnotfight9tho'LamarhadtheaidoftheinfamousColMilton10asIlearnontheoccasion.HehascometojointhecorpsofhisownkidneyinTexas.

YesterdaySmith11broughtuppartofourfurnitureandIhaditstoreduntilhecouldgodownforthebalanceandsosoonasitarrives,Iwill

haveitmovedtoourhouse.Smithgottipsyandgavemesometroubletogethimoffagain.

MyDearest,whenIreflectonwhatseemedtobeyourinclinationaboutreturningtoTexasbeforeyoustartedandtheanxietywhichyoumay,andwillfeel,wereyoutostayuntilthelatterpartofJulyaswasincontemplation,Ihaveresolvedtosay,mydear,comewheneveryouplease.Myarmsandheartwillembraceyouwithjoyinexpressible.YesmyLove!Doasyouplease!!!IneednotsaythatI

amselfishtosomeextentinthissuggestion,butshouldyouremainmyLove,itwillbeapprovedbyme.Idonotseehowyoucanvisityourrelationswithsatisfactionmuchshortofthetimeproposed.

Ifindonethingtobecertain.Mybetterhalfiswanting!ForIammorethanonehalflesshappythanIwaswhileyouwerewithme.IndeedmyLove,IdofeelthatIamaloneintheworldwhenIcanneitherseeyou,norhearyourvoice.Icouldhavesaidmelodiousvoice,butthatwouldhavesoundedlikea"loveletter!"WellIdon'tcareifithad,fortobecandid,Idoreallyloveyou,orIdonotunderstandwhatlovemeans!Wellnowmydear,shouldyoureturnsoon,orbeforeJuly,youwouldbeverylonesome,ifyouweretoleaveallyourkindred,soIenjoinituponyoumydearest,tobringSarahAnn12withyou.Itisouthere,thatyouaretobringaniecejustlikeyourself,andtoseveralBeauxIhavemodestlynamedtocircumstance.MrBagby13ratherassertssomepretensions,asIlaysickinhisoffice&hewasgreatlypleasedwithourlittleNephewYoungL.Royston.YouaretobringtheyoungLadyatallevents,andIwillrecommendtohernonebutthemostworthy!OurfriendGovRunnels14iswithme,andwillsetoutontomorrowtoMississippi,andreturnbythetimepropertomakeamoveuponourfriendSantaAnna.Whenthatwillbeprecisely,Ihavenotyetdetermined,butasyouaremyprivycounsellor[sic],IintendbeforeIceasethislettertoletyouknowenoughtoguessthebalance.ItisimportantthatIshou'dhearfromAlabamaandGeorgial5assoonaspossible!IhopeGenlPickens16isdoingwellinthewayofEmigrants!ThisistuesdayandsaturdayweexpectnewsfromOrleans.Iwillsendyouanypapers.

11thMay.MyLovetodayIamnotwell,buthopetobebetter,asIhavetakensomebittersofourfriendPrice.17Hehassentmeabottle,anddirectsmetotakeaspoonful(Tea)eachmorning.YoumustnotletwhatIhavesaidinduceyoutoreturnsoonerthanyoumaywish.Itisnotaninjunction,norevenaninvitation.Ileaveyoufreetoconsult

yourinclinationswhichIsoungenerouslydeniedyouwhenweparted.Ifitwillconducetoyourhealth,stayaslongasyoudeemproper!YouneednotfearthatIintendtodeceiveyouandgotothearmynomyDearest,Iwillneverdissembletoyou,nor[sic]whileIhaveyoutoconfidein!IfIwere,Ishoulddislikemyself,&feelselfcondemned!Youcouldnotrespectme,tho'youmightpitymemuch!

IwillletsomeofournewwarriorstaketheirwireedgesoffontheenemybeforeIwillmovetothebattlefield!

TodayitisreportedthatpoorVanNess,18thememberofcongressfromSanAntonio,waskilledbytheaccidentalgoingoffofaRifleinthehandofafriendwithwhomhewasridinginTown!Nodesign,norblameattachestohisfriend!Thuspassmyenemiesfromtheearth.Idonothatethem,nordoIrejoiceattheirdeath.WhilelivingIcondemnthem,anddead,Ideploretheirfate!Ithasbeensofrommyyouthuptoage!VanNesswasawisemaninmattersoftheworld,butasIbelieve,hecarednotforthethingsofEternity.

ThegeneralnewsofTexaswearsonprettymuchasithasdone!JudgeLipscomb19wenthometoprepareforhistriptoMobileandfoundtwoofhischildrentooilltoleave!Hewillnotgoon,soMartinwillcommunicatewithGenlSmith20whois,andwillbetheagentatthatplace!

TodayIintendtogoouttoCapt[JohnS.]Blacks,butmaynot,asImayhavebusinesstotransactforthepublic.Youwill[hear]thatMrAndrews,21theabolitionistagenttoNewOrleans,hascomeoutwithanexposeofhismission,andabusesyour"dearhusband"intheusualstyle!"Verily,heshallhavehisreward,"butkindly.Ibecomemoreandmorepatienteveryday.GenlJohnston22publishedthecorrespondenceofwhichIgaveyouacopy.Somuchthebetter!Hetouchesverylightly,andifhehadnot,whyheshouldhavehadthewholestory!ThevolunteersatCorpusChristiwillcutupsomecapersastheyhavedone,buttheywillbeofnoseriousinjurytothecauseofTexas.Afewmalcontentshaveattemptedtodestroythehopesofanarmy,andeventocreatemutinyintheNavybycirculatingfalsereportsaboutpay.Thefactwasdiscoveredandplans,Ihopedefeated!Theyarefewinnumber,buttruetotheirmischievouspurposes.Theyaresuchspirits,aswouldratherreigninhellthanserveinHeaven!

TheywillnotdimthestarofTexas.Theytrytoobscureitslustre,butitwillbevain,andtheywillreceivetheexecrationsofallfriendstohumanlibertyandregulatedgovernment.Evenmaddemocracywillexecratetheirmemory!

Iwill(asIknowmyLoveyoubelieve)pursuetheeventenour[sic]ofmyway,andtho'Iamwearyinwelldoing,Iwillnotfaintbytheway.Imaybesickandfeeble,butmypurposewillnotbefaint,butstrongwhileIlovemyWife,myCounty,andmyReputation,ormankind.Inallthesetrials,virtue&honestywillsustainme!

Martinneednotcomewithyouifyoushouldreturnbeforethe15thor20thofJulyandbringSarahAnn.YoungorRobert23canaccompanyyou.IdonotwantMartin,ortheTroopsherebeforethe20thofJuly,orthelast,andIwishthemalltocomenearonetimewellpreparedsothattheywillnotbedelayedontheirarrival,butadvanceatonceupontheenemy.Donotletthisnewsgointhepapers,butIwishitknowntoleaders!andthosewhoareentrustedwithourcause!

MartinwillbeofgreatuseinAlabama,anduntilactiveoperations,hewouldbeofnoneinTexas!24

IhopehiseveryactiontellsThro'Alabama'shillsanddells

Dopleaseaskhimnottolookcrossatthisbuttryandsmile.Ihavenotsaid"frogsandshells"once!Hemustlaugh!Ifhedon't,whyyouwill,Iamsure!Butofthisenough!

TodayIhavebeenatMrBagbyaboutthehouseandlot.Thelady,hesaysismovingouttoday,sothisdoeslooklikegettingthehouse,andsowhenthefurniturecomes,Iwillhaveitinthehouse,butdon'tthinkIwilllivethere!UntilyoureturnIwillvisittheplace,andseethatitisallrightandproper!25

MyhorseandmuleareoutatCaptain[JohnS.]Blacksonthegrass.Iamnotabletofindthem.IexpecttohireoutVincy26at$15.00permonth,andwhatwillbecomeofthemoneyisuncertain!Speakingofmoney,ifyouneed,orwantanymyLovedrawonmeforanyamountthatyoudesire.ImaysendbyYoungsometitlestho'IhardlyexpectthatanylandcanbesoldinTexasatthistime!Themachinationsofthemalcontentshas[sic]abadinfluenceoneverythingTexian!"What'sdonecan'tbehelped.""Nouseincrying."PoorJacobdidnotliveinthesedays,orhisphilosophywouldhavebeentryed[sic]andhewou'dveryoftenhavesaid,"betterlucknexttime."

Abouthere,Ithinkyouhadbettertakeanap,mydear!andreadthebalanceaftersomerepose!

IthasjustoccurredtomethatinthemultiplicityofbusinessIhavenotwrittentomyfriendGenlMcGehee.YouIhopemyLove,willkindlycommendmetohim,andtoallthekindfriends,whomyoumaymeet.Don'tforgetGenlThompson,andmybrotherMartins"Roundabout"friendtheDoctor.IfyouseepoorMrsCody,27

domydearpresentmetoher,andIknowyouwillnotbeunkindtoheronaccountoftheconductofherfelonhusband.Youmustexerciseyourgenerousdispositionitismercy!!YouwillseeAuntandallourkindred,andfromthemIamsureyouwillreceiveallkindness.TellthemsosoonasthecampaignisovertheymustallcometoTexas,andseeus,butIwou'dpreferthattheyshouldresidehere.Ithasbeentomealandofpromise,andwillbe,Ifear,asithaspaidmepoorly!Therefore,or''ergo"asMrAndrewshassaid,itisalandofpromise!!ButindeedIwou'daboveallthingsliketohaveourrelationsinTexas!YouIamsurewou'dbedelightedwithsuchanarrangement!

Ifitwerepossible,Iwouldretire,andneveragainbeheardofonlyasaprivate&peacefulcitizen,butthatdayhaspassedbyandIaminfortheplate!Whileyouaremycounselor,Ihavenofearsofyoursensibleandfriendlyadvice,andsustainmyselfifyouwillonlykeepyourtemper.Butyouknowmydear,thatyouwillgetprovokedattheunrulyfolksofTexas.

TodayIwasbargainingaboutbuildingahouseonmyplace28tosuityouandsuchcompanyasmightcometoseeus.ItwillifIclosethebargainbelargeenoughforcomfortorconvenience.Itwillbehalfwayonthecottageplan.Twolowerroomsandahall.ItwilldoforTexas.IamtoknowinadayortwoifIcanruntheriskofpayingforthehouse.Iamtohavenotroublehefindsanddoeseverything,andwhenitisfinishedhewillhandmethekeys,andIpayhimthecash!Iknowyouwishahouse,andnotmorethanweneedone.Itwillbeourhouse!Won'titDear?

12thMay

LastnightmyLove,IwentouttoCaptBlackswithGenlSomerville&ColHadley.29Italkedlittle,thoughtmuch,andasIfeltsolonesome,Iconcludedtocomeintotownthismorning.YouhaveheardofKeepsakes,Boquets[sic],etc.Icantellyouofsomething

ratheramusingthanotherwise.Irodeoutwithyourbridle,andevenfromthatverytriflingcircumstanceIderivedpleasureandmustconfessthatImusedmorethanIchattedonmyride.Itshews[sic]theinfluenceoftriflesuponusinouraffections,cares,andeventheimportantbusinessoflife.IlooksomeforYoungtoday,butshou'dhenotleaveuntilaftertheNewYorksails,Iwillsendthisletter.Whenitcomes,IthinkIwillgoasfarasMorgans,30orevenfrom

thencetotheIslandtomeetnewsfromyou!Myanxietyisalmostinsupportable.Youmayhavebeenill,orathousandthingsmayhavehappened,andInottheretorelievemybeloved!Iwillseekforconsolationfromasourceaboveallearthlypower.YouIknowwillrelyuponthatwhenyouadverttothefoolishthreatswhichhavebeenmadeagainstme.TheshieldofJehovahwillsavemefromthemachinationofmineenemies!Theyarebasemenandvilerthandogs!Thedogisfaithfultohismaster,buttheywouldbetraytheircountry.Hencetheyarevilerthandogs!

TodayIintendtowritealettertotheUStates,thatwillputatrestallspeculationaboutthetime.31IfthegoodfriendsoftheUStatesmusthavethesecrete[sic],theyshallhaveit,andwewillseehowtheywillsustainTexasatthepresent&forthefuture!Ihavetoldyoualreadysotheyshallknowitnext.SantaAnnamaybeobligedtome,butnooddsforthat.Wearenotchumsanyway!!Iamnotinducedmydearthro'dreadofpublicopinion,ortheclamourofdemagogues,butthosewhohavecomefromtheUStates,wearenotabletosustainwithrationsnorarewesureatwhattimemeanswillbesenttoustokeepthemquiet.Iwillemploythosewhoaresoanxioustodistinguishthemselves.IdonotcalculateupontheextravagantadvantagespromisedtoTexasbyourfriendsintheUStates.Theybelieveallthepromiseswhichtheyhavemade,butmanyweremadewithoutcalculationorreflection.Ifeelawareoftheirgeneroussympathyandwillingnesstoaidus,buttheyareembarrassedandwemustlooktoMexicoforremunerationandmyimpressionisthatTexas,toagreatextent,willhavetosustainthewarherself.Wecansucceedsinglehanded,andaloneifwecanonlyobtainammunition.Therestwewillsupplyourselveswith,andifwealonesustaintheconflict,whichwemustdo,ifnotaidedbythepromisedsuccour,andthen,thegloryandalladvantageswillbeours.ItwillgivetotheTexansnewclaimstoGlory,andtheadministrationofChristendom!"NousVerrons."

Wemayencounterseriousobstacles,butIassureyoumydearest,ifIcouldgoatonce,Iwouldnothesitate[to]say,thatourarmswouldfindonedifficultyinthewayofconquest,andIwouldfeelsatisfiedtoriskmylibertyontheeventofmakingMonteRey[sic]mywinterquartersifIdidnotchusetoadvanceinthecauseofconquest!Ipredictthatallourmisfortuneswillarisefrominsubordination.Iwilldenounceitwheneveritmaypresentitselftomy

condemnation!AsIamnowbegining[sic]toprose,Iwillchangemyemployment,andlaybythissheet!

'Tisaftersupper,andmyfriendtheGreatWestern32isnowwithme,andtellingmesomedolefultales.Talesofsorrow,howpeopletalk,andwhattheysay,andhowwrongitis,''andthelikes."Imusttellyouofthebeautiful,andinterestingtrifles.Youknowhowmuchtheyinterestandedifyme,andhowmuchIcareforthem!

TodayIhavebeenemployedinpart,preparingdocumentstosendtoSt.LouisMissouri,toauthorizeEmigrantsfromthatpointtoadvanceupon,andtakepossessionofSantaFe,andthecircumjacentregion.Soyouseemydear,thatIwillemployeverymeanstoannoyandreduceourenemy.Iwillnotbealltalk,unlessitissowilledbyProvidence!andthatIhopeisnotthedecree!

Whenyouhavereadmyletter,Ihopeyouwillnotfindmuchinitthatwillcausereflectionforthereasonthatitcontainsverylittlethatcanbeagreeable,tho'muchofit[blurred]toyou.Thingsarenearlyatastandhereinthewayofpoliticks.Mosely[Baker]theillustrious,iscomingroundattimes&"findsmuchinHoustontoapprove."By&byitwillbeadmirationandopenpraiseifthewindsetsfair.'Tissaidhewillrunforthesenate!Ifhedoes,Idon'tknowwhoelsewillrun,butsomecleverman,Ihope.IhavewrittensomuchthatIwillhavetoreadoverwhatIhavewritten,orIwillbegintorepeat.Ifthehousebuilderundertakesthejob,hesaysthatbyAugust,hewillhaveitdone!Inthemeantime,wewillbeintheotherhouse,andIhopeveryhappy.IsighforthehappinessoflastsummeratCedarPoint.DearMaggy,wewerehappythereinverytruth!IpraythatHeavenmayhavemany,verymanysuchdaysforuswhenyouwillenjoyhealth.ThenwecanmeditateandpraiseourcreatorGratefulforhisfavorsandhismercies!Sincewritingtheabove,IhavebeentoseeMissBetty,33andincompanywithmyfriendBagbysoyouknowmyvisit

waswelcome.WefoundMrsandMrRuthvan34werethere,andwesatuntil9oclk.MissB.hadmuchtochargemewithaboutMissMag,whichhappenstobeallamistake.Muchlovewassenttoyoubythefamily,andMadamsaidatparting"SaytoMrsHoustonnottostaytwomonthsifshewilltakemyadvice."Nowyoucandrawyourowninference!ItoldherthatyouwouldneversupposethatIcou'dforgetyou!No,shesaid,weladieshavevanityenough,buttellherIsaycomehomeinlessthanthreemonths.IhavenotseenMissMagbutoncesince

myreturnandthenonlytogiveyourmessage!Now'tislate,sogoodnightmydearandangelsguardyou.

13thMay.Goodmorningdearest.ItwasverylatebeforeIsleptlastnight,andthismorningIroselateandfeeble.Iwillreallychangemyhabitandretireearly,soastoriseearly.Itismorehealthy,andonewillbemorecheerfulcertainly!ThisisnotapleasantpartofTown,andIwillremovetotheoffice,atourhouse,sosoonasIcan.ThismorningallisstillinTown,notawhisper,noteventhechirpofaninsect,butIdoheartherapofahammer,asIsupposerepairingsomeoldbuildingforanewtenant,forsoitisthatpeoplearemovingtoHoustonsincetheseatofGovernment!Itwillbestrangeifadaypasseswithoutsomeinterestingmischieforexcellentfalsehood.TheillustriousMoselyhadgonetohisfarm,andIamtold,saidmanyfinethingsofme,andamongthem,thatIwasmistakeninhim,forhewasafriendofmine.Somightanincendiaryofanassassinsay,butwhenaskedfortheevidence,hecou'donlypointtosomeobjectofdestruction!IwillneveraskMoselyforone,Iassureyou,norwillItakeanyofhis"softsoap"forlogic.IhopeinafewdaysthatIwillbethrothepressofbusinessuntilactiveoperationscommence,andthefieldforrumoursandwrongsisopened.ThetimesremindmeoftheBanks,issuesaremade,whetheruponsolidorfictitiouscapital,itmakesnomatter.'Tiscertainthattheissueswillneverbe"redeemed,"butnomatter.Theyhavepassedforsomuch,andmustfallinonthehandsofsomebody!ThegreatesthindrancetoTexasisthatofsuperabundanceofgreatmen.Toogreatfortheproportionoftheunambitious.Iwillthwartthebaseandmalignantfewwhoarestrivingtoruinthecountryratherthanfailindestroyingthemanwhomtheyhatewithanimpureandimperfecthatred.Iwillnowwaitforsomethingelse!tomakeoutmyshortepistle!ButireIdo,Imusttellyouaseriousmatter.IsenttoMissMag"thecake''whichItoldyouofwithanote.Isentitasyourcake,andsonextmorningasto

youshesentaprettyboquet[sic]tomeonyouraccount,andtho'manydayssince,IhavenotevensaidthankyouforitsonowIthankyouforit.Bettysays,thisistoobad,butItoldherthatsheshouldhaveRobertwhenhecameoverwithyou,butdidnotmentionSarahAnn.Youknowthatwou'dnotdosowell,asabodymightsuppose.MissBettydoesnotinvokecompetition,andforthatreasonIwasmum.DonotletSarahAnnbe

alarmedatdifficulties,andasyouaremybetterhalf,youcanassureherof"Executivepatronage,"allofwhichwillbeatyourdisposal!NowIwillsettosomethingelse!MrMiller35willhavetoanswermyquestionof"Whatnext?"Hesays"dinner,astheBellshaveRung!''

Ihavedined,andmetGovSmith36atdinner,thesamehonestandnoblepatriot.HetoldmeofameetingatBrazoriatotakeplaceontomorrow.37ItwasatfirstdesignedtobringthecastofJimmyLovemeetings,buthesaysthewooerschangetheirtonenow.IsupposeLamar&hisfriendMilton38willbethere,asIhaveunderstoodtheywerebothabusingmeatVictoria,tho'LamardeniedtobroMartinthefactastohimself!They(myenemies)arealwaystoofastortooslow.Mr.T.JeffGreen,aliasGenliswillingtoacceptrankunderthePresident,soyousee"thestockisrising."Goodcreatures!Howvastlypatriotictheyare!!Itisawonderthatmyadmirationdoesnotovercomemeattimes.Buthavingsomany,andsomuchtoadmire,Ireckon'tisthatwhichrelievesme,andmyLove,youtoo,havetoclaimalargeshareorrather,ithasbeenrendered,evenbeyonddemand,tho'youpretendtorequiremore!Welldearest,whenyoureturn,wewillsettlethatmatter!

Ifyoushouldwritemuchbeforeyoureturn,Iwishyoutotellmeallaboutthekindred.BroRoystons,Martins,Henry's,andallthefamilies.TellmehowourdearLucyAnn39progresses.AsSarahAnnistocomewithyou,shecananswerforherself.TellhersheisnottobeaCoquet[sic],butabeingfarabovesuchanguishcreatingtrifles.Trueadmirationarisesfromgenerosity,virtue,andmagnanimity,andthecoquetcanpossessnogenerousity[sic]!IdonotpretendtosaythataLadyshou'dlovebecausesheisloved,butIdosaythatsheoughtnottotriflewiththefeelings&happinessofthosewhomayloveher.Shecantreatanygentlemanwellandconvincehimthatshedoesnotlovehimifheissmart,andifheisnot,shecanbemoreplainandtellhimso.Forifheisnotsmart,hewill

soonaskher"thequestion,"willyoumarryme?Thereacandidandnoblemindwillgiveasuitableresponse!ThismyLove,isnotintendedasalecturetoyou,foryouknowwhatIinsistwasthecaseofourcourtship,tho'youwilltosomeintentcontradictmyposition.Nomatter,thatisover,andyouknowIamveryyieldinginmydispositionparticularlysotoyou,ifnotto"vigilanceandsafetycommitties[sic]."TothemIcannotbepliant,norto"wou'dbeGenerals!"IamalittlefearfulthatmydearNieceLucyAnnwillhavesomedispositionto

playtheFlirt.Tellherofmyopinion,butitwillnotbeneedfulforherinlessthantenortwelveyearsButshemaythinkmerathertooliberalinmyallowanceoftime.Thisforthepresentwilldoforhertoreflectupon,aswellastoactupon!Beforeitwillbenecessary,IhopetoseeherandthenIcanconsidermydecreeandknockoffseveralyears,ifsheshouldbeveryanxioustomakesome[one]veryclever,veryhappy!ThecaseofSarahAnnmaybeofearlierconsideration.Whenshecomes,myDear,youmustbringapowerofattorneyfromherFather&Motherauthorizingustodisposeofherifwemaythinkproper,orcandosotomanifestadvantage!ButIhopebeforeoneyearpassesthatIwillhavethepleasureofembracingallthefamilyinTexas!ProvidedYoungispleased,myheartissetupontheircoming,andthecomingofmydearSisterEliza[HoustonMoore],andherlord40andflockwithher!ThisdoneandIwouldbewillingtowithdrawfromallpublicmatters,andletTexaswagonasitmightorwould!

'Tisprettylate,andthemusquitos[sic]aresobadthatImustceaseforthenight.NoIcan't.ImustsaymoreWhenIhaveanyleisureonmyhands,Iamarrangingtheplanofacampaign,butreallyIfeelgreatlyinwantofmeansorratherIhavenone.Anyonecou'dactwithmeans,butitwilldisplaygeniustodomuchwithoutmeans!Caesar&GenlJacksonstandinmyopinion,unrivalled[sic]inthecreationanddevelopmentofresources,aswellastheirapplication.Their[s]isafieldopeninTexasforafairexperiment.Butsuccessofourenterprizewillnotbetakenasproof(bysomeofourwisemen)asanyevidenceofextraordinarycapacity.Otherscouldhavedonesotoo,orevenbetter&itwasonlyluckatlast!Sogoodnight,myDearest.

14thMay.ThismorningIamprettywell,andhavebeenbusyinvariousemployments.AmongthemiswritingtoourdearSisterAntoinette&tomother.IwrotetoSissomethreefullpages,principallyaboutyou&Isaidinconclusionthatsosoonasyoucame

home,thatwewouldbehappytoseeher&MrBledsoe.Icouldnotsayless,andsofarastoherdearself,Iwassincere,andratherthannottoseeherwithyouagainasadearSister,Iwou'devenbegladtoseehim,tho'Icanneverrespectthepoorfellow.WellMrMcDonald41myfriendfromAustin,hasbeentoseemethismorning.Iasked"whatnews.""None!(saidhe)thetownisquiet&no

rascalitygoingon."ThisistherarestnewsforHouston.Itscontinuanceisveryuncertain,butIhopeitmaybeofsomedurationthatapureatmospheremaycontinueforthetimetocome!Ofallplagues,anarchyandseditionaremosttobedeprecated!

TodayIamagainbargainingabout"ourHouse"ontheRancho.ImayclosethebargainandhesaysifIdo,hewilldotheworkbythemonthofAugustcertain.ItisprobablethatImaymaketheagreement.Itwou'dbeverypleasant,andthenourcountryneighborswouldMrsSmith42andColHadley.Thiswou'dbepleasant,andwecou'dbequiet&nodoubthappy!NothingdoIsomuchadmireanddesireaspeace,unlessitisthepleasureofseeingyouagain.Iamfearfulthatyouwillsupposemedisposedtourgeyourreturn,whetheryoudesiretocomeornot.NoindeedmyLove,forhoweveranxiousIamagaintoembraceyou,Iprizeyourhealthandhappinessveryfaraboveallsinisterwishesorfeelingsonmyownpart!DonotsupposethatIwou'dinsinuatethatyourhappinesswouldbelessthanmineatourmeeting,butyoushou'dtakeintoviewthatyouareonavisitandcannotguesswhenyouwillbeenabledtomakeanother,andthatmightfurnishreasonsfordelay.YouknowmyDear,thatIalwaysmakemuchparadeaboutmydisinterestedness,andyouknowthatMrPricesayswoetothemanwhomaytradewithHarryHillormyself!

IseebyadvertisingtotheNewYork,thatshewillleaveOrleansthe7thand22ndofeachmonth,andshouldyoureturnmyLove,soonerthanwasanticipated,youcansosuityourdeparturefromPerry43thatyouwillnotbedetainedinOrleans.Tho'itmaybeastheNewYorkwillbealoneinthetracethisyear,thatshemaymakesomechangesinhertimeofarrivalanddeparture!Tothisyoucanhavearegard!WhenIcanseeYoung,Iwillhaveachancetotalkofmatters,&leavethemtotheexerciseofyourdiscretion,butasyouwillbeassured,feelingeveryinterestinthecasepossible,thatmattersmaysoturnoutperfect[ly]agreeabletoyou,myLove.TomorrowIhopetoattend

churchandtheresidueoftheday,ifspared,Iwillreadthescriptures.FurtherIdesignaftereachmealtoreadachapterintheNewTestament.ThusIwillgratifyyou,andIhope,deriveinstructionandedificationofatemporalaswellasaspiritualcharacter.

16th

Dearest,Iwenttochurchonyesterday,andreadintheBookofMatthew.Ifoundittrulyinteresting,andedifyingtome.TodayIheardfromSister&Bledsoe,andtogratifyyou,Ienclosetheletters.Iwillmakenoremark,butleavethistoyourreflection!TodayImailedmylettertoourdearSister.Iwasverykind,butIdidnotmentionreceiptofherlastletter,tho'Ididtheonewrittentoyou!

MyMaggydearest,yourtwolettersmademetrulyhappythismorning.Allthatyousaywasgratefultome.Younowmydearcancomejustwhenyoumaypleasetodoso.My"armsandheartshallembraceyou."ColChristywritestomethatyouhaveagreedtostaysomedaysonyourwayhomeProvidedIwillmeetthere.IndeedIamsoanxioustoseeyou,ifcouldthatIwouldevenbethebearerofthisletter,eventoMarionandproperiapersonae,handittoitsaddress!IhearthatMotherhasnotbeenwell,andIwillgototheIslandthismorningasIcan'ttellwhenYoungandVernalwillbedown.Iwillsendthisletterbymyaiddecamp,MajorWood,whowillbeardispatchestoAlabama.Mydearest,inallthingsactasyoumaydeembest!Myheartembracesyouwiththetruestaffection.Embraceourkindredforme!ItrulyembraceyouforwritingwhenIknowyouhadsolittletime!ImayaddapostscriptattheIslandiftheNewYorkisnotonthestart.IwillreturnbythenextBoattoHouston.

DearestIstartedtotheBoatasitwastosailat12M.precisely,butfoundthattheCaptwaswaitingashesaidforthepassengerstho'hehadrefusedtowaitahalfhourfordespatches.NowmyDearest,youmaysupposewhatmyindignationathisconductmustbe.WhatImostregretisthatIamcompelledtogoonhisBoatornottogoatall!ButnomattermyDear,asIwillbetravelinginthedirectionofmyLove,whyIdontcaresomuch,butwhenIstopOh!butIwillfeellonelyforIwillbeandseewhereweparted!Iwillgointoyourstateroomandtherebeholdwhereyouwere.EventhatwillbesomecompanyhowevermelancholyImayfeel.Iwillgotoseeourdear

motherthemomentthatIarriveontheIsland.OhmyDearest,Ihavetenthousandthingstosaytoyou,andatleastninehundredofthemosttenderandaffectionatecharacters.

ButIhopethedayisnotdistantwhenIshallhavetheinexpressiblejoyofpressingyoutomycaretroubledbosom!!!Then,butnottillthenwillIbehappy,tho'Imayhearfromyou,butIcannotseeyounorcanIhearyoumyLove.ButyouwillIapprehendthinkthat

Iamwriting"loveletters,"andthisyouknowIamnottodobyagreement.Youwouldnottalkmatrimonyandsay"well!Ihaverefer'dthesubjecttobrotherHenryandhesaysthathehasnoobjection,andformypart,Iamwillingtobeunitedtoyouforbetter,orforworse."

Indeed,Ifeelverymuchliketakingtomyselfawife,ifyouarewilling.Yes,thosedearlettersofyourshadawonderfuleffectuponme!Theyarejustsuchthingsaswillkeepmeinlove,andgratifyforamoment,andleavememiserableawhileatleastuntilIbecomereconciledtotheideaofdistancefromsocietyandisolationofplace!Ifthisbetrue,IaminthewildernessofthoughtandheartevenwhenIaminsociety.Thethoughtofyoupresentsdistancetomymind.Myheartistheabodeofdesolation!YoumustnotentertainabeliefthatIambeggingyoutoreturnnomyDearest,ifyouarehappy,orcanenjoyyourstayforthetermexpectedwhenweparted,donotmakeafuss,andrunoffhome.Forifyoudo,thekinsfolkwilllaughatyouandbeprovokedlikewise.Idoconfessmydearest,thatwhenweparted,IdidnotthenexpectactivemovementssosoonasInowintendtohavethem!ThearmiesofVolunteerswillinduceactionsoonerthanwasanticipatedbyme!ThusfarIhaveyieldedtocircumstances,buthavenotbeenforcedbyFaction!Thecryisstill"Houstonmustleadus,"andmanyadd"orwewillnotgo"and"whoelsecanleadus?"IsupposeithasarisenforouroldLadieswhodonotwishtheirsonstogo,andwiveswholovetheirhusbands!Youcanjudgewhichyouthinkthemostnumerous.YouwillsaytheoldLadiesare!!!.Bythebye,myLove,Ihaveheardyouspeculateuponthissubject!!Buttothewarandsoldiering,myDear,Iamnotcommitteduponthissubject,norwillIbeuntilIcanagainembraceandconferwithyou!'Tisamatterofseriousimport.Idoubtnotmyownone,butwhatIcouldgatherplenteousLaurelsandstoresofwealth,butthesecouldneverrecompensemeforthelossandwantofyoursociety!I

havealltheLaurelswhichIhadwhenyouacceptedme!Withyouragency,Ihavegainedotherandnewvictoriestowhichamoralgrandure[sic]attaches!Tosecuretheseandpossessyouraffectionsandsocietyaresufficienttogratifymyambition.YousaythatyouhavebutoneearthlyThendearestasIknowwhatthatis,IcansayitshallbegratifiedsofarasIcanconducetoit.

Noambition,youareassured,couldeverinducemetorepairto

themartialfield.Patriotism,arousedbythecallsofmybleedingcountry,have[sic]twicebeenrespondedtobyme,andyouwouldcondemnmewereInottoflytoheraid,andredeemheragainfromoppressionandfromsuffering!Youwouldsay"Gomyhusband.Iwillprayforyoursafety,butOh!saveourcountry!"YesMaggy,yournaturewouldspeakoutYounevercouldlivethewifeofarecreant.Youmaysupposeanexcuseforyouandmyself,butyouwould,inthehouroftrial,findtheexpedientutterlyinsufficient!ButofthisIhopewewillhaveopportunityandampletimetodiscourseireitwillbesupposednecessaryorprobable,tho'atsometimeitmay[be]indispensable.

Itisnow2oclockinthemorningonCloppersbar,44tho'notaground,andonboardthemiserableold"Burleson."MajorWoodandyourdevotedhusbandwerebothveryanxioustogettotheIslandprevioustothedepartureoftheNewYork.IhopetohavetimetowritetomydearbrotherMartin,butifIdonot,presenthimmyLove,andtellhimtodothebesthecanforTexas,asIknowhewill!

IamsorrythatEusaue45didnotgowithyou,orthatyoudidnottakeMartha,ifyoucouldhavedonesofromOrleanstoAlabama.IfearthatyoudidnottryowingtosomethingwhichImighthavesaid,andifsoLove,formysake,dopardonme.Ihavebeenunhappylestitmightbeso!Butindeedmydearest,thosefrogsandshellsdidpestermeverymuch.

IamsohappyandsoproudthatmynoblebrotherdidnotdrinkanythatIwillnotplaguehimanymoreabouthisfancies.Askhimifhecan'tnowquittheevilaltogether?IfhecanIshouldbeveryhappy,andIamsurehewillbemoresothanifhecontinuestoindulge.Idonotcondemnhim,butmysuggestionispromptedbythepurestaffection!

MrHuckins46isatthetablewithme.Hecan'tsleep,andhasrisento

readawhile.Whatwillhethinknow,whenheknowsthisispage42!Myhealthisnowverygoodindeed!Iamsatisfiedthatthisletteroughttoputyououtofallpatience,andifitshouldnot,itwouldbewrongtoimposefurtheruponyourgoodhumour!!!!Ineednotassureyou"myownone"thatIwillwriteeveryopportunity!

Comewhenyouwill;comewhenyoumay!Youshallbewelcomeanyday!Thisispoetry!Youhaveheardtheanecdoteofthe

Dutchmanssignintendedtorepresentaman,andahorse!Lesttheremightbesomemistakeastheywerenotwelldone,hewroteabovethem''Disisdeman,anddisisdeorse!"SoIjustthoughtthatIwouldcallyourattentiontothepoetry,andIventuretosaythereisasmuchhonestsentimentandfeelinginitasanycompositionofmoderntimes!Yes,Iwillsaythere"ismoretruththanpoetry!"Nowthisisplacingonesmoralattributesabovehisgrieving.Youmaycallamana"rascal,"anditwilloffendhimmuchlessthantocallhima"fool.''SointhisyoumustsayIampeculiar.

Don'tthinkfromthelengthofmyletterthatIamtryingtopersecuteyouandcompelyoutocomehometoavoidtheinflictionofmyletters!NoitistotellyoueverythingsothatyouneednotcomehometoknowwhatispassinginTexas!

JudgeTerrellhasgonetomovehisfamilytoHoustonsothatyouwillsoon,Ihope,havethepleasuretomeetandembracehisexcellentandpiousLady!Almostallofyourmanyfriendswishmetopresentthemkindlytoyou!

Dearest,Imustclose,andmaytheGreatGodoftheuniversepreserve,guard,andprotectyouinhappiness!

Thyeverdevotedhusband,Houston

Margaret

1ThomasLubbock,thebrotherofFrancisR.Lubbock.ForabiographyseeWritings,II,89n.2MoselyBaker.3HoustonisprobablyreferringtoS.A.Levy.Mrs.Levyhadopenedanestablishmentwheresheservedpastriesandicecreams.FormoreinformationseePearlHenricks,"FlavorofCitySamHoustonKnewinEarly40'sGleanedfromDimPagesofPioneerNewspapers,"HoustonChronicle,

January24,1937.4SonofJohnS.Black,aneighboratCedarPoint.IdentifiedbyMontgomery,170.5NimrodHuntwasalsoknownasFlournoyHunt.WilliamRansomHogan,"PameliaMann,TexasFrontierswoman,"SouthwestReview20(Summer1935):363.6Mrs.T.K.Mann,ownerofMansionHouseinHouston.IdentifiedinGrammer,34.7AnnWilkersonmarriedFlournoyHuntonMarch19,1842.Grammer,36.8TheHoustons'weddinganniversary.9AfeudhadarisenbetweenPresidentLamarandMemucanHunt.TwoarticlesappearinginrivalAustinnewspaperscontainedassertionsthatLamarandHuntbothbelieveduntrue.HuntheldLamarresponsibleforstatingthatHunthadattempted,whileAssistantSecretaryofNavy,torecallJamesPinckneyHendersonasMinistertoFrancewiththeideaofsecuringtheappointmentforhimself.William


(footnotecontinuedfrompreviouspage)RansomHogan,TheTexasRepublic:ASocialandEconomicHistory,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1969),285.10JohnMilton.CharlesAdamsGulick,Jr.,andWinnieAllen,ThePapersofMirabeauBuonaparteLamar,v.4,(Austin:VonBoeckmann-JonesCo.,1924),13.MiltontoLamar,May3,1842.FormoreinformationontheLamar-Huntfeudsee6-18,Ibid.11ThismayrefertoamemberofeithertheChristianSmithfamilyortheWilliamSmithfamily,bothofwhomwereneighborsoftheHoustonsatCedarPoint.(NotreferringtoDr.AshbelSmith.)12Margaret'sniece,SarahAnnRoyston.MadgeW.HearneCollection,SanAntonio,Texas.13ThomasM.Bagby,aHoustonmerchant.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,172n.14HiramG.Runnels,aformergovernorofMississippi(nottobeconfusedwithhisbrother,HardinRunnels,whowouldlaterbeelectedgovernorofTexas).ForbiographiesseeWritings,IV,100n.15HoustonisreferringtotheagentssenttotheUnitedStatestoraisevolunteertroops.16GeneralAndrewPickensofAlabamawasattemptingtobringonethousandmentoaddtothearmyofTexas.HoustonhadofferedtomakehimaBrigadierGeneral.Writings,IV,92.17Dr.JamesHowePrice,Houston'sfriendfromearlierdaysinNashville,Tennessee.Montgomery,150-51.18CorneliusVanNess.19AbnerS.Lipscomb,theGeneralAgentofTexasfortheStateofAlabama.SeeLipscombtoHouston,May10,1842.SamHoustonPapers,CatholicArchivesofTexas,Austin,Texas.ForabiographyseeWritings,IV,30.20HoustontoGeneralWalterSmith,Writings,III,30.21StephenPearlAndrews,HandbookofTexas,I,48.22AlbertSidneyJohnston.

23Margaret'snephewRobertRoyston,thebrotherofYoungLeaRoyston.MadgeW.HearneCollection,SanAntonio,Texas.24Margaret'sbrother,MartinLea,wasonamissionforHoustontoraisemoneyandmanpowerfortheTexasArmy.HoustontoMartinA.Lea,May2,1842,Writings,IV,93.25HoustonapparentlywasplanningonrentingahouseinHoustonCityfromThomasBagby.26Vincy,afemale,wasaHoustonslave.MadgeW.HearneCollectionofPapers,SanAntonio.27ProbablyMrs.A.J.CodyofGalveston.SeeMargarettoHouston,January18,1841.28HoustonwasconsideringhavingahousebuiltonthepropertyheownedinHoustonCity.29ColonelT.B.J.Hadley.30Morgan'sPoint,thehomeofJamesMorganinthesettlementofNewWashington.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,407n.31SeeWritings,IV,102-107,variouslettersofMay12,1842,fromSamHoustontoJohnBarrington,RobertLivingston,WalterSmith,orHenryWatkinsAllen.32MajorThomasWestern.33BettyTilghman,thedaughterofEugeniaPriceAndrews.

JaneandArchibaldSt.ClairRuthvan.ForabiographyseeWritings,VII,555n.35WashingtonD.Miller.36HenrySmith,provisionalgovernorofTexasin1835.Best,336-77.37ForHouston'scommentstothechairmanofthismeetingseeHoustontoTimothyPilsbury,May18,1842.Writings,IV,110-11.38JohnMilton.39Margaret'sniece,LucyAnnLea,thedaughterofHenryC.Lea.MadgeW.HearneCollection,SanAntonio,Texas.40SamuelA.Moore.41AlexanderMcDonald.IdentifiedinGrammer,36.42Mrs.ObedienceFortSmith.Col.T.B.J.Hadleywasmarriedtoherdaughter,PietySmith.Theylivednearby,southwestofHoustonCity.TheSmithhomewaslatergiventheaddressof2616Louisiana.AncestralBiographies,publishedprivatelyin1991byMissImaHoggChapter,DaughtersoftheRepublicofTexas,inHouston,61-63.43PerryCounty,Alabama.44ThemouthoftheSanJacintoRiverlocatednearMorgan'sPointwasobstructedbyasandbarcalledClopper'sBar.DermothH.HardyandInghamS.Roberts,eds.,HistoricalReviewofSouth-EastTexas,v.I,(Chicago:LewisPublishingCo.,1910),263.45AHoustonslave.46TheReverendJamesHuckins.Hogan,TheTexasRepublic,198.

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Gen.SamHoustonHouston,Texas

MarionPerryCo.Ala.May13th1842

MyownLove,

WearrivedhereonMondayevening,ourweddingday,asIpredicted.IdevotetoyouthefirstmomentthatIcouldclaimfrommyfriends,forwehavehadaconstantjubileeeversincewearrived.IcangiveyounoideaofthecordialgreetingswithwhichIwasmetandifIcouldbehappyawayfromyou,thereisnothingwantingtomakemeso,butIcannotbeohno,Iamnothappywithoutyou!IhavetakenmyroomatbrotherHenry'sandastheykeep7servantsatthehouse,Iamatnolossforattendance.IhavenotbeenverywellsinceIarrived,butifyoucouldonlyseethekindnessofmydearrelations,youwouldhavenofearsforme.IdinedyesterdayatGen.King's1withseveralofmyfriendsandweenjoyedourselvesverymuch.TheGen.andhislady2haveknownmefrommyinfancyandtheydeclaredthatitseemedscarcelylikerealitytoseemeat

homeagain.Theymademanyinquiriesaboutyou,andmanifestedagreatdealofinterestinourcountry'scause.

Marionisaperfectearthlyparadise.Ihaveneverseenanythingsobeautifulasitsgreenhillsandbloominggardens.Ohthatmybelovedhusbandwereheretosharewithmethehappinessthatisaroundme!Butheisfarawaytoilingandoprest[sic]withcares,andIwishIwaswithhim,foritisnonsensetothinkofbeingcontentedwithoutthepresenceofhimwhoengrosseseverythoughtandwishofmyheart.DearestIstillcalculateonyourwritingformeinJuly.Donotdisappointmeifyoucanavoidit.IexpectsisterRoyston3andIwillmakeAuntLea4avisitwithinafewdays.CousinWaineandColumbus5havebeentoseeus,andwishustogodownimmediately,butIthinkitwillbeaweekbeforewesetoff.TheytellmeAuntisinverylowspirits,andseemsalmostheart-brokensinceuncle'sdeath.6Ilongtoseeherandcheerher,ifitbeinmypower.

WedidnotcomethroughSelmaasweexpected,whenweleftGalveston,findingitmoreconvenienttogethomefromCahaba.7OnmyreturnIwillseeyourrelativesifpossible.ManychangeshavetakenplacesinceIleft.Thelittlegirlsareyoungladies,andmanyoftheyoungladiesaremarriedandmothers,andsomearegonetotheirlonghomes!Yesthedestroyerhasbeenhereeveninthesequietshades,andtheyoungandbeautifularefallenbeforehim.Mrs.RootsthewidowofSisterSerena'sbrotherisstayingatbro.Henry's.Sheisaninterestinglady,andaltogetherwemakeapleasantcircle.LucyAnnisgrownagreatdealandmuchadvancedinherstudies.Henry,theyoungest,isoneoftheloveliestchildrenIhaveeverseen.SisterRoyston'syoungestchildisquiteaspretty.TheymakeahostwhentheyarealltogetherandindeedIhaveneverseenamoreinterestingassemblage.Bro.Martin'sboysarealsofinefellows.8Bro.HenryandSisterSerenaexpecttomakeusavisitnextwinterandtheytellmeifIwillstayuntilOct.theywillreturnwithme,butIcannotconsentto

that.

Theexchangeforthe250dollarswhichyougavemeonlyamountedto155,butitisquitesufficientformyexpenses.IdonotthinkCapt.Wright9treatedmequitewellaboutMartha.WhenwearrivedatNewOrleanshepretendednottohaveknownthatshewasonboarduntiltheboathadleftGalvestonandIthoughthisconductratherun[torn]Willyoubekindenoughdearesttoaskhimthepriceofpassageandpayhim,asIdidnotattendtoitmyself.My

Love,dowritetomeconstantly.Haveyourec'daletterfromDr.Fletcher?10Hesayshehaswrittentoyou.WhenyouwritetoMaj.Reilyremembermetothem,andtellMrs.R.Iintendtowritetohersoon.TellMagStoneIhavementionedhernameveryfrequentlytomyfriendshere.IfyouseeMrs.AndrewsandBetty,givethemmylove.PleasewritetoMa,ifyouhavetimeasIshallnotbeabletowritebythismailandtellherIhopetobequitewellwhenIreturn.ThecongestivefeverhasbeensofatalinMarionduringthetwopastsummersthattheyarealittleafraidofitthisseason.Ifitbegins,Iexpectwewillgotosomeofthesprings.ButItrustitwillnotbenecessary.Havenofearformedearest.TheonlyanxietyIhaveisonyouraccount.

ThyownMaggy

Mydeardonotpartwiththehorseunlessyoudesireitparticularly.BrotherHenryboughthimforyouespecially.

WeheardlastnightthatCousinColumbus'swife11hadgivenbirthtoadeadboy.

1GeneralEdwinD.King.ForabiographyseeOwen,III,980.2AnnAlstonHunterKing,Ibid.3VarillaLeaRoyston.4PeggyMoffittLea,Nancy'ssister.5Margaret'scousins,thesonsofPeggyandGreenLea.6GreenLea.7AsmallsettlementnearMarion.8Martinhadthreesons:Robertusb.1834,WilliamJonesb.1836,andHenryClintonb.1838.MadgeW.Hearnepapers,SanAntonio.9JohnL.Wright,thecaptainoftheNeptune.L.W.Kemp,"ArticlesonEarlyTexasHistory,"HoustonPostDispatch,January19,1930.Thefarefor

passengerswas$25forstaterooms,$20forlowercabinand$8fornegroes.10Dr.NathanielFletcherofMarion.See"PrescriptionforMrs.Houston,"n.d.FranklinWestonWilliamsCollectionofSamHoustonpapers,WoodsonResearchCenter,RiceUniversity.11ElizabethParkerLea.IdentifiedinPaulineJonesGandrud,comp.,AlabamaRecords,v.182,(Easley,SouthCarolina:SouthernHistoricalPress,1980),97.

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PerryCo.MarionAla.May21,1842

DearestHusband,

Ihavesufferedonemailtopasssincethereceptionofyourdearletterwhichwastome"farabovethepriceofrubies."ThereasonIdidnotreplytoitimmediatelywasthatIwasnotabletodoso,havingsufferedseveraldayswithaviolentinflammationoftheglands.Dr.Fletcherpronouncesitbronchitisandthinksitafavourableturnformyhealth.Youspeakofyourlonelinessaftermydeparture.OhmyLoveyoucouldnotfeelmorelonelythanIdid,andevennowIcannotberesignedtoyourabsence.Sometimeswhenthechildrengatheraroundmeandtellmehowdearlytheylovemeandhowmuchtheywanttosee"UncleHouston"thiersweetprattlemakesmefeelsomethingalmostlikejoy,butstillmyheartretainsthesadrecollectionthatmyhusbandisfaraway.Ihavebeenseveraldaysatbro.Royston'sandifIcouldbehappywithoutyoumydeargentlesisterandhersweetchildrenwouldmakemeso,butthereisnohappinessformeinthisworldapartfrommyhusband.Bro.RisextremelyanxioustosetoffforTexasinthefall,butIfearhewillnotbeabletoarrangehisbusinessforit,asheisnotyetreleasedfromthebank.Ihopebro.Martinwillmakesomeprovisionforhimthatwillenablehimtogetoff.

YesterdayIlookedoveryourAustinlettersandreadsomeofthemaloudtosisterVirilla.Itwouldhavegivenyoupleasuretoseethehappinessthatilluminedhermeekcountenanceateveryexpressionoftenderness.

22thSabbathday.Iwasnotquitewellenoughyesterdaytofinishwriting,butIfeelmuchbettertoday.IhavehadaletterfromAuntLeaandshebegsmetogotoherimmediately.IexpectsisterSerena,sisterVirillaandIwillgodownnextweek.IintendfirsttogooverandspendanightwithAuntEiland.1CousinColumbusspentlastnight

withus.Heisbusyelectioneeringhavingcomeoutasacandidateforthelowerhouse.2Br.Henryrefusestorunthisyearashisprivatebusinessrequireshisattention.3Ifmyhealthissufficientlygood,Ihopetoenjoymyselfverymuchwithmyfriendsbutdearest,IcannotstaylongerthanJuly.NoonewillsuffermetospeakofreturningsoonerthanOct.,butohmyLove,Icannotbeseperatedfromyousolong!IbelieveIwouldgomad!InreviewingyourdearlettersfromAustin,Idiscoveredyourfrequentpromisesneverto

leavemeagain.AndcanitbethatIhaveleftyou!Yesdearest,andthesacrificewasmadeforyourselfalone.Inevercouldhavehadsufficientcouragetoleaveyouonmyownaccount,butforyourdearsake,Iwilltrytoimprovemyhealth.Youdidnotmentioninyourletterthattheywerepreparingahouseforus,butIcannotbelievethattheywillsufferustoremainlongerwithoutahome.Bro.HenryandsisterSerenaexpecttomakeusavisitinOct.andIhopewewillbeabletoentertainthematleastprettycomfortably.Theywillnotconsentformetoreturnuntiltheyarereadytogowithme,butIwouldratherbethereafewweeksbeforethem,notbecauseIthinkyouincapableofpreparingthehouse,butbecauseIamcrazytobewithyouagain.

SarahAnnisgrowntobeatallelegantgirl.Iexpectshewillaccompanymeformyreturn.IfYounghasnotsetoffwhenyougetthis,youmusthurryhimhome,forhisFather'sbusinesscanneverbestraightenedwithouthisassistance.

Tuesday24thBr.Henrydroveouttobro.Royston'ssabbathevening,andbroughtmein.YesterdayIdinedwithalargecompanyofmyoldfriendsatmaj.Townes's.4Theyhadasplendiddinner,andbesidesthepleasureofmeetingmanywhomIhadknownandlovedlonglongago,Ibecameacquaintedwithanoldfriendofyours.JudgePhelan5andlady6werethere.HewasattheuniversityatNashville,whenyouwereGovernorofTenn.,androomedwithyouandoneoftheWhartonsinNewOrleansin1832.7HespeaksofyouinthemostexaltedtermsandsaysImusttellyouheisnowlivinghereatMarion,halfJudgeandhalffarmerandinthewholedoingprettywell.Afterallthememoriesofthedaywereover,IcamehomeandmadeSarahRoystonandLucyAnnplayandsing"Ohdoubtnot"forme,andohmyLove,Iweptuntilmyveryheartseemedpouredout.Iamengagedtothreeotherlargedinners,sodearest,youseeIamquitealioness!Ithinktheyoughttocallmethe"heroineofSanJacinto!"

MyLovedonotaskmetostaylongerthatJuly.Idobelievemyheartwouldbreakforalltheamusementsfriendsmayprovideformeherecannotcheermewhenabsentfromyou.TellMathatsomeofuswillwritetoherthisweek,andpleasesaytoAntoinettewhenyouwritetoher,thatshemayexpectaletterfrommeverysoon.TellMagStoneshemusttalktoyouagreatdealaboutme,andsaypretty

thingsofme,butnottosaythemtooprettily!SendsomemessagetoMrs.AndrewsandBettyforme.RemembermetoCapt.Black,andalsotoGen.Terril,Col.Hockley,andallmygoodfriends.DidGenTerrillseemecryontheboat?IhavenotyetwrittentoMrs.Reily,butintendtodosoverysoon.Dearestdowritetomeveryoften,anddonotprolongmyexilebeyondJuly.

ThyadoringwifeMaggy.

Tellbr.VernalIhaveheardallabouthisconductinrelationtoMissJ.D.andIconsiderhimboundbyeverythingthatishonourabletoreturnandfulfiltheexpectationshehasexcited.Hewillnevermarryafinergirloronewhocanbemoredevotedtohimthansheis,butIwillwritetohimbeforelong.

YouradoringwifeM.L.H.

1GincyMoffettEiland,sisterofNancyLea.MadgeW.HearneCollection,SanAntonio,Texas.2ColumbusLeawaselectedtotheAlabamaLegislaturein1844.Owen,III,1021.3HenryLeaservedintheAlabamaSenatein1839andtheHousefrom1847-1851.Ibid.4MajorS.A.TowneshadtoastedthecoupleaftertheirmarriageandcalledMargaret"theConqueressoftheconqueror."MarionHerald,May16,1840.5JudgeJohnDennisPhelan.ForabiographyseeOwen,IV,1356.6MaryAnnHarrisPhelan,Ibid.7JohnWharton,Houston'sfriendfromTennessee,hadalawpracticeinNewOrleansin1832.Wisehart,63-64.

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ToMrs.MargaretLeaHoustonMarionAlabama

CityofHouston21stMay1842

MyVeryDearest,

Sinceclosingmylasttoyou,Love,Ihavebeenquiteill.OnmyarrivalattheIsland1IwenttoGailBordens2officeandwroteuntilIsunkdownfromexhaustion.Fortwonights,Ihadnotsleptonlytwohoursinfortyeight.WhenIsunkdown,Ilayontheflooroftheofficeforanhourandsleptatroubledsleepforanhour.WhenI

awoke,Iwasfoundtobecoldtothekneesandelbows.Hebathedmeinwarmalcohol,andgavemeahalfwineglasstodrink.IwasthenwithmuchdifficultyremovedtoMrsMaffits3andplacedinthesouthroomupstairsonacomfortablemattressandsufferedgreatlywithheadache&fever.Ourblessedmothercametoseemesosoonassheheardofmysituation,andwithsorrow&anxietysatbymeuntilIwenttosleep!Butnotuntilmyfeetandhandshadbeenwellbathedin"numbersix,"andadoseof"nervine"administered!InthemorningIfoundmyselffreefrompain,butveryweak.IremainedinbedadayandahalfwhenIaroseandwenttobusinessasusual.OnyesterdayIcameup,or[sic]wearrivedherethismorning.WhileIwasconfined,Iwasattendedbymyfriend,MrCrump4(22nd)Mother,MrsMaffitt,MissTilly&MissHenrietta.5SoyouseedearestIdidnotstandinneedofmore.Unless,youhadbeenthere,andifyouhadIshou'dhavebeenmorehappy,andlesshappy.Iwou'dhaveseenyouandheardyou,butyouwouldhavesufferedfromanxiety,andyouwouldhaveexertedyourselfbeyondyourstrengthtohaverelievedmefromsuffering.

TillyusedtolaughandsaytoMrCrump,ifcousinMaggysawthisshewouldbeprovokedthiswaswhenshewouldbebathingmyheadwithcologneforIsentandpurchasedabottleandwaswellbathed,ormytemplesinit,whilemylowerextremitiesunderwenttheapplicationof"numbersix"withequaladvantagetomysituation!

ThismomentYoung,Vernal,&BledsoehaveallcometomyofficeandleftourdearSisterwellatColMorgans.7Theysaythat[they]willstarttoday,sothatImustbebusy,andtellyouallthenewsthatmaypresentitselftomynotice,oratleastsomuchasImaywishtocommittopaper.Don'tthinkthatthisisdonetoexciteyourcuriosityandinduceyoutoreturntolearnthebalance.TrulymyDearest,Iwouldbehappytoseeyou,butnotuntilyouaresatisfiedwithyourvisit.Somemaywriteorhavewrittenindespairofmyhealth.Wellit

didseemtobeverybaditwassotoo,butforthewantofrestIthinkandrepose,Icouldnotsleepanddidwishtodoso!

IhavehadtheFurniturebroughtup,andSmith&hiswifearemovinginthehousetoday.Thepoultrytooareup,savefoursittinghensleftwithonesentinel!IwillleavethearrangementofallmatterstoMrsSmithforreallyIdonotexpecttobetherethreetimesuntilmyBelovedMaggyreturns.Iwillwalkovertothehousewith

Young&theothers,thathecantellyousomethingaboutmatterswhenheseesyou.Hemusttellyoumostofthenews,asitwillnotbeinmypowertowritesolongaletterasmylast,andIamfearfultowritetoomuchlestIshouldbabbleandtellyoutoomuch.

Wehavejustbeenovertothehousetoseehowmattersarecomingon.Weallthoughtthe[m]veryfinelyindeed.Thehouselooksquitesmart.Allthefurnitureisnotyetathome,assomeofitwasstored,whichcameupfirst!IdonotexpectthatSmithwillstayanylongerthanmattersarearranged,ashewishestoliveattheIsland.ImaymovehomeandbringVincyhome,andgetherlordtocomeupfromtheIslandandwaituponme.IfIdothis,IwillhireoutJoshua,andboardmyselfasInowthink.Ihaveseennoneofyourfemalefriendsforsometimeinthisplace.IndeedIdonotwishtoseethemmuchbecauseafterseeingandconversingwiththemaboutyou,IdonotsleepIcannotsleep.Ifitwerepossible,Iwouldinflictamostagreeablesurprizeuponyou!Yes,ifIhadthestrongpinionsoftheEagle,Iwouldbewithyou,mostsurprisinglyquick!IndeedIwould,ifitwerenotforthepresentstateofaffairsinTexas,Iwouldgobythefirstboat.Butoh!Icannotgonorleavemypost.Ihavemuchtosaytoyou,orthatIcou'dsayifIhadyourear,aswellasyoureye!IfeelverymuchlikeleavingTexastoitsfate,andwithyouretiretotheTrinity.Young&Milleraregreatlypleasedwiththeland,andIwillmakesuchanarrangementsothatBroRoystoncansendthenegroesifhedoesnotmoveoutthisfall.

YouwillbringoutSarahAnnwhenyoucome,andshecanstayuntilherFathermovesout.Youneednotsupposethatthisisanarrangementformetogotothearmy.Idonotentertainanyambitionsinthatline.AllthelaurelsonearthwillnotgivesweetpeaceofmindandhopeofahappyimmortalitytoanexpiringHero!Theshoutofvictorymaybepleasanttotheearofonewhofeelsconsciousthathefallsinhiscountry'scauseandhasachievedaGloriouswork.This

tho'willnotinsureahappyeternitynorinsurethefavoroftheEternalGod!ThisIwouldprefertoallthegewgawsofthatpoorexistence!Itisonlyenrichedbymyassociationswithyou,mydearestLove.TrulynothingelsecangivemefelicitynordoIeverexpecttoseeorenjoyanhourofhappinessunlessyouareembracedwithinthecompassofmythoughts.Ofthistho'morewhenwemeet!Imustnotwrite"loveletters,"oryouwouldfeelbeinginAlabama,thatIwasreallycourting,andthatwewerenotmarried!

Thereforeyouwou'dnotcometoTexas,butstayuntilIwou'dgoforyou,lestsomeoneshouldsaythatyouhadcomeafterme!Thiswou'dbeadreadfulmistake!Mydear,Youcancomeandmaybeassuredthatnoonedaresayawordonthatsubject.Iwillberesponsible.ItreatBledsoekindly!SisterwillstayattheIslandsomeweeksand'tispossiblethatMother&herwillcomeuptoseeme,andIwilltryandgetthemtostaywithmeuntilyoucancomehome!Ifeelprettywell,andhopethatIwillhavenomoresicknessthisseason!Mymouthandnosearebrokenout!Mylipsswollen,andallverysore!Ofcourse,Idonotlookvastlypretty!IwillwritetosisterEliza[HoustonMoore],andknowiftheycan,andwhentheywillmoveout.IwishthemtosettleonTrinity,andIyetfondlyhopetoenjoysomereposeandsociety.IdoubtnotLovebutwhatwewillsettlethereifwelive.Ihavecometothisconclusion,withahopethatyouwillthereenjoyyourhealththere[sic]betterthananywhereelseinTexas.Thesetho'aremattersinwhichyouwillhaveasayso,norwill,norneedIresolveuntilIcanagaintalktomydearestMaggy.

ItwillnotbeintherangeofmypowertowriteyouaslongaletterasIdidbytheNewYork.Thatwasoutofallconsideration.Youcouldnototherwisethanthinkso.IdonotexpecttobeatGalvestonuntilIcanhopetomeetyouthere.IcertainlyambynomeanshappytherenoramIveryhappyhere!ThisisSundayandSmithdrunksothatIhavetroubleonmyhands,andmybusinessismostpressing.Thesethingwillallpassoff!YoungcantellyouallthatIhavenotwritten!

Peoplemaywritetoyouthatmyhealthhasbeenworsethanwhatitreallywas,andsaythatIamworsethanwhatIam!TrulyIamfeeble,tho'Ithinkclearofdisease.Itooknomedicinewhilesick,asIdonotlovephysic!

ItmightbetoolateforyoutostayuntilthelastofJulyunlessyoushouldwish,ordeemitneedfulforyourhealthtostayuntilNovember

next.IintenduponmaturereflectionandurgedbythecrisistocalltheCongresstogetherinJune,tho'Ihavenotissuedmyproclamationtothateffect.IthinkthatIwilldosoinafewdays.

MyCabinetareallwithmebutCol[WilliamHenry]Dangerfield&hewasheresinceyouleft,butwentbackbyN.Y.onbusiness.Comewhenyouwill,myDearest.ByallmeansbringwithyouourdearNieceSarahAnn&Bob,orwhomyouwish.IwillwritemyLove,asoftenasIcan,andalittlemorethanwillbeinteresting!

IprayGodforyourhealthandhappiness.Presentmekindlytomymalerelationsandfriends.ThenembracewithakissallmydearAunts,Sisters,andcousins,andnieces.


MargaretIhavenotexaminedandcorrectedthisletter

Thine,Houston

1Galveston.2GailBordenwasasurveyor,inventor,andagentfortheGalvestonCityCompany.ForabiographyseeWritings,IV,147n.3TheboardinghouseofMrs.JohnNewlandMaffit(alsospelledMoffittandMofitte).Brooks,22.4WilliamR.Crump,ActingSecretaryoftheTreasury.SeeHoustontoWilliamC.Crump,May17,1842,Writings,IV,54-55.5Matilda(Tilly)andHenrietta,twindaughtersofMrs.Maffit.Brooks,22.6TheMaffitswereapparentlykintoNancyLea,butnodocumentationhasbeenfoundtoexplaintherelationship.7JamesMorgan.

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ToMrs.HoustonMarionAlabamaMrY.L.Royston

CityofHouston22ndMay1841

Dearest,

TheBoathasdeclinedgoingthisday&assomethingmayoccurandIhaveapieceofpoetrytoenclosetoyou,Isendyouabrandnewletter.Ibelieveallthelandmattersaresettled.IwasrightinsupposingthatBudcontrolledthefirstarrangementaboutTrinityandthePoint.1IamsatisfiedwithmattersastheynowarebecauseIthinkyouwouldnotbehealthyatCedarPoint,andthatwithmeisadesideratum!IhavehadathoughtthatIwouldproposethesaleofmypointlandand''liveuponit''inthatway.Weneedalittlecashinourfamily,andIwillhaveit.Itcanbeobtainedhonestly.Iamwearyofbeingneedy!Itistoobad!!!

23rd

NonewsLove.Thetimewillnotallowmetowritemore.YoungcantellyouallIcanonlysayhowmuchIloveyou.Iamthemostanxiousbeingonearthtoseeyou!Icanonlysaymyregardstoall,andtoyoumyLove,

Farewell,ThydevotedHouston

Mrs.Houston

1VernalLeahaddecidedtosettleontheTrinitynearGrandCane,despiteHouston'surgingstochooseCedarPoint.

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ToMrsSamHoustonMarionAlabama


DearestLove,

WhenIwillbeabletocloseandsendthisletterIcannotguess,butdoubtlessbytheNYork,onitsreturn.Thatwillbeatleastoneweekfromthistime.OnSundayYoung,Vernal,&Bledsoewerehere,andIdidnotrideoutinthecountrytoCapt[JohnS.]Blacks,andreadthescriptures.LasteveningIrodeoutwithDoctorJones1andtodayrodeinaboutelevenoclock.SoonafterIarrivedthereIwentsoundasleeponachair,butbeinghungry,IdidnotretireuntilIeat[sic]supper.Iagaintookashortnaponachair,retired,andoh!howIdidsleepuntil7AM.Athingnotknowntomyhabits.Youseeifyouremainaway,

thatarevolutionwillbetheconsequence.Ionlymeanasmyhabitsofbusiness,butnotinmyaffections!NoDearest,thatcannot,couldnotbe.YouaretheonlyshrineatwhichIcanmakemyofferingsonearth.Tho'Iamfreetoconfessthatmymeditationsofyouareoftendivertedtotheleastamusingofallmatters,saypoliticks.YesmyownLove,Ihavetolooktothem,andinaccordancewithwhatIdeemimportant.IhaveorderedCongresstoconveneonthe27thofJune.2ThisisnotdonetobringyouhomeLove,buttoseeiftheywilldoanygood,andifnottosaddlethemwith

theirownsinsandshortcomings.ThiswilltakeplacebeforetheTroopsofTexasmenneedbeinthefield.Soyousee,Iamright,astheCongresswillhaveasayonthematters,anditwillhavenoinfluencefromtheRendezvousoftheEmigrantsfromtheStateswhichtakesplaceonemonthafter[blurred].TheProclamationhasgoneouttoday,andIwillsendyouapapercontainingitonthefirstopportunity.3IwillfeellonesomeuntilIseeyou,andthemoresoaspovertywilldrawmehome.IhaveorderedVincyinfromCaptainBlacks,andexpecther&Joshuatocookforme!Youwillpityme,butyouneednotforyouknowhowlittleIcareaboutgoodeating,andasfordrinkingthewaterisfine.Tobesure,ifyouhappenedtocomehome,IwouldnotbeangrywithyoumyLove.Forthatwouldbeungentleandunciviltoo.Well!Youmaycomewhenyouplease!Iwillcrycontently[sic].

TodayIdon'tknowwhatelsetowriteotherthantotellyouthattheSeditiousgentlemenatCorpusChristiarequietedbyGenl[James]Davis.Thiseventhasnotmet[George]Hockleyswishesandmine!'Tisstrangethatnoone,outofmysight,canobeyplainandpositiveorders,butmustdisobeythem,buttheythinkitbestandsodestroyallmyplans!ThisisnotintendedforyourcaseDearest,tho'yousaythatyouwillneveracceptanotherappointmentwhichwillremoveyoufromme!LoveIwillnevertenderyouanother,thoyouaretheonlyonewhohasshone[sic]adispositiontoobeyorders,untilyoucou'dapplyforamodificationofthisorachangeofimport!Oh!ifIcouldonlyseeyou!DearestIhaveaworldofcivilthingstotellyouof.Theywillallamuseyouorinterestyouinsomeway.IhaveseennoLadies,soIcan'tsayanythingtoyouofthem,orthelittlescandalswhichmaychancetobeafloatinthelandormoreproperlyinthecity.IwillclosefortodaybytellingyouthatMr.Tankersley4hadaseverefistfighttodaywiththekeeperofaLiveryStable,andIamtoldfoughtverywellandthotheotherhadastickandstruckhim

repeatedly,hewasnearflogginghimthohewasdeemedverystout&afighter.

AndmoreyoumaysaytoSarahAnnthat[Thomas]BagbyhashisgenteelpersonstretchedonasofaneartomeatthismomentandItellhimifhedoesnothaveourlotpaledintwodaysthatheshallnothaveherifheis"silly"enoughtofallinlovewithherwhenshecomestoHouston.SoIwillnotembarrassherbyanypromiseofmine.Sheshallhaveafairpromiseofallhereifshedoesnotleave

Alabamaengaged!butifshedoes,Iwillnot,youknow,encourageanyflirtations!YouknowthatImarriedonceonpurposetobreakupthepracticeatleastyouareawarethatItellyouso,thoyoupretendtodenythefact!Well!Iwillgiveitupifyousayso!AlmostanythingtokeeppeacemyDear!Onlycomehome,andwewillarrangeallotherdifficulties.Whenyoucome,Ihopetohavepeacewiththeworld,andthenwewillhavemoreleisuretoquarrel,ifwechusetodoso.Whichprobablywewillnotchuse!!!

25thLastnight,GenlTerrell,DrJones,GenlHunt&myselfwentouttoCaptainBlacks.Theexercisewasofgreatadvantagetomyhealth.ThoIdonotthinkIwillhavetimetorideoftentothecountry,thoDoctJonesdesiresthatIshoulddosoonthegroundsthatitrestoresmycomplexionandrendersmemorecheerful,andindeedincreasesmycapacityforbusiness.Allofthesethingsareimportant,butasIattributeittorepose,myimprovementsIthinkIcanobtainthatatourhouse!AtleastImustmakethetrial!IwillhavesomeonetostaywithmeMillerorJeffWrightIpresume.

WewillasIsupposeliveratherbadlyuntilIwasgoingtosayuntilyoureturned,andifIhad,Ishouldbeapprehensivethatyouwouldthinkitahinttoleaveinahurry!Idofeelverylonesome,IassureyounorwouldyoubelievemeifIweretosay,nayeverswearthatIdidnot.BythisImeantosaythatyouwou'dsupposeIthoughtso,butwasmistaken!Ifeellikeaveryyoungpersonagethattoldmeof,Ithink,alittlenieceofyourswhichhadbeenabsentforsomeweeksfromitsmama.Wereyoutoreturn,thoyourabsenceseemsanage,allmyrecollectionswouldreturnandIshouldfeelthattimeandspacewhichnowexisttoapainfulextentwouldbeannihilatedbythepleasureofourembracetobidyoutomylonelyspirit!Youaretheonlybeingonearthwhocanrespondtosoul&thoughtandmakemehappy!

Iwouldnotforworlds,thatyoucou'dorwou'dthinkmeselfish.Ido

notthinkthatIamsoonlyinthisthatIintendtoregardourhappinesssofarasnottobetheslaveofmycountry,&toilinhopelessnessanddespair.Ihavesoughttoexaltandblessmycountry,butitwillnotbeblessed.Myheartsickensatthisprospect,andnowsomethingmustbedone!"NousVerrons!"Imustnowtoworkuntilnight!IlearntheNeptunehassailed!

29th

Dearest,ThismorningIreturnedfromavisitoffourdaystoColMorganswhilemyhealthvisiblyimproved.Ireadnearlyallmytime,and[ate]verylittle.IwaskindlytreatedandtheColandmyselfoccupiedthetwolargestchairsontheporch!ToDayIwouldgotochurch,butIsleptnonelastnightontheBoatandmustsleeptoday,butintendtoreadtheScripturesthisevening.OnboardtheBoatwereseveralSantaFeprisoners,whohadescapedfromprison,andmadetheirwayhome.Iwasinterestedinthedetailswhichtheygavemeofmatters!

DearestyouwillseethatIhavemendedmypenandresumedthepleasureofwritingtoyou.Ihadlaidasidethesheetandwasreflecting,orratherIwasmeditatinguponthefuturewhenmyfriendMillerbeganteasingmeabouttheconquestofMexico.ItoldhimthatIwouldnotundertakeitinpersonfornoconsideration!Hethensaidthathewouldgiveupallhopeofsuccess!IsaidwouldyouhavemetosendMrsHoustontoherrelationsortoaConventuntilIshouldconquerMexico!Yes,saidhe,Iwouldjusthaveyoutodosoandsaytoherifyouplease,thatisjustwhatIwouldwishyoutodofrommyheart!Soyouseemydear,Iwillhaveconflictingopinionsastomycoursetobepursued!AboutthismatteryouandImusthavesomethingtosay.YoumaythinkbetteroftheideaofsuchacourseonyourreturntoTexas.UntilthenIwillgivenopledgeofcommittalinfavorofsuchanexileTobeseperatedfromyouevenforalittleseasonisamelancholyexile!!!MyheartisdesolatedandindeedIfindmyheartadrearywilderness!

Memorypassesoverit,butnottocheerthegloomandaddcheerfulnesstohope,butitrecurstowhatwasboundlessfelicityandthenpointsassociationtomypresentcheerlesscondition!YoumentionLove,themonthofOctober,andthespringsforasummer

visit.ThemonthofOctoberisthemonthofyellowfeverinMobileandNewOrleans.Ifyoushouldconcludetostayuntilthen,IwouldbyallmeansadviseyourstayuntilthemonthofNovember.IfyouwillbehappyDearest,orcontentedandwishtopassthesummeratanyspringseitherforhealthorrecreation,byallmeansdoso!Youwillfindbyformerlettersfrommethatyoucancomehomejustwhenyouplease.Andthatmyarmsandheartwillallembraceyouandstrainyoutomybosom.

IsayhomeforIcantellyouthatIcalledatourcottagebeforeI

wenttoColMorgansandyouwouldbetrulydelightedifyoucouldseetheneatandtastyarrangementofourhouse.ThemattingonthefloorsocleanandeverythingadjustedinprettystyleAplacetooforthePiano.Theroundtable5andinshorteverythingarefast.Eventhebedchamberinvitestorepose!Ilookedinthatpresentloneliness.Ilookedin,butleftincompanywithMrCrumpandhavenotreturnedsince.JoshuatellsmethatVincyhascometotownandisthere.IhavenotyetresolvedwhetherIwillboardathomeornotuntilyourreturn.OnereasonLove,whyIsuggestedtoyouthemonthofJune,ifyoushouldwishtoreturnsoonwasthatstormsarelessfrequent,orratherthattheyrarelyhappeninthatmonth,whereastheyaremorefrequentinJulyandAugust.Happy,nayasextatic[sic]aswouldbemydelightatyourreturn,IwishyoutounderstandthatIamnoturgingyourreturnifitwereevenpossiblethatitcouldabridgeyourenjoyments!Itmaybeselfishnessinme,butIconfess(tho'somemightdeemithyperbole)thattho'Icouldlookforwardforthethousandyearstosuchhappinessaswehaveenjoyed,thatIwouldonlyregarditasasingleday!Suchismyestimateofchaste&virtuouslove.LovesuchasreceivedandsuchasIgive!VirtueandpietyalonecanrenderusassociationinEternity!!Religion(thereligionofJesusChristourblessedSavior)isallthatcanreuniteusinthesocietyofthepurespiritswhohavebeenredeemedthrotheatonementofourblessedandadorableSavior!Dearest,Idofeelastho'Iwouldnot,couldnotsurviveunlessIhavesomehopeintheatonementofthesonofGod.Iamassuredthattho'Iadmittheawfulrealitiesofeternallifeandeternaldeath,yetIdonotrealisethatconfident&abidinghopethatIwillbeacceptedofmyGod&thruHisdeathbehappyhereafter!OneconsolationtomeismyBeloved,thatIamcommuningwithabeingonearthwhowillnotridiculemyexpressionsorwithholdthekindsympathiesofaChristianbelieverinChristJesus!IwilltryandmeditateuponHisHolyandDivinecharacter,Hisboundlessandalmightyloveformortals,Hiswiseandsacredprecepts.Yes,the

soothinginfluenceofhismildandholyandspotlessexample!

Dearest,Iwouldbetrulyhappyonearthwhileinthepossessionofyourlove,andconfidenceifIcouldonlyfeelassuredthatIpossessedthefavorofmyGodintoeverlastinglife!IwillseektheredemptionpromisedintheHolyScriptures.'TisallthatIcando.ForIknowthatdeathwillcomeandafterdeaththejudgment.I

knowthatifIobtainpardonfromGod,Imustnotfaintbytheway!Imustpersevereinwelldoing.ImustatoneforIhavepassedmuchofmylife,ifnotincrime,atleastincarelessnessandadisregardofthatcircumspectionwhichwouldhavedirectedmymindandfeelingstoaholywalkandaGodlyconversation.Butinsteadofthis,Ihaveblasphemedwithmylipsandlevityhasusurpedtheplaceofcontemplationandcalmreflection.IknowDearestthatIhaveyourprayersdailyandhourlyandtothemIwilladdandrenewmine.ButeveryhopeisvainunlessJesuswillinterposeinmybehalf!

Dearest,IfIcouldonlyseeyouandconversewithyou,Iwouldfeelsomesolaceinmypresentstateofmind.Iwouldrealisemoreofhopeinahappychangefromdeathintolife.NoonedoIconversewithandindeed,Idonotwishtodoso.OnereasonisthatIamsomewhatfearfullestImightbegintoarguewiththemandbecomeexcitedsofarastoblindmyreasonandbecomedivertedfrommysearchaftertruthandholinessandthuslydefeattheveryobjectwhichIwishtoattain.AnentiresubmissiontoChristandobtainhisforgiveness.IhopemyBeloved,thatwewillyetlivetoseethedaywhenIshallenjoythedelightfulinfluenceoftrueandEvangelicalReligion.IfeelthatIamnowinthepresenceofaGodwhomightbejustlyincensedatmeasarebelagainsthisholyLand.Atthesamemoment,IamassuredtheHeisaGodofboundlessmercy!Iamfearfulthatyouwillnoteasilyunderstandme!ButIamconfidentifitisso,thatyouwillreadilybearwithme,andwouldsootheme,wereyouhere!

DonotmyDearestreflectonyourselfthatyouarenotwithme.Yououghttobejustwhereyouareforyouwishedanditwasmyearnestdesire.Thereforefeelnounhappiness!

Whenyoumaydesireandarehere,thenmybosomwillswellwithgratefulemotionstoHeavenandboundlessaffectionforyou.DonotmyLovesupposethatyourpresenceisnecessarytoinspiresuch

feelings.Theyarealwayscherishedbyme.AttimesitdoesappeartomethatIcannotexistwithoutyouandIreflectsointenselythatIreallyfeelquitestupidandadeadnessseizesuponmysensesuntilIamaroused,bysomecircumstancewhichsaystome,"awakefromyourreverie."

Iawake,butIamaloneinsociety.MyWife,MyLove,myFriend,isnothere!HowcanIbehappy?Iamnot.Iwouldnotsendthisletter,onlyIfeelapresentimentfromyourletterwrittenatMobile6

andthetenour[sic]ofmyseverallettersthatyouwillwishtocomehomesoon.IhavethoughtthatIneverwouldwritemyfeelingswhentheymightcreateunhappinessinothers.ButoftenasIcometothisconclusion,Iamsuretoviolateit.HadInotbeforebeenabletosympathisewithyouwhenyouusedtowritetomewhenabsentfromyou!Iwouldnowbequitecompetent.IneverlovedMarionmuch,tho'IthoughtitquiteaprettyvillageIcanassureyouthatwhenthedecliningsuncastsitsrayseastwardIfancyhowlovelyMarionmustappear!Thisisbyassociation,forIfancythatyouaredwellinguponsomesceneandblendingwithitsrecollectionsofTexas&Sommerville.7Iviewwithraptureourfavoritestar.8Itisstillthestarofaffectiontome,foritseemstogrowmorebrightandbeautifulwithtime.Itisthepureemblemofouraffection.ItistheBannerofournation,IhopetheonewillshinethroughoutEternitywhiletheotherwillonlysurvivewiththingstemporal!

30thMay.MyLove,Mondayhascomeagain,andIhaveresumedmychairintheofficemore&moresatisfiedthatIcanneverbehappywhilstyouareabsent.IaminofficeUnlessIcanenjoyprivatelife,andyoursocietynotsubjecttocaprices.Iwillnot,cannotbehappy!HadInotoftenshownadispositionandwishofthischaracter,Iwou'dnowsuspectsomewhatthatIwasinfluencedbymygreatanxietytoseeyouandbewithyou.WhatIsayis"goodearnest"andIwilladheretoit,ifnotinpractice,Iwillinprincipleanddesire!

Dearest,theGrayhorsehasgone,buthadIsuspectedwhatyoutellme,Iwouldneverhavepartedfromhim.Saysotodeargenerousbrother.IprayyoumyLovetorendertoourbrotherHenryeveryassuranceofmysincereregretsandthankhimkindlyforhispresents.Previoustoanyknowledgeofthefact,IhadsenttoCorpusChristiforasplendidMexicanblankettopresenttohim,wheneverIcouldsenditsafely,andoneformydearMaggytomakeaPianocover.

Youmayquarrelaboutthisifyouwill,butIreallyintendtoallthatIsayatpresent.WhetherIwillbringthePianountilyoucomehome,ornot,Iamnotpositivelydetermined.Ifyoudonotreturnandsendmewordwhatyouwishdone,Iwillobeyyou.

IhopeyouwillberesolvedtobringSarahAnnwithyou.TellherMrBagbyisveryanxioustoseeher,andsoamI.Formany

reasonsdoIwishtoseeher,butonewillsufficetostateandthatisthatyouwillbewithherwhenshedoescome!Dearest,YoumakemeunhappywhenyouspeakofthesicknessofMarion.DoDearest,notstaythereifyouapprehendsickness.IwouldbecomemadifIheardofyoursickness.LoveunlessIcouldbewithyou,myheartwou'dbreakwithanguish.Weoughtneverinlifetopartagain.Iwillnotbeaccessarytoourseperationagain.Iwassoonce.Ihaverepented.Butitwasright.YouhaveseenyourdearrelationsandIhavenearlysunkunderofficialduties!Theyaremorelightthanformerlyandmycomplexionimproves,butIamliketheleankindofPharaoh,theKingofEgypt!SaytoYoungthathemaybesatisfiedthatheshallhavejustsuchlandashemaywish,andtocomeon.IhavewrittentoSublett,9butnooddshemustcomeandshallbesuited,whetherSublettwillsitornotforIhavemyinterestthereandYoungorhisfathershallbesuited.Vernalwashuffedatme.Hehadsaidthathewantedonly450acres,andhehadtaken800,andsomeoddacres,andsomuchfrontthatourleagueswouldnotgivefrontontherivertothreesettlements.IadvisedhimtoletYounghavetheplacewhichhehadselectedandtakethebalanceofthefrontofoneleague.Iwassorry,butVernalhasbeensobadlypettedthathereallythinkseveryoneisboundtonurseorpethim.Ilovehim,butIloveothersofmydearkinsfolkequallywellwhohavemoreontheirhands.WhenIwasasingleman,Iwouldhavegivenupaplacetokin[thewords"abrotherinlaw"arewrittenabovethelinehere]ifIhad...[illegible]butoneonearth!Dearest,Ionlyliveforyouandmyrelations.FormycountryIhavedoneenoughandIwillnotlongtrytosaveitunlessIamsustained"To[blurred]tomuse."

Uponthegatheringillswesee!SoIwillseekrationalenjoymentandtosuchthingsaswillnotneedtoberepentedof!

OnlasteveningwithseveralGentlemen,Iwalkeduptoourhouse&hadyoubeenthereitwouldhavebeentrulydelightful.Ireturnedby

ColAndrewsandpresentedyouasdirectedtoall,butlovetoMadam&MissBetty.Ididnotsitfortea,butcamebyMrsGrays10andgaveMissMagyourLoveandtoldherwhatyousaid.ShewasverymuchpleasedandIhavebutlittledoubtifshethoughtIwouldbeawidowersoonthatshewoulddiscardeveryoneofherBeauxthoMajorNichols11whowaspresentdidnotlookasifhethoughtso!Ihopeyouwillsoonseeherandthenyoucanascertain

thefact.Idon'tthinkshewouldwishachanceanddiscardherbeauxforsheseemsdevotedtoyouanditmaybeonyouraccountentirelythatshetreatsmekindlyorasmyattentionsaresoraretoLadiesonlyhavingbeentotwohousestwiceintheplacesinceyouleftme,shemaysupposethatmyattentionstoherwouldbeconstruedintoanimpressionofveryfairtaste.Youcanbestjudgethecause!Butshesaysthatshedoesloveyouandwouldberejoicedagaintolookintoyoursweetface!GuesshowIwouldfeelwhenMagcouldfeeljoyatsuchanevent!Iwouldbemuchthehappierofthetwo!IwishtoseemydearWifeandMagtohaveacleverhusband.ThisisallasitshouldBe!Don'tyouthinkso!

MyLove,IwrotetoMotherandSistersosoonasIreadyourletterandtoldthemaboutMarionandthekinsfolk.IwrotetoMotheraboutAuntLeasdepressionofspirits,andthatyouandsisterRoystonintendedtovisithersoon!ToDayIsupposeYoungwillreachhome!Youwillthengit[sic]areasonablyshortEpistle!Ifitwerepossible,IdeclaretoyouthatIwouldforthwithsetoutforAlabama.Yes,bytheNewYork.Iwouldgoandseeyou!ButmyDear,thisgivesbutafaintideaofmyanxietytoknowthatyouarewellandagaintoembraceyoutomyheart!ButIcannotleaveTexasatpresent!Imustnotdoit!'Tisvaintothinkofit.Forawhile,Iwillyetmakesacrificestomycountry!ButIdoassureyouthatIwillnotagainsacrificeourhappinessbyholdingofficeorperformingserviceswhichcanmakemenoreturn,butabuse&slander.Lookat28thpage.

MyLove,Howmany"longyarns"willIhavetospinbeforeIcanseeyou?Doyousuppose?Ihopenotmany!

GenlHardin12hasjustbeenintoseemeandtomakekindinquiriesaboutyou!Hesaysallthemanuscriptsaremadeout,butheforgotthem!Ibelieveit.Heisanxiousthatyoushouldhavethemall!Ireallydidwantthe"VisionMuse"tosendyouforourfriends.It

wouldbeatthemuseofthe"CaneBrake"hollerer.IwishColumbushadit.Itistrulyrich,andwouldwearwell!IttreatsByronsmartly!TheDayton13islookedfortonight,soImustthinkofclosingthisinterestingletter.Ifeelconfidentthatitwillbesotoyouwhenyoulookatit,andthinkthatyouhavetoreadthewholeletter.Ourfriend[Thomas]WesternsaysthatIshouldhavecrossedthiswithredink.14Ithinksolikewise.Don'tyoumyDear?

31stMay.GoodmorningmyDear!ThatseemssofamiliarandyetsoagreeablethatIdoreallyalmostfancythatIheararesponse.Butno,itisnotso.Youarenothere!Iamalone.Youarefaraway!MyLove,whenwillyoubehere?ButIneednotask!Youwillbeherewhenyoucan,andthenIwillbehappy.Iwillthrowawaythecaresoflifeifpossible,andseeyou,andbewithyou,andyouonly.Oh,butIwillbeselfish!IwillaffordMrMorris15reasontocondemnmeagainformydevotiontoyou!

Iamsosolitaryattimesthatmymindrecurstomyexileinotherdays,forIhavenoonetosustainmeandsolacemeinmymomentsofrestandmyreflectionswilleverrecurtomyBeloved.ThesenowIlikenedinmyfeelingstodaysofdesolationofheart,whenIfeltthataworldcondemnedme,andIstoodalonginthemidstofittooproudtoreceivepity,andtoomanlytoindulgehate!ThecloudspassedoffandmystaragainappearedatSommervilleandhasbeenbrightandpointedmetohappinesssincethattime.

IhopemydearthatyouhavehadmuchenjoymentwithyourdearFriendsandRelations.Iwouldregretthatmysituationshouldbeaseriousdrawbackuponyourhappiness.IamfearfulthatMajorWoodstoldthefactofmyseriousindispositions.Isworehimtosecrecyonhisdepartureandboundhimnottomentionmyhealthortosayitwasgood,tho'Iwasfearfullyindisposed.NowIamquitewellbutyouwillseethatbythelengthofmyletter.ThereasonwhyIfeartheMajorWoodorDaingerfieldtoldIwasveryill,friendsinOrleanswrotetomelettersofcondolence&sorrowwithprayersformyrecovery.AllinTexaswholoveTexas,Ibelieve,wishtherestorationofyourhealthandaspeedyreturn.EmbraceallourFemalerelatives&mysalutationsofregardtothemenandBoysforme.BringSarahAnnwithyou,asyoumaybeattimeslonesomewhenIcannotbewithyou!


Margaret

1ItisunclearwhetherHoustonisreferringtoDr.AnsonJonesorDr.LeviJones.2ForHouston'swrittenordersseeWritings,III,58.3Ibid.,59.4BenjaminF.Tankersley,aHoustonlawyer.ForabiographyseeWritings,IV,133n.5Houstondescribesthistableastheonlyrelicofhisfirstadministration.SeeHoustontoMargaret,September1,1843.

SeeMargarettoHouston,May8,1842.7ThehomeofMartinLeawhereHoustonfirstmetMargaret.8ForanexplanationofthesignificanceofthisstarseeRoberts,StarofDestiny,19.9PhillipSublettofSanAugustine.10MillieStoneGray.11EbenezerB.Nichols.HeandMargaretStonewouldmarryAugust7,1842.Grammer,36.12HoustonmaybereferringtoFranklinHardinofLiberty.13ThesteamshipDaytonranbetweenHoustonandGalveston.Hogan,TheTexasRepublic,72.14Houstonisreferringtothefactthathewasnowwritingacrossthefirstpagesofhisletter.15HoustonmaybereferringtoRichardMorrisofGalveston.IdentifiedinCompiledIndextoElectedandAppointedOfficialsoftheRepublicofTexas,86.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

MrsMargaretLeaHoustonMarionAlabama

31stMay[1842]

Dearest,

ToyouMrTeulon1sentfromN.YorkcitybyourConsul2fivenumbersoftheMusicalLibraryofLadies.Itisaprettypresent,andwillbetakengreatcareofforyou!asitistoyou.Mr[Alexander]McDonald&MissMargaretRobertsaretomarryonthe15thInstatMrDantroys,andIaminvitedtothewedding.Wereyouherewewou'dgo,Isuppose!Asitis,Iwillnot!

1stJune

MyLove,IhavenotseenCaptainWright,3andofcourseIhavesaidnothing!Whenyoureturn,IwouldratherthatyoushouldcomeonhisBoat,altho'hehasactedbadly.ThisisamatterthatIwillleavetoyourwishes.Love,whenwillyoucome?Oh,Howvery,yes,inexpressiblyanxiousIamtohearfromyouonthearrivalofeveryBoat,andanxiousfortheirarrival!

Frommylettersandtheirunmercifullines,youwillsupposeormightsupposethatIthoughtofnothingbutmydearMaggy.IfIhadmywish,Iwouldthinkofbutlittleelseearthly!ButyouknowImustnotwrite''loveletters.''IfIdo,youwillbegintotalkofmat-

rimony,andthatyouknowwillmakesomepeopleblush.Itsoundslike"abride"onlythreemonthsmarried!Didyoueverhearofthisbefore,myLove?IfIrecollectyouwerepresentononeoccasionwhenitwasdiscussed,orbarelymentioned.Thisisamattertobesettledatourmeeting.

TheDaytonistostartinafewhours,andImustclose.Drawonmeforwhatmoneyyoumaydesire.DearestIwishyoutohaveeverythingthatyoumaywish.MyLovetoallourkin.MrNorwood(ofMr.Dawson)4hasthismomenttoldmethatMissVirginiaTenant,aBelleofBaltimore,hassenttoyoubyhimaverybeautifulsilkdresswhichwillbepresentedtoyouonyourreturn.Itisanewkindofsilk,notbeforeseeninBaltimore.InreturnIrequestedMr.NorwoodtokisstheyoungLadyforus!asanacknowledgementofitsacceptanceandveryagreeablecharacter!!!

MyheartembracesyouwithanaffectionateFarewell.


ToMrsMargaretofTexas!PSIamquitewell,thankmyGod!

Houston

OhpresentmeparticularlytoDrFletcherandlady,andsayIwillwritesoon.

1GeorgeK.TeulonwastheeditoroftheAustinCityandStateGazette.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,532nandJosephMiltonNance,AfterSanJacinto,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1963),299.Teulondescribesthegiftsas"amusicalmagazineand'LadiesCompanion'packetworkbox."SeeTeulontoHouston,June25,1842,SamHoustonPapers,CatholicArchivesofTexas,Austin,Texas.2JohnH.BrowerwastheTexasconsulatNewYorkCity.Forabiography

seeWritings,IV,164n.3CaptainofthesteamshipNewYork.4FrederickDawson,anavalcontractorofBaltimore,Maryland,wasagreathelptoTexasfollowingtherevolution.Mr.Norwoodwasprobablyoneofhisrepresentatives.ForabiographyseeWritings,II,454-55n.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

InspiteofHouston'sinstructionsconcerningtheequipmentneededbyvolunteers,unequippedsoldiersfromtheUnitedStatesflockedtoTexas.

Problemsarosewhenthetroopscomplainedofhardconditionsandpoorrationsandonoccasionsrefusedtoobeyorders.HoustonwroteMargaretofthepoliticalclimateinTexasatthistimeandofhisfearsthathewouldhavetotakecontrolofthearmy.

CityofHouston3rdJune1842

MyDearest,

'TisbutalittlewhilesinceIclosedmylast(shortnote)toyou,andnowitappearstobeanagealmost!Iwillquitcomplainingtomyselfofmysolitaryfeelings,forIfinditisofnousetome!ThetruthisImustbemiserableuntilyoumayreturn.Iwou'dnotbesoplaintiveinmyletterifIdidnotfeelthatyouwouldwishtoreturnbythetimethatitcanreachyou!ThewithdrawalofmyordersnottoreturnuntilthelastofJulyleftyoufreetoreturnsosoonasyoumaydeemfit&proper!Ineverfeltaloneontheearthbefore,norcanIlooktoanyeventwhichwillrelievemefrommysadanddepressedfeelingsuntilyoureturn.HeretoforeIcouldlooktosomeeventthatwouldpromisemesomesatisfactionsorIwasabsorbedinbusiness.Thewantofyourpresencehastakeneveryresourcefromme.Again,Ihadneverconsideredyouanidentical&importantpartofmyself.ThatisnotsomuchasInowdo!

Onethingwhichdistressesmetosomeextentisthefactthatitmay,andIamfearfulitwillbecomenecessaryformetogotothearmyandassumecommand.IfsuchshouldbethecasemyLove,youwillbecapableofappreciatingmydeepandinexpressibleanguishoffeeling,aswellasmyhonor.Iffortunate,Iwillbeabsentforalengthoftime,andifunfortunateIwillneverexpecttoreturn.ItcannotbeexpectedthatIwould(underanycircumstances)havetoleaveyoubeforethe15thofAugustorthe1stofSeptember.NothingcaninducemetoleaveyoushortofthenecessityofSalvationtomycountry.The

joythehappinesswhichyoursocietyaffordsmeisworthalltheplauditsoftheworldorallthatIeverhave,orevercouldreceive.Withyou,Ienjoythesoulscalmsunshineandunboundedhappiness.Didyounotexisttorendermehappy,IfeelsatisfiedthatIwouldagainreturntoExileorwould,forlifeembraceagaintheprofessionofarms!'Tispainfultobesolitary&alone.Allaroundmeseemtohavetheirmindsfilledwithbusiness,andarecheerfulenough,butIamsure,theyhavenoideaofmyfeelings.

Thereisunsatisfiedandconstantagitationofmyheart.Attimesmybrainburnswiththoughtmostintense,andallmostmaddening.Ifancythatyouarepininginsicknessandcallinguponmetobatheyourscorchingtemples.Mydreamsofyouareconstant!Icannotgotoseeyou.Ifitwerepossible,Iwoulddoso!Publicdutyisallthatpreventsmefromflyingtoyou.

Youcannotthinkmetriflingnorinsincere,andpraydonotsupposemecapriciousorweak&silly.Thesubjectofmyanxiety,ifpossible,hasbeenincreasedbymywritingsomuchtoyou.Iwrotetoomuch,andIamsureyoubewearyofperusingmylongand(Idoverilythink)tediousepistles!

DoctAnsonJoneshasjustbeeninmyofficeandassuresmethatIwillbecalledontotakethecommandofthearmy,ifIwillconsenttodoso.HethinksCongresswill,andifitdoesnot,thatthepeoplewill.Astothelatter,Ihavenodoubt&theformermay.

Inthevillages,thepeoplearegrowingratherquiet,andinthecountrymypopularityisgreater,inmyopinion,thaniteverhasbeen!Theworkersofinequityarefastfindingtheirlevelintheabyssofcontempt!Theyareregardedverymuchasthediscord.Love,1andhiscorpsamongwhomIclassMrWalton2ofGalvestonareverylamb-like.Iwilltakethefleeceoffsomeofthem,andletthemrunatlarge!

TimesaresohardherethatIreallydobelievethegoodpeoplearesatisfiedthat,whiletheglowoftheirpatriotismwasup,theyhavedoneenoughforthewholewar.Thevaliantloafersfindthattheywillnothavethepleasureofriding"pressedhorses"andhencetheyarerightsmartlydisgustedwiththepolicyofthePresidentinwarmatters!

IbelievewewillhaveaverygoodturnouttothecallofGovernment!Upwardsof3,500menofTexaswillbecalledbythefirstrequisition!Afterthatascircumstancesmayrequire!Solongas

Warwearsthecharmsofnovelty,andthecheerfulnessofafrolic,Ohitismostcharming,butwhenitassumesitsironvisage,itismostungainlyinappearance!Thefatigueofthemarch,theinclemenciesoftheseason,thevigilanceofsentryship,thecrisesofthewounded,andthefullonsetofbattlearesuchungentlemanlycircumstancesthatmostmenoffashionablelazinessviewthemwithrealdisgust!Isay"real"forIfeelsatisfiedthereisnoprudishaffectationinthebusiness.

WellDearest,Idohopewewillseehowallthesematterswillterminate.Butastotheirtermination,itmustallcomeoutright.Wehaveenteredintheraceandwehaveappeald[sic]to"wagerofbattle"Wemustrememberthat"theraceisneithertotheswiftnorthebattletothestrong."TheMexicanshavesownthewindandtheyshallreapthewhirlwind!Theyhaveforcedustowar.Wewillcompelthemtopeace!Ihavenofearsastoourultimatesuccess,butmyLove,Idonotanticipateitsterminationshortsomedisasters.WereItocommenceandconducttheinvasion,Ishoulddreadnone,Iassureyou!Insubordinationandpillagearewhatwehavetoguardagainst.Thelatterwillirritatetheinhabitants,&theformer,afterhavingledtothelatter,willexposethesoldieringtothefuryofthepeopleandeffectsoftheirdespair.Oneortwoexamplesintheoutsetwouldpreventalltheseevils.ButIfeartheymusthappenbeforeourtroopswilllearnwisdom.Iwilldirecteveryprecaution,norwillIfeeltranquiluntilIknowofthefirstactionofthecampaign.Ifitisfortunate,Iwillbehappy,andifitisnotso,Imustfindaremedy.Wemust&wewillconquer!TheinferiorityofourmeanswillonlyillustratetheGloryofsuccessfulappealtoarms!Aftertimeswillpresentthefairestcomplexionofeventswhichthecloudsofhatred&malignityhavesoughttocastaroundthepresentandthepast!

WithsuchaCongress,undersuchcircumstances,nonationorcommunityeverhadsuchataskbeforetoaccomplish.Yetitwillbeforgood,andnotforevil.

WereyouheremyLove,Icouldtalkwithyouuponthesesubjectsfreely&fullywecouldenjoyacommunionwhichIfindnotinmypowertodowhileyouareabsent.MyCabinetaremuchengagedandwhenIamwithitsmembers,'tisonespecialbusiness.Withyou,Icou'dfreelyconverseeveryday.Icouldcommandhoursofleisuretobewithyou,andatleastwouldbehappy!YoushouldifIcouldrenderyousomydearestLove.

WhileIamwritingmyfriendMillerisattheoppositesideofthetablerecordinginabeautifulvolumemyofficialcommunicationssinceIcameintooffice.3Ateveryleisuremomenthismindisfixedonwar,andhecontemplatesidentitywithmeintheconquestofthePalacesoftheMontezumasandmanyGrandFeates[sic].YoumaysaytoSarahAnnthatthereisnohopesofcatchinghimuntilthewarisatanend!

MyLove,you&MrMilleraretoquarrelsosoonasyougethome,oryouaretosurrenderyourcommandofme(asyouknowtheworldsaysyouhaveitcompletely!)Iwillbeamerepassiveagent,butifIweretoconsultmywishesbeforeyouandmyblessedGod,Iwouldpreferwithyoudomesticquietwithmyfriends,myfarm,mystockoffinebloodedanimalsandprettypoultry.Withthesecomforts,whileyourdearsocietygavezesttoeverything,Iwouldbehappy.Yes,morehappythanifIhadconqueredandmademillionsmiserable!Letushopeforruralquietandtheserenitywhichisthecompanionofpioussoulsonearth!Dearest,Idowishyouwouldgivemeyourcalmandsolemnopinionastomycommandingintheapproachinginvasion.ThisrequestismadeuponthesuppositionthatyoumaynotreturnuntilthelastofJuly.Icannothavetoomuchtoreflectupon.ItgivesmerelieftohavegreatvarietyofSubjects!Iwishtoknowsomethingfromyouwhileabsentonthisimportantmatter.'Tisoneofdeepinterest.TobesureIhopekindHeavenwillgrantusmanyinterviewsbeforesuchcouldbethecase,butIshouldliketoknowwhatyouthinkwhileTexasisfarfromyou,oratleast,noneofitsperplexitiescaninfluenceyourdecision!Mr.Millerfeelssostrongupontheapproachingstateofthings,andtograntrelieftohisenthusiasticfeelings,Ihaverequestedhimtowritetoyouuponthesubjectofmyservice!ThisisdoneupontheconditionthatIamnottosee,norhearhisletter.Thisbargainismadetolastuntilyoureturn,whenwearetocomparehisviewswiththoseofmyown!Ineednotsaytoyouwhatmywishesare,butIwishyou,ifyoushouldnotsoonreturn,toanswerhisletter.'TistruethecrisesisoneofmomenttoTexas.Itmustinfluenceherfuturedestiny!

Allthesematters,Ipresenttoyou,andwhyIcan'tsay,onlythatIloveyou&wishyoutoknoweverything!ButIcannotmakeabusinessconfessionunlessIamtosaysomecivilthing.YouwillsupposethatIamtryingtowrite"loveletters!"AndyouknowthatIwouldnot

venturesuchathingforanytriflingconsideration.'Tistrue,Isometimesfeelastho'Iwereverymuchinlove,youknowithasbeensaidthatlovelastsuntilmatrimonyhassucceededtocourtship.Youdonotsaythis,butsomedo!Inwritingletters,whatdoyouthinkofapageandahalf?Iftwoofmylettersweretoarriveataboutthesametime,Iamsureyouwou'dbecomeaproselytetotheDoctrineofshortletters!Nomatter!IwillwriteasmuchasIplease.

Youarenotboundtoreadmoreofitthanyoumaychuse!

Ithinktheworldofyourprettylittleletters!andalmostdevourthepaperonwhichtheyarewritten!Ikissthemandthetearofaffectionblindsmyvision.Youarethelightofmypath,andthesunshineofmyhopes!orratheryouarethestarofmyexistence.YoulendlighttomyHopesas"thebrightstarofSommerville"gavelustretoourwesternhorizon!InTexaswehaveagaingazeduponitssweetbrilliance.Mayitlongshineinitspeerlesspurity,andrenderbrightthetwilightoflife'sevening.ButmyDearest,Iambecomingrathertoopoetic!SoIwill"makeasmash"ofallmyfinefancies.YoucanjudgehowmuchIhaveprovokedmycharmingmuse.ShewillforgivemewhenitisunderstoodthatIamjustabouttorideouttoCaptBlackswithDoctJonesand&ColHockley!MorewhenIreturn!

5thdayofJune

Onyesterday,myLovewereturnedfromCaptainBlack's,andthroughoutthedayIwasengagedandwheneveningclosed,IwenttoseepoorMoreland.4Heisfastsinkingunderconsumption,anditisbelievedthathecanonlylastafewdays,orperhapsaveryfewhours.JudgeScott,5whohadlainforthelastthreeyearsfromtheeffectofafallfromahorse[,]deceasedyesterdayandwillbeinterredtodayat11oclock.TodaywehavenoPreachinginTown.Iwillreadthescripturesandhopetoderivesomebenefitfrommeditation.Theirpreceptswillteachushowtoliveandhowtodie!SinceThursday,noBoathasbeenheresinceThursdaylast,andonehasbeen,&ishourlyexpected.Fortheconvenienceofreading,Ihaveconcludedtocrossthiswithredink.ButabouttheBoats,Ihavehadsomefainthopethatyoumightcomebythenext.Not,myLove,thatIexpectyou,butthatIwouldbesoperfectlyhappy.Youknowthatweoftendesirethatathingmightsohappenwhenwehavenoreasonablegroundstoexpectthatitwilldoso!IndeedIamverylonely!LastnightMrBagby&

myself,aftertenoclockwalkedoutinthePrairie.Thinkingofyou,Icouldnotrest,butmyspiritbecameweary.TodayagainIamsad,andmymindissosolitaryforthewantofconversewithyouthatinthefullnessofmyaffectionforyou,Iammiserable!Forallthis,praydonotsupposethatIreflectonlyyou.Ohno,Dearest,itismyself.Iamtheonewhobearsallthecensure,ifanythereistobeborn.Ithoughtyourabsencewasneedfulforyourhealth,andthatImightwithgreaterfacilityperform

myduties.Unexpectedlytheyhavebeenmuchlightened,andinproportiontomyexemptionfrombusinessmyanxietyincreases.AttimesIfeelwildasthedayofmyexile!Everythingaroundmecloys,andIwillnot,cannot,haverecoursetothesocietyofLadies.WereItodoso,Iwouldonly[blurred]themmoreandmoreunhappy.Theywouldonlyhaveatendencytoassurememorevividlyofmysituation,andwithallyourfondnessforthemonopolyofmyaffections,Iamsureifyoucouldreadmythoughtsastheyariseandexist,youwouldwishmeonmyownnevertoloveyoulessthanwhatIdo!Dearest!YoumayconjecturehowmuchIdoloveyou,butIamsurethatyouwillnotrealisethepainfulthrows[sic]ofmyanxietytoembraceyouagainandpouroutthefullmeasureofmylovewiththefullthrobbingofmyheart.ButDearest,Hopewillnotbringyoutomybosom.Itwillonlyrendertediousthehoursofabsence.

IfitwouldnotcasttoogreataneffortImighttrytothinklessaboutyou,butasitis,Imustyieldtothesuperiorinfluenceoflove.Iindulgeinexpectationthatyouwillbehomebythe15thoratthefarthestthe25thofthismonth.Ifyoushouldnotbe,Iwillnotanswerformyforthcoming.NotDearest,thatIwillviolatemypolicyandgotothearmyunlessyoushouldstaymuchlongerthanIcananticipateatthistime!ButwhatImeanisthatIshouldrunawaytothewildernesssoastoavoidthetroubleofsocietywhenIcanfeelnoneofitsjoys.Couldyouexperiencebutanhourofmysolicitude,IamsureyouwouldwonderthatIcouldendureit.ThereisnomeansbywhichIcanavoidmysituation.YouhaveallandeverythingbutmypresencetoinduceyourstayinMarion.IamcompelledtostayhereunlessIresign&leavemycountrywithouthopeorprospect.Imuststandatmypostuntilyourpresencecanrelieveme!Hours,days,monthsandyearshavepassedbymeandtheoppressivehandsofcareandeverdeepafflictionsseemtoglidemorerapidlythanmypresenthoursanddaysandnights.Theyare,intruth,hoursofsadness.

Theworldhascalmeddownintoreposesincethestillsilenceofcreationishushedintonoiselessquietandtorest.YetIcannotrest.Myheartiswithyou,andIsighforthejoysofyourcompanionship!IfIaminthemidstofsociety,Iamaloneandmythoughtshavenocommunitywiththebeingsaroundme.HowlongIwillbeenabledtoendurethisstateoffeeling,Iwillnotpretendtosay,butlestyoushouldthinkmederanged,Imustceasetocomplain.

HadIwishedyoutoreturnbeforeyouwereready,Iwould,orrathershould,haveinformedyou,butIwasveryhappyanddidnotwishyoutoreturn.Don'tyouthinkmyDear,thatthiswouldhavebroughtyouhome?Ithinkitwould!YouwouldhavebeencurioustoknowfromwhatcauseIcouldbehappy,andmyDearMaggyabsent.Thiswouldbeadelicatequestion,particularlytoyourfeelings,forasyouhaveoftentoldmethatyoudidnotwishmetobetoohappywhenyouwerenotpresent!Youneedentertainnofearsonthissubject,Icanassureyou.Ihaveconcludedafterthislettertowritenomore"loveletters"butmerelythoseofabusinesscast.ThenyouwillhavelesstoreflectaboutandmoretimetofancywhatIcouldhavewritten.Ihavewrittenyousomuchloveinmylettersthatitwill,orwouldbecometritetoyouifIweretocontinuereiterateddeclarationandyoumightquestionmysincerity.Tho'ifyoucouldonlyvisitTexasatthistimeyoumightagainassumetheBride!MydearLove,Ididnotthinktoaskyouhometoseeme.IfKindHeavensparemetomeettheCongressonthe24thofJune,Idowishyoucouldbehomeatthattime.6Itmightbeanothergreatmomenttome&tothenation!!Youareassuredthatyouareaveryimportantpersonageandsoregardedashavingacontrolovermyactionsofpolicyetcwhereyouwouldbesupposedtowishtheadoptionofameasure,itwouldbringallyourinfluenceintothescale!ThisatthecommencementofthesessionwouldgiveadirectiontomattersandmightbeofrealimportancetotheadoptionofmeasureswhichmaybecomeadesideratumtothewelfareofTexas.Thisisnotattachingtoomuchimportancetotheactualconsiderationofyourcountry.Everyresourcemustnowbecalledintoaction.

IcantellyounothingabouttheLadiesofyourfriendshiporacquaintance,onlythatIheartheyareallwell.Thismorning,orratheritwaslastevening,MissMagStonesentmeaBoquetbyMrBagbyandsaiditwasonyouraccount,soyouseeitwasratheracold

bathtomyvanity.IamsomuchprovokedthatIwillnotwearitinmybreast.Onlookingatmyposeybuttonholeinmycoat,IfoundsomewitheredremainsofsomepinkswhichourdearmothergavemewhenIwassickattheIslandprevioustoYoungsgoingtoMarion!IwillnotpromisetogoandseeMaguntilyoucomehome,thatisifyoucomesoonorshouldnowperchancebeonyourway.

IamtoldthatherandBetty[Tilghman]arequitejealousofeachother&bothclaimingapreferenceinyourestimationaswellasmy

own.IlearnthatpoorMagisinlowspirits.ItmaybethatsheisabouttomarryandfeelslikethepoorGirlthatwassoembarrassedthenightof[faded]wedding.YourecollectItoldyouofthat.Itmaybethatsomeothercausemayexist.Shemaynotwishtomarryormayhavebeencrossedinheraffections.IdowishbothMag&Bettywerehappilyunitedtotwocleverfellows,notthatIdofearthemascompetitorsofSarahAnnwhenshearrives.Bythebye,Iambanteringalittleonherandtellallpeoplethatsheresemblesyouandabouttherivalofbeauty,Ican'tdetermine,but'tissaid"thatshecanexcelyouinmusic."IintendtosendforthePianoandGuitarwhenIamassuredthatyouwillbehome!IdonotneedanythingtoremindmeofyouortosaySiryourbelovedMargaret,yourfriend&wifeisabsent.Iwillsufficientlyfeelyourabsencewithoutsuchmonitors!!!Iamwearyandwillnowread.MywholetimeisemployedandalargeportionofitinthinkingofyoumyLove!

8thJune

DearesttheDaytoncametwodayssincefromGalveston,andbroughtmelettersfromtheNeptune,butnonefromyou,myLove,fromwhatcauseIcannotimagine.Itmaybethat[Pizene]Edmundstookoutthemailbyhandandomittedtosendit.IamanxioustoinferthisbywhatIheardbypassengerswhocameontheNeptune.Theydidnotsee,norcou'dtheyfindEdmundswhentheboatwaslanding,tho'hehadpromisedtoseethemprevioustoitssailing.Itisalmostamonthsinceyouwrotetome.Ihavenothadaletterfromyousincethe10thofMay.Youcannot,Iamsure,imaginethestateofmyfeelingsnorwillIattempttodescribethem.Idonotcomplain,butsuchismyanxietythatIsincedecidedtovisittheIslandbyBoattomorrowsothatImaymeettheNewYorkonitsarrivalandseeDr.Eiland,7ashewillgodirectlytoMarion.Icanhavenopeace,inasmuchasIcannothearfromyou.WouldInothearfromyoubytheNewYork,Iwillnotsayhoworwhatmyfeelingswillbe!ButsurelyIwilltrulybeunhappy,

andIwouldyieldtodespair.Theoccasionwouldbemostreasonable.DonotsupposethatIimaginethatyouhavenotwrittentome.NomyLove,Icouldnotsupposeso,forIsupposethatyouwereprostratefromsomesickness.Anycausewhichmayinterposetoyourhappiness,yourhealthortomyreceiptofyourletters.

IfIamdoomedlongtoenduremypresentsituation,Iwill,I

presume,becomemorecalmed,ifnotmoresatisfied.ThisletterwillreachMarionin12days,asIcalculatedfromthistime.IwilllookwithsomehopeattheIslandforyourreturnbytheNewYork.Itisprobableifyoureceivedallmyletters.Iwillnotbesanguineinmyaffectionsandnotbedisappointedmuchifyouarenotonboard.WhetheryouareornotmyLove,Iwillcertainlyattachnocensuretoyou.Itwillbenofaultofthine.AnotherreasonIwishtogototheIsland(andnottheleast)isthatitmaybepossibleMotherorsistermayhavehadlettersfromyou!ThisIhavethoughtprobableasIhearthatsomepassengerscamefromAlabamabytheNeptune!NotwithstandingthoughtsofthiseitherIammuchpressedwithbusinessasthetimewhenCongressistomeetdrawsnighuponme.Onthe24thinstIamcalledontodeliveraMasonicaddresstotheFraternityinthechurch.Ihavenotconsentedtodoit,butitisprobableIwill.IfIshould,itwillnotbepublished.

Thiseveningat5oclockIhavetorendertopoorMoreland'searthlyremainsthelastsadtributeofmyesteemforhisgoodness&valourandpityforhiserrors.CouldmyprayersanddevoutwishessecurehimahappyimmortalityhewouldsurelyenjoythekindfavorsofabenignantGod.WhenIlastsawhimhecouldconversewithoutmuchpainandleftthescenesofearthlycareswithoutoneconvulsivethroe.TrueasoldierlessexistsinTexas!!!

IhopemyDearestthatyouwillmeetthisletterireitreachesitsdestinationofMarion.SmithandhiswifearetogotoGalvestonsoIwillbealoneathome.Iandtheservants!HowdoyousupposeIwillmakeoutwithNegroes&Mexicans?Iwouldbemorehappyifyouwerewithme,Imustconfess.Nomatterwhatadditionaltroubleyoumightbringwithyou.IfitwereevenmoredebtIwouldstandit!ButifitwereSarahAnn,somuchthebetter.Iwillonlyhavetoincreasemystackofprovisions.Ihavenotatolerablysmartoneonhand.Bacon,etcwaslaidinonyesterday.Ifyoucan,dopraylovecome

home,butIneednotsaythis.Iknowyouwill!!!

GivemyLovetoallourkin&regardstofriends.H.

1JamesLove.2JohnA.Walton.3Thisvolume,Houston's''PrivateExecutiveRecords,''isintheFranklinWilliamsCollection,SamHoustonRegionalLibraryandResearchCenter,Liberty,Texas.4IsaacN.Moreland,ChiefJusticeofHarrisCounty.HediedJune9,1842.ForabiographyseeWritings,I,463n.

WilliamR.Scott,ChiefJusticeofBrazoriaCounty.SeeHoustontotheHonorableSenateofTexas,December16,1837,Writings,II,172.6HoustonhadcalledaspecialsessionofCongresstomeetinHoustonCity.SeeProclamation,May24,1842,Writings,III,58.7Margaret'scousin,OliverG.Eiland,wasthesonofGincyMoffettandAsaEiland.MadgeW.HearneCollection,SanAntonio,Texas.

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PartsofthefollowingletterwrittentoHoustonbyMargarethavebeendestroyed.

Marion,PerryCountyAlabamaJune3,1842

MyownlovedHusband,

Mymindhasbeeninastateoftortureforseveraldays,becauseIcouldnotwritetoyou...[torn]YourletterwhichIrec'donsaturdaywashandedtomejustasalargepartyofmyfriendswasassembledtodinewithmeatbro.Henry'sanditmademecheerfulduringthewholeday.MygreatfriendMrs.GenKingwaspresent,andIreadtoherthepartwhichinterestedmemost.Ineednottellyoudearest,thatIwasmostinterestedinthereligiousexercisesofyourmind.Oh,canIeverbethankfulenoughtomyHeavenlyFatherforhismercies.SometimeswhenIaskmyselfifyourpresentimpressionscanbesentinanswertomyownprayers,thebarepossibilityofsuchathingisalmosttoomuchhappinessforme.Butyoumustrememberthattheworkisnotyetfinished.Oh[edgeofthepaperiscutoff]but"seekfirstthekingdomofHeaven"andthehandofGodwilldirectyouthroughallyourdifficulties.

Yourpermissiontoreturnhomedidnotcomeonedaytoosoon.Iassureyoumyspiritpinestobewithyou,andinmypresentstateof

anxietyaboutyou,Idonotthinkthatmyhealthcouldbeimprovedbyalongerabsence.TobecandidmyLove,IhardlythinkthisclimateagreeswithmesowellasthatofHouston.DearesthowcouldyouintimatesuchathingasmystayinguntilNov!Thatwasalmostunkind.Noitwasnoteither,foryournobleheartcouldneverentertainanunkindthought,andIamsureyouassigneditingener[torn]understand[ingof]awife'sfeelings.[torn]poemshassaid,

"Man'sloveisofhimselfTiswoman'swholeexistence."

andindeedIbelievethereisasmuchtruth[as]poetryinthatsentiment.ThisHusbandandespeciallythepolitician,hasmanythingstooccupyhismind,totallyunconnectedwithhiswife,andthesemayservetoamusehisattentionduringabsence,butpoorwoman,thereisnotone[beat]ofherheartthatdoesnotspeakofhim!andsheturnswithasickenedheartfromallthepleasuresaroundherifheisnotthere.MyrelationsandfriendsareviolentlyopposedtomyreturningbeforeOct.,butIsilencealloppositionbytellingthemwhatyousayonthatsubject.SarahAnnandRobertwillaccompanyme,andwewilltrytobeinNewOrleansbythe22ndinst.WeexpecttogobyAuntLea'sandspendadayortwowithherandourcousins.IhavenotyetbeenabletovisitAuntEiland,butthinkIcandosobeforeweleave.Marioncannotboastofitsformerhealth,foritisalmostacommon[torn]thegrave.TheyhavethemostmalignantfeversIhaveeverknown,andinfact,itseemsthatallhealthypartsofAlahavebecomesickly,butyouneednotbeuneasyaboutme,aswewillleavebeforethesickliestseasonbegins.

Ratherthanyoushouldsupposethatanything[torn]wouldpreventmefromwriting,Iwilltellyou[the]truecause.Ihavebeenill,veryill.Onlast[torn]br.Henryandbro.Martinwrotetoyoubut[didnot]mentionmyillnessastheyfeareditwould[cause]youagreatdealofanxiety,butItoldthemafterwardsthatIwouldratheryoushouldbe[torn]onthataccountthanignorantofthetrue[reason]ofmynotwriting.Isawyourletterof441pages[torn]lastsaturday,andonmondayevening,Young[torn]andbroughtmeanotherfromyou.Dearest[how]canIthankyouforsomuchkindness?I[torn]thereforeyoumustimagineallthatIfeel.TuesdayMrs.FletcherandtheDr.gavemeadinnerparty,butIwastoounwelltoattend.

[Signatureismissing]

PleasehavemypianobroughtupandtunedbeforeIgethome.

1HoustontoMargaret,May6,1842.

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MargaretbecameillinMarionandsometimeduringherstayshewastreatedbyDr.NathanielFletcher,afamilyfriend.HewrotethefollowingprescriptionwhichispreservedintheFranklinWestonWilliamsCollectionattheWoodsonResearchCenter,RiceUniversity,inHouston,Texas.

PrescriptionforMrs.Houston

IwouldadviseMrs.HoustontouseFowlerssolutionofarsnic[sic]asatonicindosesoffromsixtotendrops,threetimeaday(morning,noon&night)forninedaystogetherandthenomititforfourorfivedays.Ifitiscontinuedagreaterlengthoftimethesystembecomessoaccustomedtoitthatitisoflittleefficiency.TheBalsamofTolerandTinct.ofAssafoetida[sic]willatthesametimebeverybeneficialinstrengtheningthenervoussystem.

Whenyouapprehendanattackofthedifficultyinbreathing,IwouldadviseyoutosmokefreelyofdriedJamestown(stramonium)leaves,ortobaccoitaidsexpectoration,sooths[sic]thenervoussystem,andrelaxesthepectoralandothermusclesengagedinrespirationShouldthisnotwardoffanattacktakeIpecac:inbrokendosesuntilvomitingisproducedafterthestomachiscleansedtaketwoteaspoonsfulofSolutionofMorphine,andrepeatinteaspoonfuldoseseverythirtyorfortyminutesuntilthepainsubsidesorgreatdrowsinessisproduced.Intreatingyours&similarcases,Ihavepaidnoattentiontothequantityofmedicinetaken,buttheeffectsproduced.YouononeoccasiontookmorethananounceinafewhoursImentionthistoallayyourfears,asnodangerneedbeapprehendedfromthemedicinesolongaspain&watchfulnesscontinue.Ineednotremindyouhowconduciveitistohealthforalltheseentions[sic]tobekeptwellestablished;foracostivehabitIwouldrecommendthepreperations[sic]ofRhubarb[and]thetinctureofpillswithcastilesoap.

ThetinctureofGumGuiaccium(ThedarktinctureIleftyou)isbyfar

thebestremedyforsupposedcatameniacommenceafewdaysbeforethemonthlytimeandtakeateaspoonfulmorning,noon&night;continueituntilithasthedesiredeffect.Thenstop.Aloepillstakenaboutthistimeareveryefficacious.

AndnowMadamImustbidyouadieu,butnotuntilIexpressmydeepregretthatyourvisitamongusshouldhavebeeninsuch

anunpropecious[sic]season.Themostdeleteriouswepossiblecouldhaveforpulmenary[sic]affections.Sinceyourarrivalscarcelyhavewehadthreeconsecutivedayswithoutrain!

Soonmayyoureachamoregenialclime,berestoredtothearmsofafondhusband,andtothathealththelossofwhichissomuchdeploredbyyourfriendsandbynonemorethanhewhoaddressesyou.

Nath'lM.Fletcher,M.D.

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MarionPerryCo.Ala.June14th1842

DearestHusband,

Ihadmadeallourarrangementstoleavehereonlastsaturday,soastomeettheboatofthe22ndatNewOrleans,butwhenthedaycame,Iwasviolentlyill,andIamnotyetsufficientlyrecoveredtotravel,forthisisthefirstattemptIhavemadetositupsinceaweekago.Iknowmyhusbandwillexcusemytremuloushand,especiallyasthemailwillleaveinaveryfewmoments.OhmyLove,youcannotimaginemyimpatience,anditwouldbefollyformetoattemptadescriptionofit.Iamsurethatitisinjuriousofmyhealth,butIcannotresistit.Myfriendscanplannoamusementsthatwilldrawmymindonemomentfromyouorreconcilemetothedistancethatliesbetweenus.Werec'dlettersbyDr.EilandfromsisterA[ntoinette]andbro.Vernalandtheystatedthatyouwerewell.ThankHeavenfortheblessednews.Itrelievesmyheartofapainfulweight,butstillIamnotreconciled.Iwouldbewithyouagain.Nothingshortofthatcanmakemehappy.Ifmylifeisspared,noobstaclethatIcanovercomeshall

preventmefromleavingheresoonenoughtobeinNewOrleansonthe7thofJuly.

OhmyLove,shallIeverseeyouagain!Canitbethatthereissuchhappinessinreserveforme!Myheartoftendesponds,andadarkpresentimentfillsmysoulthatIshouldneverseeyouagain!Icannotbearit.Mymindisconfusedandwild,andcontainsbutonedistinctimageandthatismyHusband's.Itakelittlenoteofwhatispassingaroundme.Mythoughtsarefarfaraway.IhavevisitedAuntEilandsinceIwroteyoulast,andfoundtheoldladyin

herusualseclusion,surroundedbybooksandpapers,buttheeveningIpassedwithher,wasaspleasantasanyIhavespentsinceIleftyou.Indeedyouwouldbedelightedwithherconversationforgeniusspeaksineveryword.Sheisagreatwomanbutaveryeccentricone.AuntLeahasbeenexpectingusforseveralweeks,butIhavebeenunabletotravelthegreatestpartofthetime.IexpecttogodownsosoonasIhavesufficientstrength.Ihaverec'daletterfromyourparticularfriendMaj.JesseBeene,1requestingmetospendthesummerwithhisfamilyatthierhouseneartheBlountsprings.Theyliveinmagnificentstyle,andifmyhealthwasgoodandyouwerewithmeitwouldbeadelightfulvisit,butasitis,Iamcompelledtodeclineevenashortvisitandwillwriteapolitelettertothateffect.IcouldnotvisitboththemandAuntLea,andyouknowImustseethelatterifpossible.Iamtoldsheisquitecheeredattheideaofseeingme.

Maj.Townes2andCol.Star3spentlastnightwithbro.Henry.Theyheldameeting,butIbelievedidnothingtowardsthecause.Bro.MartinwentwiththemthismorningtoSelma.TheyhavebeenexpectingGen.Pickens4hereseveralweeks,butIbelievethatGen.EdwinD.Kingisthemostefficientmanyoucouldpossiblecallupon.Heissointerestedinthecausethathewouldnothesitateonemomenttothro[w]thebulkofhisvastfortuneupontheorderandhisinfluencethroughoutthestateisknownandmoreoverhehasseensomeservicehavingfoughtbravelyintwoormorebattles.ThinkofLove,willyounot.Ourdear[relations]areallwell,andoftenspeakofyouwithtenderaffection.DearestIhavewrittenuntilthepenalmostdropsfrommyhand.DowritetoMaforme.

FarewellLove,ThyMaggy

1JesseBeenewasanattorneyandjudgeofDallascounty.Forabiography

seeOwen,III,124.2S.A.Townes.3ColonelJamesStarr.ForinformationaboutthecausetowhichMargaretrefersseeHoustontoGeneralPickens,May1,1842,Writings,IV,92.4GeneralAndrewM.Pickens.ForabiographyseeOwen,IV,1359.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Thefollowingletteristornandsomeofthewordsaremissing.

CityofHouston25thJune1842

DearestLove,

IcanonlysayifpossibleIwillbedownbeforeyourarrivalattheIsland1theretoembraceyou.Congresshasnotyetorganized,butIhopeitwillthisevening.Ifitdoes,Iwillexertmyselftoleavehere!

TheBoatisringingtheBellandIamtoldwillbebackbeforetheNewYorkarrives.Allwishtoseeyouathome,andIammiserablyanxious.Mymessage2iswritten.Thosewhohaveseenitsayit[torn]Ihaveever[torn]Myheartbeatstoembraceyou,forohmyLove,yourabsenceseemsanagetome.Iamalmostdistractedwithsolicitudeforyourarrival.Iknowyouwillnotdelay,buttomethewingsofthoughtaresluggardsinaffection.

OhmyLove,IpraytheGreatGodofoursalvationtobless,andpreserveyou.Myheartisthineonly!andallthineForever.

ThydevotedHouston

Mrs.HoustonLovetoMother,Niece&Rob.Nobadnews.

H

1Galveston.2Houston'smessagetoCongressconcerningtheVasquezinvasionandtheconditionofthenation.ForacopyofthismessageseeWritings,III,74-83.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mobile,July5th1842

DearestHusband,

WearrivedherelastnightandhaveascertainedthattheNewYorkhasleftNewOrleansonherlasttrip.Iamalmostfranticandmaddenedwithdisappointment.ButwhatcanIdo!ThereisnoprospectofanyboatleavingbeforetheChampionsetsofffromthisplace,

butthatwillprobablybedetained8or10days.Itseemslikenonsensetowritetoyou,whenthereisnopossibleconveyancefortheletter,butatallcostsIwillsenditbytoday'smailandperhapssomeunforeseenchancemaybearittoyou.IhavejustfinishedalettertogobytheSanBernardwhichisnowinport.ShewillleavethiseveningandMrs.Stevenswhocalledonmethismorningsaystheywillveryprobablyfallinwithsomesailvesselbywhichitmaybesenttoyou.

IamaccompaniedbyBroM,RobertandSarahAnn.Bro.MhassomeideaofgoingallthewaytoTexaswithus,buthehasnotdecidedyet.

ThemailisstartingandImustconclude.

ThyMaggy

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

ChapterVIJuly30,1843September20,1844July30,1843:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston


August11,1843:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston



October6,1843:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston


January23,1844:MargaretHoustontoNancyLea

April19,1844:SamHoustontoNancyLea




[July,1844]:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston




September20,1844:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston

MargaretreturnedfromAlabamainearlyJulyof1842,andthecouplemadetheirhomeinHoustonCityuntilearlyNovember.AtthattimethecapitalwasmovedtoWashington-on-the-Brazosfortheseventhandeighthcongresses.Becausetheyweretogether,therewerenolettersbetweenthemuntilthesummerof1843.Anyletterstoothermembersofthefamilyseemnottohavesurvived.ThefollowingletterswerewrittenwhenHoustonwasonhiswaytoameetingwiththeIndiansineastTexas.ThefirstwaswrittenfromMontgomery,Texas,wherehehadbeeninvitedtospeakatabarbecue.

ToMrs.MargaretLeaHoustonWashingtonTexasByMr.I.B.fromCaptainGreens1

30thJuly1843

Dearest,

YesterdayIarrivedintimetospeakat1oclockPM.Theassemblywashighlyrespectable,andIwaskindlygreeted.Thematterwentoffwithaprettyfairspeech.Thisisafineallotmentofcleverpeople.IcamehomewithCaptainGreen,awealthyfarmerfromGeorgia,andaveryclevergentleman.Ihadmanyinvitationsfromthecitizenstostaywiththem.Allisrightinthissection.2

IdidnotfindGreen3ofHoustonattheBarbaque[sic]fromsomecause,andthiswillleavetoyoutoorderthings,asyoupleasewithcaptain[JohnS.]Blackaboutyourgoingdown.IwillsendbyMr.Shaw4topayfortheWaggon[sic]toMr.Ford5andtogetanotherseatputinifneedful,andtohavewhatmoneyyoumaywish.Idon'tsayneed.Haveenough!CallonBaker6ifyougotoHoustonforallthatisdue,forMartha's7hire.Mr.[Thomas]Bagbymayhavesomeinhishands.Youcangetthatalso.

LetMr.ShaworMr.Raymond8knowanythingthatyouwant.I

spoketoMr.Hatfield9totakemytrunkofpapers,andplaceitunderhisbedandMrs.Hatfields'10forsafekeeping.Ourhousehastoomanydoorsinitforsafety.Thinpapersarepreciousandmytrunkhadbestgowiththepapertrunkalso.ItoldMr.Hall,11&Mr.Mariners12totieupmytrunkwithropesforthesafetyofthepapers.

Dearest,Iwillnotpretendtosaytoyouwhatmyfeelingswereastheshadesofeveningwereclosingaroundmeonyesterday.ThehourwhenIhaveusuallyleftmyoffices,andreturnedfromthebusinessofthedaytomeetyouandinquireforSam.13IndeedIfelt

asthotheearthwasadesert,andIstoodalone,inthemidstofitswaste.Howpainfullyassociationpresentstothemindandtheheartthememoryofdepartedorabsentjoys.ItoldyouthatSamwouldvisitmymemorywithyouandonlythenthisistrue.PoorlittleBoy,Icanseehimwiththemindseyeofaffection,clingtoyourbosomorimpatientlystrugglingtocommandhismeal,andorsighingonaccountthathehadbeenbadlytreatedbydelay.Thelittlescampwillhavecausedyouscantreposeirewecanmeetagain.Iwasrightinsayingthatheshouldonlybepresentwhenpresentedtomeinyourarms.HewillbetakengoodcareofandistoosmallorIshouldcommandaswitchspankingtocausethehealthycirculationofhisblood.

Thepeopleexpectedyouonyesterdayonyourwaytothespringstostayuntilmyreturnfromthemeetingandmanyexpressedregret&disappointmentatyourabsence.MyDearest,Idohopeyouwillgetonwell,andwithouttroubleuntilmyreturn.IfyougotoTrinitywritetomeatCrockett,sayingso,thatImaygetitonmyreturnfromthemeeting,andknowwhichwaytoshapemyroutehome.

Iwishyou,myLovetohandmypipe&stemtoMrShawforCaptainGreen.Itisapresentfromyoutohim,andmustbeforthcoming.

MyDearest,doinallthingsasyoudeembest.Ihavenothadaharshfeeling,norusedaharshexpressionsinceweparted.Donotsupposethatitismyabsencefromyou,butthepressofofficialcaresthattakemefromyou.

Mylovetomother,Tose,14andsqueezeandbussSamforus.

RegardstofriendsEverthinedearestHouston

Mrs.Maggy

Dearest,Mr.Shawwillattendtothewaggon[sic]matterforyou,anddoasordered,ashemaythinkbestforyouabouttheadditionalseatetc.Alsoexplaintheenclosedorders.15

ThineHouston

1J.E.Green.IdentifiedinBethandEmilyDarman,compilers,TaxpayersoftheRe-


(footnotecontinuedfrompreviouspage)publicofTexas,(GrandPrairie,Texas:Publishedbytheauthors,1988),259.2ForHouston'sacceptancetotheinvitationtospeakatabarbecueinMontgomeryseeWritings,IV,221-22.3ThisprobablyreferstoGeorgeGreen,anassociateofJamesSpillman.IdentifiedinWhite,TheyAlsoServed,55.4JamesB.ShawwascomptrollerfortheRepublicofTexas.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,197n.5WilliamG.Ford,Writings,IV,222-23.HoustontoJamesH.Raymond,July30,1843.Itcarriestheendorsement:''PaidWmG.Ford$180.00.''6WilliamR.BakerwastheformercountyclerkofHarrisCounty.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,I,101.7Margaret'sslave.8JamesH.Raymond,ActingTreasurer,isidentifiedinseveraldraftssignedbyHouston.SeeWritings,IV,222-23.9MajorB.M.Hatfield,alocalinnkeeperinWashington-on-the-Brazos.WallisandHill,41.10CarolineHatfield.IdentifiedinCarpenter,IV,2069.11HoustonisprobablyreferringtoJohnC.Hall,oneofthefoundersofWashington-on-the-Brazos.Wallis,11.(NottobeconfusedwithJohnL.HallofCrockett.)12CharlesMariner.IdentifiedinWritings,III,436.13SamHouston,Jr.,wasbornMay25,1843.14AnicknameforSarahAnnRoyston.15ForacopyofthisordertoRaymondseeWritings,II,222.ItauthorizesthetreasurertopayMargaret$180.00,"thepriceofawaggonboughtofMr.Ford&anyotheramountofmoneywhichshemaydesireoutofSalaryfund."Italsoshowsapaymentof$34.00toJamesHurd.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mrs.MargaretLeaHoustonWashingtonTexas

CrockettTexas3rdAugust1843

MyLove,

Mytriphasbeenquiteexpeditious.Iarrivedhereonthe1stInstant.Isay[sic]hereatMr.Halls,1twoandahalfmilesfromtown,andonyesterdayIrodeintotown,andspentafewhours,andreturned.ItisthesameMr.Hallatwhosehouseweweresokindlyentertainedwhenwewerelasthere.2Mytimepassesquietly,andIonlyregretthatIhavebeensolongdelayedfromtheTreaty.TomorrowistobethegreatdayofmeetinginCrockett.3Ifthedayisfine,I

presumetherewillbeavastconcourseoftheSovereignsfromvarioussectionsofthecountry.GenlJamesPinckney]Hendersonhaswrittentome,andsayshewillbehere,andvariousotherworthiesfromtheEasthavepromisedtocomealso.4GreatpreparationsaremakingtohavegreatplentyattheBarbecue.Genl[GeorgeW.]Terrellandmanyothersaretobeintowntonight,butIwillnotridein,untilmorning.Iwilltryandacquitmyselfsothatyouwillhearagoodreportofme.Thepeopleherehavebutonefaulttofindwithme,andthatisIdidnotbringyou,andtheyoungLionwithme,andleaveyouhereuntilIcouldreturnfromtheTreaty.Ihavepromisedtoatoneforthis,byvisitssosoonasitmaybeinourpower!

Ihavenotsufferedlessinmylifefromtravellingthanfrommypresentjourney.Ihavenotfeltwearyforonesinglemomentnorfatigued.Myappetiteisgoodenough,yetIeatsparinglyandplainfood!Iampleasedtowitnesstheglowofhappiness,whichIseediffusedovermanyfacesattheprospectsofpeaceandthemanifestationsofabundancewhichiseverywhereseen.ThecordialitywithwhichIamreceived,andtreatedbyall,thatImeetseemsequaltothechangethathastakenplaceinourpoliticalcondition.FactionistsandTraitorsareeitherridiculedordenouncedbythegreatmassofpeople.

Youwillsupposethatthisisgratifyingtome?Itisso,butIcanassureyou,thatIwouldtrulyexchangetheexpressionswhichmaybeofferedtomeforthepleasurewhichgreetedmeathome,whenIreturnedcarewornfrommyoffice,embracedyou,andtookalookatSamorifyouwerenotpresentinquiredforyou,andheardourdearMotherrespondtomyinquiry"theyarewell."IwasrightmyDear,insayingthatIcouldnotthinkofSamwithoutassociatingyouwithhim.Icanthinkofyou,andnotofhimforamoment,tho'youarebothveryintimatelyblendedinmythoughts,andinseparableinmyaffections.Youmay,ifyouchuse,makeaquarrelwithmeonSams

account,butIcanonlysubmittothepenaltyofthefault,butIcannotadmitthatsosmall&homily[sic]agentlemanasSamis,shouldrivalhismotherwhohassolongreignedsupremeinmyaffections.ItissolongsinceIhavewrittentoyou,andofcoursewrittenanylovelettersthatIwillnotattempttoindulgeinthetenderstrainsofromanticfancy,butatthesametime,Idoconfessthatpure,anddevotedaffectionforyouisinseparablefrommyexistencewhetherImaywrite4or44pagesinthisletter.ItistruethatI

amrelievedfromthedetailsofbusinessinmyoffice,whichissomerelieftome,butIwouldmostcheerfullyresumethem,ifIcouldonlyembraceyouwiththem,orasasetofftothem.

IsupposeyouhavewhippedSamseveraltimessinceIleft,asyousaidyouhaddonesobeforedeparture.5Hehasamuchfinerprospectifheissparedto[be]spoiledbyyourkindness,thantobecorrectedbyyourtemper.IdoseriouslyregretthatIcannotbetheretoworryhimalittle,asitwou'dcauseafreecirculationofhisblood.Doeshereddenasusualinface,whenhisnursingisdeferredforamoment?TheBoyisratherimpatientofdelay,tho'Itakecomfortfromthehope,thatitindicatedenergyofcharacter.AndIdotrustthathismotherscare,andinstructionswillteachhimtomakehistempersubmissivetohisreason!ItisoneofthegreatfaultsofearlyeducationthatParentsareamusedatthefitsoftemperwhichsprightlychildrenareveryapttodisplay.Alookofdisapprobationfromamothertoinfancy[sic]oranadmonitioninchildhood,doubtlesswou'doftenhaveaninfluenceonthefuturecharacteranddestinyofthechild.Butdearest,ImustnotpratetoyouaboutmattersinwhichIcannotbecitedasaninstance.YouwillhearfrommeIknow,fornobeingcanmoreseriouslydeploremyinfirmityinthesemattersthanmyself.IwouldmuchratherthatIcouldleavetomyoffspringthebenefitandmyfriendsthepleasureofreferringtomycharacterasthemodelofeverythingthatisamiable,virtuous,&trulypious,withoutguilt,thanthattheyshouldonlyhavetosayofmymemorythat"YourFatherwastheablestofGenerals,thewisestofStatesmen,andthemostillustriousofmankind."Howevergratifyingthelattermightbe,intheenjoymentofhealthofhopeandexistence,Idofeelconscious,thatintheclosingoflifesdramaitcanyieldnopleasureintheanticipatedpresenceofthatBeingwhoisinfiniteinallHisattributesastheveryAuthorofEternity.HenceitismyBeloved,thatIwillendeavortosoact,thro'lifeaswillconduce,mosttothegratification

ofmyrelatives,andfriendsbothinmyexistencehereandthehopeofthejoysoftheirsocietyinahappyimmortality.

Sincewepartedmydearest,Ihavemeditatedmuchandhavehadthegoodfortunenottoindulgeinanythingharsh,orviolentinmyfeelingsorexpressions.ItistruethatmyprovocationshavenotbeengreatandIhopethatIamabouttoovercomeeveryebullitionoftemperandacquireamorebecomingtoneandgentledemeanour

towardsthewholehumanfamily.Ioftenreflectuponyouradmonitionsandfeeldeeplyimpressedwiththeirjustice&propriety.SensibleasIam,iftheyhadnotbeenbothnecessaryandproperyouwouldnothaveemployedthem.ButDearest,Ihopesoonagaintomeetyouwhenwecantalkoverthesematters,withathousandothers.

Ihavefeltadeepandlivelyinterestaboutyoursituation,andthefamily.IfyougotoTrinity,howmattersaretobemanaged,andifyoushouldnotgo,howourdearMotheristogetthere.Youmustrecollectofonething,andactuponit.Youcanorderwhatmoneyyoumaythinkproper,eitherforyourownuse,orthatofMother,orourdearNieceTose[SarahAnnRoyston].Ifyoudonotusewhateveryouneed,orthatyoumightdesire,youwilldistressme.IdoassureyouTosehasbeenlongfromhomeandmayneedmanythings.Motherhasnoincomenow,andmayneedsomethingsandwishothersforToseoritmaybethatshewishessomeforAntoinette,andifany,orallshouldbeneedful,youwillpleasetoseethatitisattendedto.Allthatyouhavetodo,ifyoudonotwishtoextendyourarrangementsupontheExchequers,willbetogiveanordertoMotheronMajorCocke,6anditwillbeattendedto.ThesearematterswhichIshouldhaveinquiredintoandarrangedbeforeIlefthome.IdidsaysomethingtoyouonthesubjectIthink,butmadenodefinitearrangements.NowmyLove,doyoudowhatIoughttohavedone.IfIplayedstingy,yououghtnottodoso!SinceIhavebeenhereIhaveplacedabouttenthousanddollarsinatrainofcollection.SoyouwillseethatIhavenotbeenIdle!

IintendtowritetoDr[Anson]Jones7&IthinkDoctorHill.8IwritethisletterintheexpectationthatitwillfindyouatWashington.IwillurgemywaytotheTreatyandreturnassoonaspracticable.IfindasmuchcompanyhereasIdesiretogowithme.ItisthoughtthattheGentlemenfromtheEastintendtogo.GenlRusk9ashewenthomewasa"strongHoustonman,"andthiswillbegallandwormwoodto

Mayfield10&suchwretcheswhowillnowwishtocomeoverandmixwiththefaithful.

OnethingwedidnotconverseaboutandthatwasColonelMorgan.11IfyougotoHouston,andheisthere,hewillwishtobeveryattentive.Ineednotsayhowyouaretoreceivehim,onlyyouwillofcoursebepolite,andcivil.AstoCommodoreMoore,12heissomewhatonadifferentfooting.Youcannotofcourseactuponpolitical

groundandtakepartinmyaffairs,butyouareanxiousthatheis"Dishonorablydischarged"fromservice,andrestsunderthechargesofTreason,Piracy,andmurder.Ifheshouldwishtobepresentedtoyou,youwillknowhowtotreattheapplication.Theyhavebothfailedinprostratingme,13andforMorgan,Ientertainsomekindfeelings,buttheotherisbase!Thefaulty,wedonotalwayscondemn,butthecriminaldeservereprobationinproportiontotheircrimes.

YouwillwritetomeatthisplaceandifIlivetoreturn,Iwillknowbywhatroutetogo,soastoseeyouandthepledge.Writetome,andtellmeifheisanyprettierthanhewas.Yourletter14Ihavenotopenedmydear,butIamanxioustodoso.IhaveneveryetviolatedapromisenorwillI,thatisconcernedwithyourhappiness,andallonthatyourequire.Youmayhaveintendedtotantalizemycuriosity.

Nomatter,Iwillsoonopenit.IhopeattheTreaty.15Myintentionistostartthedayafterthespeech.IfIcan,IwillwritetoyouandletyouknowwhatsortofspeechImaymake.16IfeelnowthatIwouldmakeafaironeifnotverysplendid,butIwilldreamofyou&SamtonightIhopeandthenIwillmakeafineone.Itissunset,andthedistanthillsremindmeofmoredistantandfardearerobjects.Iamonahillaffordingaviewofmorethantwelvemilesoverthesurroundingcountry.Itisbeautifulindeed!Butalittlewhile,andthesilveryraysofthemoonwillsucceedtothegoldenlightofthedepartingsun.Howveryadmonitorysuchscenesareofthevicissitudesofhumanlife.

Dearest,theIndianshavebeendownhuntingwithintwentyfivemilesofthisplace,andareperfectlyfriendly.ThepeoplearealljoyousattheprospectsofthependingTreaty.IhaveseenMr.Jno.J.BuntonherefromAlabama,oneofourdepartedbrotherMartin'sgreatestfriends.17Heisdevotedtohismemory,andwaspresentinMobilewhenMartin&Genl.Desha18hadthedifficulty.Mr.Hall,whereIam,marriedadaughterofhis.19

IprayyoutogivemybestlovetoourDearMother&toTose[SarahAnn].HugSam,Kisshim,andbitehisearalittlebitforme.Saluteourfriendsandmakesucharrangementsaboutmattersasyoudeembest.IfyoushouldnotgotoTrinity,writetomebyeverymailtothisplaceforIhopetobebackintwentytwodays,thisfaronmywayhome.

MyLoveIembraceyou.ThydevotedhusbandSamHouston

MyLove,ifyoustarttotraveldonotforgettoinquirebeforeyoustopatanyhouse,ifthewhoop,orHoopingcoughisattheplace.Ifinditveryprevalentontheroadandthisismyreasonforsuggestingthematter.

Iknowyourdreadofthedisease.IfSamdoestakeit,donotbealarmed,itmaynotinjure,orendangerhislife.Putcamphoronhisneck.Itwillnotbedisagreeable.

DevotedlythineEverHouston

Maggy

1JohnL.HallofCrockett.2TheHoustonsvisitedEastTexasshortlyaftertheirmarriageinJuly,1840.Friend,98.3ForareportofthespeechHoustonmadeatthismeetingseeTelegraphandTexasRegister,September13,1843.4ForfurtherinformationseeHoustontoAnsonJones,August3,1843.Writings,III,422-23.5Houstonhadearlierrecommendedswitchingtoimprovethecirculation.SeeHoustontoMargaret,July30,1843.6MajorJamesCockeofGalveston.7SeeHoustontoJones,August3,1843,Writings,III,422-23.8Dr.GeorgeW.Hill,SecretaryoftheWarandNavy.9GeneralThomasJeffersonRusk.10JamesMayfieldwasoneofthemostoutspokenfoesofHouston'sstandonwarwithMexico.HewouldlaterbecomecounselforCommodoreMoore.

TomHendersonWells,CommodoreMooreandtheTexasNavy,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1960),106,169.11ColonelJamesMorganofHarrisCounty.12CommodoreEdwinMoore.13BothmenhadinteferedwithHouston'seffortstoachieveanarmisticewithMexicowiththehelpofEngland'smediation.HoustonhadgiventheBritishconsulhiswordthatnoattackagainstMexicowouldbemadewhilenegotiationswereinprogress.CommodoreMoorehadbeenorderedtotaketheTexasshipstoNewOrleansforrepair.HoustonthenappointedJamesMorganascommissionertoproceedtoNewOrleanstoinformMoorethathisshipsweretobesoldandthatheandhismenweretoreturntoGalveston.InthemeantimeMoorehadreceivedunauthorizedfinancingfromNewOrleanscapitalistsforanexpeditiontoYucatan.


(footnotecontinuedfrompreviouspage)Morgangavehisapprovaltothisactofdisobedience.AsaresultHoustonissuedaproclamationchargingMoorewithpiracy.Siegel,194,220-21.ForHouston'scommentsontheeventsseeHoustontoAshbelSmith,July21,1843,Writings,III,418.14NoletterfromMargaretduringthistimehasbeenlocated.15ThepeacetreatywiththeIndianswasconcludedatBird'sFortontheTrinityRiver,September9,1843.Writings,III,423.16TheTelegraphandTexasRegister(September13,1843)reportedthatHouston"almostpledgedhimselftothepeopleofTexasiftheywouldgivehimamajorityofthenextCongress,thathewouldhavepeacebetweenTexasandMexico,andonasatisfactorybasis."Friend,111.17MartinLeahadbeenkilledinaduelwithNapoleonLockettonMarch26,1843.McFarlandCollection,PeabodyLibrary,SamHoustonStateUniversity.AdeathnoticeintheMobileRegisterandJournal(November22,1843)reported,"MartinA.[Lea]murderedlastMarchbyNapoleonLockettofPerryCounty.TrialinMarion."MobileGenealogicalSociety,Inc.,DeathNotices(LocalandForeign)1840-1849,(Mobile,Alabama:1962),n.p.18GeneralJosephDesha,aformercongressmanandgovernorofKentucky,wasmarriedtoarelativeofWilliamBledsoe.JohnM.Gresham,compiler,BiographicalCyclopediaoftheCommonwealthofKentucky,(Chicago:JohnM.GreshamCompany,1896),389.SeealsoLee,329.19ElizabethBuntonOatmanHall.ForinformationaboutJohnWheelerBuntonandhisdaughterseeKemp,36-38.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Gen.SamHoustonCrockett,HoustonCo.Texas

WashingtonAug.11,1843

EverdearHusband,

Yourletterswerebothjoyfullyreceivedandwithpleasure,1Inowundertaketoanswerthem.ButifIshouldnotwriteaslongaoneasyoudidfromCrockett,youneednotsupposethatIhavenothingtotellyou,forindeedIhaveagreatdealifyouwerewithme,butperhapsitwouldnotbesointerestingonpaperasIfondlyhopeitwillbe,ifIshouldeverenjoythehappinessoftellingittoyou.

MotherandIexpectedtohavebeenofffortheTrinitybeforethis,butithasbeenimpossibleforustoleavewithoutviolatingyourplan,whichwasforustoremainhereuntilyourreturn,unlessCapt.[JohnS.]Blackcouldcomeupforus.IwrotetotheCapt.lastweek,requestinghimtocomeforus,buttwomailshavepassedsince,and

Ihaverecd[sic]noanswer,exceptaconfinedandverbalmessagebyKane2thathewassickandcouldnotcome.IamprettywellsatisfiedthatitissometrickofKane'stotakeusdowninhissplendidvehicle,asheexpressedgreatanxietytodoso,andseemsquitedisappointedbecausewewillnotconsenttogointhatway.Itiscertainlyagreatdisappointment,butwesubmittoitwithasmuchfortitudeaspossible.MotherandTosehavebothhadsevereattacksoffever,butarenownearlyrecovered.Dr.Moore3attendedtothem,andatthesametimetheservantswereallsick,soyoumayimaginethedutiesthatdevolveduponme.However,justasIwasabouttodespairandthinkIcoulddonomore,thetimearrivedforMr.Herd4tomoveintothehouse,andsincethen,Ihavefeltquitefree,especiallyasweareallinprettygoodhealth.Iwishyoucouldseeournobleboy,asheisatthistime.Icannotdescribehimtoyou,butitdoesseemtomethatGodhasentrusteduswithanimportantcharge,forheissurelyaremarkablebeing!Everynewobjectengageshisattention,untilhehasexamineditthoroughly,whichgenerallytakeshimabouttenminutes.Atthefirstglance,heusuallyexpresseshisdelightandastonishmentbylaughingandcooing,butthisgraduallysubsidesintoathoughtfulsilence,andlookofseriousnessandfixedattention,andhegazesupontheobjectwithasmuchintensenessasSirIsaacNewtoncouldhavewatchedtheapplethatledtosoimportantadiscovery.Heisthewonderofeveryonethatseeshim.Hishealthisexcellentandhethrivesandgrowsfinely.Hehashadthethrush,5butIsoonlearnedhowtomanageit,andheisnowwellofit.

DearestIcannottellyouhowanxiousIfeelforyourreturn.YouwillknowtheanxietyofmindIhaveheretoforeincurredonyouraccountwhenyouwereawayfromme.ButthenyouwereonlymyHusband,nowyouaretheFatherofmyboy!Everylookofhisremindsmeofyou,butevenhissmilesarerathersaddeningthancheeringtome,foryouarenotheretoenjoythemwithme!Ahdoreturnsoontoyour

wifeandboy,foryouarealltheworldtothem!Itisnowabout12o'clockatnight.Samhasjustwaked,andisnursingonmyleftarm,sothatwritingisratheraclumsybusinesswithme,butyouknowthereisnogettingofffromhim.Imusthavemylettermailedbyday-break.Iwouldhavewrittentoday,butdidnotknowuntiltonightthatthemailwouldstartsosooninthemorning.Iwillwriteyouagainnextweek,andbythattimeIhopeIshallbeableto

tellyouwhereyouwillfindusonyourreturn.DearestImusttellyougoodbye,asIamsoexhaustedandnotverywell,havinghadarecentattackofasthma.Farewell

ThydevotedwifeM.L.Houston

1HoustontoMargaret,July30,1843andAugust3,1843.2R.T.Kane.IdentifiedinWritings,IV,223.KaneoperatedastageservicefromHoustontoWashington.DavidG.McComb,HoustontheBayouCity,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1969),30.3Dr.FrancisMoore,whowasamemberoftheCongressatthistime.ForabiographyseeWritings,VIII,125-26.4ThisispossiblyJamesHurd(alsospelledHeard)withwhomHoustonhadsomebusinessdealing.HoustontoJamesH.Raymond,July30,1843.Writings,IV,222.5Adiseasecommonininfantswhichresultsinulcersinthemouth.Dorland,1405.

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WashingtonTexas1stSept1843

Dearest,

ByourfriendDoctHill1Isendforyoutocomebytheway[of]Galveston,orasyoumayplease.MyLove,youhavenoideaofthetroublesincemyreturn!Nomatter,Youarenotthelessdeartome!Mr.Heardhasactedbadly,andDoctHillwilltellyouallthenews.Ifheshouldfailtodoso,&asKanewilladvertise[sic]youofeverythingIsendhimalong.

NowmyDearest,Idobeseechyounottofeeldistressaboutanything

whichhastakenplaceormaydosowhileyouareabsent.TrulyMr.Heardhasactedlikehimself,butwillactwell.Iwillseehim,andmustrecoverconsiderabledamages.

WewillmyDear,havetoresumehousekeepingandthereforeIsendKanetobringtheBlueWaggon[sic]andEliza2toHoustonunlessyoushouldthinkotherwise!DoctsaysyoucanhaveMariaifyouwishher!Bythebye,theDoct,ortheMadam3hasafineson.Sheisdoingwell!FormyownpartIwishtomeetyouatHouston,orGalvestonasmaybemostagreeabletoyouorconvenienttomyself.Onoraboutthe10thInst.IintendtosetoutfromthisplaceforHouston.Ifyouarenotthere,Iwillprosecutemyjourneyuntilwe

meet.Ihopeyouwillnotbederangedinanyplansbythiscourseformyconclusionshavegrownoutofmatterssincemyreturn.Youwillatonceestimatemyfeelingsandsituation.Ihopewewillbemuchmorecomfortablethanwecouldhavebeenwiththem.

MyDearIwishyouwouldthinkofMrs.Holley,4atHughB.Johnson's,andifyoucangethertokeephouseforyouitwouldbewelltodoso.Oranyonewhowillrelieveyoufromthecareswhichwoulddevolveuponyou,whileMasterSamclaimsyourmaternalcare.Heisours,andwiththeblessingofHeaven,hemustbecherishedunderamother'seye!

IthoughtwhenIlefthim,thathewasdailydevelopingtraitswhichbespokesomestrangecharacter.Thismayallbefancy,forparentswillalwaysthinktheirprogenyinpossessionofGenius.Asforourboy,mydear,IhopethosewholivetoseehiminmanhoodwillfindthatheiscapableintheDepartmentoflifeinwhichhemaybethrown.IhaveseeninhimmuchwhichIadmire,andhopethatsomedayitwillyieldfruit.Idonotknowwhattowriteyou,asDoctHillcantellyouall.IhopeourNiecewilltreathimwithgreatpoliteness.Hehasdonemeakindnessbygoing,soastoenableyoutogettoGalvestonorasyoumaywishtoHoustonbywater.

AstotheaspectofPoliticks[sic],itisbetterthanIhaveanticipatedandIhopeIwillhaveinthenextCongressmorefriendsthanIhaveeverhad.Isendyouvariousletterswhichmayinterest,oramuseyou.SisterEliza's[ElizaHoustonMoore]andbrotherWill's[WilliamHouston]5willnodoubtinterestyoumuch.Sister'sisverygratifyingtome,andsosoonasIcanseeyou,Iwillresolveonwhatanswertorenderher.

Thereisnonewshere,ofanyparticularimport.Hockley&Williamswerehereonmyarrival,andintwodaysweredispatchedforMatamoras.6IhopegoodwillgrowoutoftheMission.Youwillsee

byDoctofColonelSmith'sletterswhatthekingoftheFrenchsayofus.7IhavelettersfromtheU.S.whicharefavourabletoouraffairs.ThisisSunday,andIamannoyedbythereportsofHeard&Lady.Theyshowallthequalitieswhichbelongtosuchpeople.MyDear,IamsatisfiedthatMrs.Brown8wasrightinwhatshesaid.Imissmanythings(asIbelieve)butIcannotdetectthem.ThatHeardwillperpetrateanymeanessIamsatisfied.Whatshemaydo,Iwillnotconjectureassheisalady!Thatwehavefallenuponeviltimes,therecanbenodoubt.9

MyDearest,Ireflectuponnoone,foritcouldnotbeavoided.'Tisdone,andthatisenough!Kanewilltellyouofthematter!Pleasegivehimapatienthearingofonehalfhour,andyoucanthenlearnall.HewilltellyouthefateofthepoorcentreTable.Itmademyheartbleed!Iwassorry!ItwastheonlyrelicofthefirstconstitutionalPresidency.Nomatter!'Tisallforthebest.EveryinjurywasdonetotheLot.CalfLot&stableandtheplankwhichIwouldnotsell,hasbeendestroyedormadeawaywith.OnceforallmyDear,Mr.Heardisanythingbutanhonestman.HisLadyisallthatsheshouldbeforsuchahusband.Theyarecongenialspirits!!!Theyarenotmydearadisgracetoreligion,buttheydisgracetheirprofession.Kanewillbehappytotellyouall,ashesays''wecatholicks[sic]dontdoso.''HeisagooddealnettledattheconductofMr.&Mrs.Heard!Hethinkstheyhavetreatedusbadly.KanesaystheyaretheworstexampleofBaptists,andoughttobeexcommunicated.Thisisasweexpectinlife!'Tisthenotionthatpeoplehighinstationsmustsubmittoeveryindignity,oriftheVulgarassailthem,theyhaveeverythingtogain,andnothingtolose!

Mylove,IagainbeseechyoutofeelnosolicitudeaboutourmattersanddonotIprayyoutosupposeforonemoment,thatIreflectuponyou.'TisnosuchthingmyDearest!Iamasyouknow,alwaysinthebeliefthat"theKingcandonowrong."ThisisthemaximinEnglishLaw,andIhaveadopteditinTexas,whenevertheQueenacts.For'tissaidmydearthatyouruleme.Thisisallwellenoughmydear,wereyouhere.

IhavetwonaturesandyoumustbeheretomakemewhatIoughttobe.Ihopetomeetyou,andSamwithourdearNieceatGalvestonorHouston.

NowmyLove,onthesubjectofourdearMother,canshebecomfortableandhappyonTrinity?Ifshecannot,bringherwithyou

forHeavenssake.Thereisnotonefiberofmyheart,thatIwillnottrulyhavedrawnforhersake.Bringher,ifitwilladdtohercomfortbyallmeans.

MyLove,IwishyouandNiecetogotoGalvestonandImaymeetyouthere,butifIshouldnotIwillmeetyouatHouston.

IwillbeproudtomeetthewhelpandhismotheratGalveston!Tho'heisveryhomily[sic],Ilovehimbecauseheisyourchild!

MydearifIhadthemeansIwou'dgiveamilliontoseeyou,andyoufirstthatyoumightshowmeMasterSam!

Icantellyoubutlittleaboutpeoplehere.IhaveonlyseenMrs.Hatfield&Mrs.Norwood10oftheLadies.IhavenotseenanyoftheMissSims,11tho'Ilearnedthattheyareallwell.

Inthisvicinitythepeoplearebecomingmorehealthy.Sincemyreturnmysec'yhasbeenconfinedtohisbedwithfeverandague.

MyDearest,ifyouthinkwellofit,letKanebringElizatoHoustonintheBuggy.YouwillwishherathomewhenyoucommenceHousekeeping.

Ihadnearlyforgottentosendyousomecash.ImustsendallthatIcanspare,withthehopethatitwillansweryourpurposes.Ifitfails,youcanborroworgooncredit.ThereasonwhyIconcludedforyoutoreturnhasbeenenforcedbythestateoftheroads.Theyareverybad,andithasrainedeverydaysincemyreturn.

YouwillthinkIwishtoemployyouforsometime,asIsentyousomanyletters.Mr.[WashingtonD.]Millerhasbeenintheofficesincemyreturn.HesendshisrespectstoyouandSam,andhis"LovetoMissRoyston."SoyouseesicknesshasimprovedMillersgallantry!

DoctHillisready,andKaneisoff.

DomyDearestembraceourmother,sisterandTose.SaluteBledsoe&Bro.ifhehasnotgonetoAlabama.Dearest!DothebestyoucanandsosoonasIcan,Iwillembraceyouwithgreatfelicity.

ThineeverfaithfullyHouston

1Dr.GeorgeWashingtonHill,SecretaryofWarin1843.Writings,III,273-74n.2Margaret'sslavewhoservedasherpersonalservant.3MatildaSlaughterHill.IdentifiedinWritings,III,274n.

4ThisisprobablyMaryHolley,whoresidedinLibertyCountynearHughB.Johnson.IdentifiedinWhite,1840Census,103.5Neitheroftheselettershasbeenfound.6GeorgeW.HockleyandSamuelM.WilliamswereappointedcommissionerstoMexicotoworkoutthetermsofanarmisticewithMexicoandtosecurethereleaseoftheMierprisoners.Friend,86,andWritings,IV,216-18,HoustontoHockleyandHoustontoWilliams,July14,1843.7ForHouston'scommentsonAshbelSmith'slettersseeWritings,IV,224-26,HoustontoCharlesElliot,October5,1843.8Mrs.JohnD.Brown(SarahWade).IdentifiedinHandbookofTexas,I,223.9TheHeardswereapparentlylookingaftertheHoustons'propertywhiletheywereaway.10Mrs.NathanielNorwood(MargariteAdeleEwing).IdentifiedinBest,351.

TheSimssisterswereteacherswhohadtransferredtheirschoolfromNacogdochestoWashington-on-the-Brazos.Hogan,145.SternenotedonDecember12,1842,thatAnnMariaandElizabethSimshad"leftheretoday"andthatMarthawouldfollowshortly.McDonald,131.

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MrsMargaretLHoustonWashingtonTexas

Liberty20thSept1843

DearestMaggy,

BeforesunsetIreachedhere.Theroadswerehorrible.Icametheout-sideroad,andcalledforafewmomentsatMr.BowyersaswellasJohnsons.1Mycarriagewasabouttobreak.Ihavehaditrepaired,andIhopeitwillstandtoWashington.The25thIhopewillfindmethere.Ontomorrowearly,Iwishtosetout,butIamassuredtheroadsareworsethanwhatwefoundthemincoming.

HowourblessedmotherevermadeouttodrivewiththelineswhichshehadIcannotimagineaswellasthereins.Theywereshortbytwofeet.ThereinswerenotsofixedthatthehorsescouldbemanagedandreallyitwasprovidentialthatshewasnotkilledaswellasourdearNiece.ThankGodtheyaresafe.Iwouldwritemuch,ifIhadanythingwhichIcouldthinkwou'dinterestyou.

TomorrowIhopetogettoAdams2ortoDunmonds.3Iftherainsshouldlast,ImustcontrivetohaveyoutakentoHoustonbywaterfromthisplace,ifIhavetocomebytheIsland[Galveston]withaBoatfromHouston.Butwewillsee.IfIcanIwillcontriveyousomearrowrootandsuchthingsasyoumayneedfromHoustonortheIsland.

Idohopedearest,thatyouwillenjoyyourselfwithyourrelatives,&thatyourhealthwiththeirswillbecompletelyrestored.Thatyouwilltakecareofthepoorlittlescamp,Ifeelwellassured.Poorfellow,IhopeyouwillsoonbeabletoresumehisnursingofwhichIthinkhefeelssomeanxiety,tho'hewillnotdeclareit,butgivesomesignificantintimations.

TheBoatisexpectedhereontomorrow,andIhopeVernalwillbeabletogetoffwithher,ifheshouldconcludetogotoAlabama.Ifeeladeep&abidingsolicitudeforBrotherRoyston,andwillaid

himtothefullextentofmymeansiftheycanbeofusetohim,butitwillbenecessaryformetoknowhiscircumstances.4Toexpendmymeanswithoutextricatinghimfullywouldbenonsense,anduselessalso.Iwilllethimhavewhatlandhemayneedandwherehemayselect,ofmytractasIhaveBledsoeandVernal.Ifhecangetoffandcomehereisthegreatmatter.Ifpossibleheshoulddoso.Nowweareallinthedarkastohisrealsituation,andwecannotactwithadvantagetohim.HenceIhavethoughtthenecessityofVernalsspeedyvisitifatall.

IcalledtoseeCol&MrsHardin.5Theyarewell,andmadeathousandkindenquiries,aswellasallthatIhaveseeninrelationtothefamily,andasyouwillsupposeyourself&MasterSaminparticular.MrsBowyerssaidshewould,ifpossiblebeuptoseeyou.SheisaCaptain,butIhadnottimetodrivetheretoday.

Itisnowlateatnight,andImustConclude,asIhopetosetoutearly.IstaytonightatLang's,6asheissober,andIcanpayhim.Itisnotunpleasant.Itwouldbewrongtospunge[sic]onaprivatefamily,withmyretinue.Fewastheyare,innumber,Ihaveaprettygoodmenagerie,tho'[R.T.]Kanesayshehaslosthisdog!!PoorCarlo!HehaslostbylosingKane.Carlowasnottheworstofdogs!!!

IwillcomeforyouassoonasIcan.Iwilldevisethewaysandmeans,andbegthatyouwillfeelnosolicitudeonthesubjectifHeavenwillkindlyspareme.Kissallforme,andhugpoorlittleSamclosetoyourheartforme.Yes!anddoitinhisworstfitoftemperforheisthenmostbebepitied!Hisinfirmityisgreatest.

DearestMaggyAdieuThineEverHoustonMrs.Houston

1HughBlairJohnsonofLiberty.2ThiswasprobablyJ.W.AdamsofMontgomeryCounty.Darman,139.3JosephDunman.Ibid,129,andMiriamPartlow,LibertyCountyandtheAtascocitoDistrict,(Austin:PembertonPress,1974),101.4RobertandVarillaRoystonwereexperiencingfinancialdifficulties.5CynthiannaO'BrienandFranklinHardinofLiberty.IdentifiedinDaughtersoftheRepublicofTexas,349.6DanielJ.Lang.IdentifiedinMullins,96.

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Gen.SamHoustonWashington,Texas

GrandCaneOct6th1843

MydearHusband,

BrotherVernalexpectstoleaveforGalvestoninthemorning,andasIshallhavesofewopportunitiesofsendingletterstoanypostofficeforyou,Ideemitaveryfortunatething.AndnowwhatshallItellyou?OurtimehaspassedsosmoothlyalongsinceyouleftthatIhardlyknowwhatincidenttobeginwith,buttheunvariedscenesofourforestlifeatbest,wouldnotmakeaveryvividdescriptiononpaper.ButIknowyouwouldwishmetodescribethebuddingbeautiesofourbloomingboy,anddescribethegradualdevelopmentsofhisgenius.ThisIcannotdo.IfIcould,Iwouldpresentyouamostinterestingvolume,butifyoucouldseehimnow,youwouldunderstandwhyIcannotdescribehim.Indeedheisawonderfulboy!Hishealthisexcellentandhisappetiteveryfine.

Irecd[sic]yourletterfromLiberty1severaldaysafteritwaswritten,butitwasnotthelesswelcome.Itrembledforyourjourneyhome,buttrustthatitwasperformedwithoutanyseriousaccidents.Mytimehaspassedverypleasantlywithmyrelations,andeverydayIgrowmorefondofquietandretirement.WhenIleavethesewildwoodsforthegreatworldagain,Ishallrememberwithpleasuremanyasweethourofmeditation.

OldColeta2andhisfamilyhavebeencampingnearusseveraldays.TheyhavebeenalengthoftimeatPineisland,butwerecompelledtoleavethereonaccountofthesicknessthatprevailedamongstthem,

andtheyarenowreturningtothieroldhomes.Theyarewretchedlookingobjects.Haggardfromsicknessandsuffering.PooroldColetaisextremelyanxioustoseeyou,andIthinkhehopestohavehiswrongsredressedwhenyoucome.HetookSaminhisarms,andhisdimeyessparkledwithdelight.OhhowIwishthatIcouldspeakthierlanguage!ItpainsmyhearttoknowthattherearehumanbeingsinourmidstthatknownothingoftheSaviour.Theyarepassingaway,andsoontheloneforeststhattheyinhabitwillknowthemnomore!OhthatIcouldtellthemofJesus!DearestHusband,haveIwanderedintoathemethattouchesnosympathetic

chordinyourbosom?OhnoIcannot,Iwillnotbelieveit,butletmenowaskyouofyourself!Dearestdoyoupreserveinvisiblethegoodresolutionsthatyouexpressedtomejustbeforeourparting,orhavetheyvanishedlikethe"morningcloud"and"theearlydew!"

Ohmyhusband!myhusband!whatlanguageshallIemploytoexpresstheintenseinterestthatIfeelforthewelfareofyoursoul!Timehurrieson,andthecoldgravewillsoonreceiveourlifelessforms!Thenofwhatavailwillbetheexcuseswithwhichyounowsilenceyourconscience?Ifyoursoulisunprepared,willthenationthatyouhavebuiltupextendanarmtosaveyou?No,theworlditselfshallfleebefore"thefaceofhimthatsittethuponthethrone!"Yourexcuseheretoforehasbeenthatyou"hadnotimetothinkofthesethings."Areyouquitesureofthis?AretherenomomentswastedinsleepandotherwisethatmightbespentinpreparingforEternity?Dearestthisallimportantsubjectmustnotbeneglected.YoursoulshalllivewhenthenameofTexaswillbelostamidthevast"wreckofmatter''thatshalltakeplaceatthefinalconsummationofthings.Myhusband,totellyouthatreligioncouldnotlessenourpresenthappinesswouldbeaninsulttoyourgoodsense,yetIcannotbutthinkhowsweetlyourliveswouldglidealonginChristianunion!Ohshallthisfondwishofmyhearteverberealized!

Astothetimeofmyreturn,Iwishyoutoconsultyourownconvenienceabout[torn]Comeformewheneveryourbusinesswillallowyou,butwoulditnotbewellforthestovetobetakenupbeforeIreturn?IthinkIwouldliketogothroughGalveston,ifwecanmakeitconvenient.IhopeMrsHerdwilltakegoodcareofourthings.Begherifyouplease,tomovethepiano,ifsheshouldscaldmyroom,asthewaterwillpassthroughthewall.

Presentusaffectionatelytoallourfriends.Sissendsmuchlovetoyou.Sarahalso.Motherwasovertoday.Herhealthisgreatly

improved.Itisnight,andourbabeissleeping.Iwillprayforyouandliedownbyhisside.

ThywifeM.L.Houston

1SeeHoustontoMargaret,September20,1843.2(AlsospelledKalita)ChiefoftheCoushattaIndians.ForanaccountofhishelpingsettlersandrescuingachildduringtherunawayscrapeseePartlow,107.

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Gen.SamHoustonWashington,Texas

LibertyOct18th1843

MydearHusband,

Ihaveanopportunityofwritingtoyou,andIavailmyselfofit,butImustconfessitiswiththehopethatitwillmissyou,forItrustthatlongbeforeitgetstoHouston,SamandIwillbepressedtothedearbosomthatIoughtnevertohaveleft.Itisthe10thdaysinceIarrivedinthisdrearyplace.Itisaterribletrial,yetIendeavortosubmittoitwithcalmnessandresignation.Idonotfeel,norevendespondagreatdeal,buttrytonervemyselfforveryworstthatcanhappen.IamstayingatJudgeBranch's,1andSamandIareverycomfortableandkindlytreated.JudgeB.saysJeffWright'sdescriptionofSamwasperfectlycorrect,andthatheisthemostextraordinarychildheeversaw.OhmyHusband,dowedeservesuchablessing?WouldnotProvidencebeperfectlyjustinpunishingusforoursinsbytakinghimfromus?WhenIthinkofmyownwastedhours,Ilookatmychildandtremble!Alas,hisinfantsmilesandprattlehavewoundthemselvestoocloselyaroundmyheart.Thereseemssomewitcheryabouthim,forhecaptivateseveryonethatseeshim.

Itwastrulyapainfulthingtopartwithmydearkindred,butIfeltthatIwasgoingtomyhusband,andallothertiesmustyieldtothat.Thefactofbeingsonearthemhasmademydetentioninthisplacemuchmoredistressing.Mydearrelationsareonlyaday'sjourneyfromme,andyetIcannotseethem!SarahAnnisnotwithme.Herhealthissobadthatwethoughtitbestforhernottocome.Iamgettingmystrengthandcomplexionsveryfast,andIhavesomehopesthatyou

willyetseemewearthehueofhealth.AsforMasterSam,heisgrownsomuchthatyouwillhardlybelievehimthesame.IthinktheclimateoftheTrinityagreeswithusbothveryfinely.Theyounggentlemanmakeshimselfperfectlyathomewhere-everhegoes,andlaughsinmyface,whenIlookseriousatthetrialsthatassailme.

ThereisonemoredifficultywhichIapprehend.Thatis,thattheboatmaybedetainedintheriver,inconsequenceofwhichyoumaywaitinGalvestonorHoustonforme,notknowingwhathashap-

pened.IwrotetoyoubyMrBledsoeashewenttotheisland,andtoldyouallIcouldthatwouldinterestyou.DearestIhopewewillmeetsoon.Iamwaitingimpatientlyfortheboatorcarriage.

EverthydevotedwifeMargaretL.Houston

1JudgeEdwardT.Branch.ForabiographyseeJennet,55-56.

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AsHouston'slastadministrationdrewtoaclose,Margaretwrotehermotherafamilyletter.Houstonaddedapostscriptattheend.

Mrs.NancyLeaGrandCaneLibertyCountyTexas

WashingtonJan23,1844

DearestMother,

IwasdelightedtolearnfromMr.R.lastnightthehewouldbeabletosendalettertoyouimmediatelyafterhisreturnhome,foralthoughIhavelittletotellyou,yetitisapleasureanda[blurred]whichIprizeimmeasurablytoassuremydearmotherhersacredmemoryisasfondlycherishedasever.JustasIwasoftenwithherinmydreams,oncemoreIwasajoyouschild,andleaningonherdearbosom!Butsuddenlyavoiceatmysidearousedme,andIaroseandrememberedthatIwasmyselfaMother!

Mr.Ros.gavemethefirstnewsthatIhavehadofourdearrelationsinagreatwhile,andohhowhappyIwastolearnthatyouwereallwellagain.Iwrotetoyouabouttwoweeksago,andIwassounwellatthetimethatIfearmyletterhasdistrestyou,ifyoureadit,butIhardly

thinkitlikelythatithasreachedyou.Iamremarkable[sic]well.G.H.hashadmuchtroublewithhonourablecongress,butIhardlythinkwewillsufferthemtodothecountryagreatdealofmischief.1Heisprettysmart,andratherhardtocatchabother[sic]!IfIshouldtellyouhowmuchhistemperhasimproved,youwouldnotbelieveme,soIwouldmerelysaythatthechangeis

astonishing.IndeedmydearMother,ImustthinkthatitistheworkofGodandthathisheartisundertheinfluenceoftheHolySpirit.HiswalkiscertainlythatofapureChristian,andIthinkheisonly[torn]livelierfaithtoclaimpromisesthatareheldouttohim.OhthattheLordwouldremovetheveilfromhiseyesandwouldmakehimtolookupontheblessedJesusashisfriendandemancipator.

JudgeLockhart'stwooldestsons2arrivedafewweeksagowiththeirfamilies.Ihavenotseenthemyet,butIhaveunderstoodthattheysawCousinColumbus[Lea][blurred]andalsothattheycamedowntherivertovisitwithhimandBroVernal.IhavemissedToseverymuchsinceIcamehome,andIdorealylongto[blurred]littlethings.AnddearSis,but[blurred]Iaboutthem!IshallbefoolishifIdo.DearMa,donotletthemabusemefornotwritingtothem,forconstantthrongsofcompany,andhealth,willnotallowmetowritemorethanaletternowandthen,andIthinkthatwouldalwaysbetoyou.Idrewuptothetablethismorningintendingtowriteyouaverylongletter,butIhavebeenconstantlyinterruptedbycompany,andMasterSam'srequisitions,thatIshallatlastbecompelledtofinishitmuchsoonerthatIwish,asMr.Ros.expectstostartat3o'clockPManditisnownear2.TellBro.Billywehavehadsomeofhiskinfolkstospendsometimewithus,JnoScurryandlady,andrealyseemdelightedwithher.Sheisaspiritlady,andapleasantcompanionforme.

Ma,whenyouopenedthisletterandfoundwhoitwasfrom,thefirstexclamationwas,nowweshallhearofnothingbutSam!andhaveInotpunishedyouhandsomelybysayingnothingabouthim!Iamstronglytemptedtoconcludejusthere,butImusttellyouma,thatSamisthegreatestbabyIeversaw,butIamgreatlyweakenedbynursinghim,andbeingupwithhimatnight.Dr.Rowlet3whomImentionedtoyouinmyletterandGen.H.areveryanxiousformetoweanhim,butIcannotdoitunlessyouwerewithme.IexpectwewillvisitGalvestoninthespring,andIhopeyouwillmeetmethere,

andbringTosewithyoubyallmeans,andSistooifpossible.Presentmylovetothem,andalsotoBro.Billy[WilliamBledsoe].Samsendshisloveandrespectstoyouall.Ienclosealockofhishair.Domakethemwrite!

ThydaughterM.L.Houston

IunitewithmyDearMargaretwithaffectionatelovetoallthefamily.Ihavenottimetowritenews,butwilltrytosendpapersoccasionally.

ThyDevotedSonTrulySamHouston

Mother

1CongresshadvotedtoreturnthecapitaltoAustin.Lankevich,50.2WilliamandCharlesLockhart,sonsofJudgeJohnLockhart.WallisandHill,336.3Dr.DanielOwenRowlettpracticedmedicineinFayetteCounty.IdentifiedinDaughtersoftheRepublicofTexas,I,82.

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IntheearlyspringtheHoustonfamilytraveledtoHoustonCityontheirwaytoameetingSamhadwiththeComancheIndians.Fromthere,Houstonwrotetohismother-in-law,NancyLea.

Houston,Texas19thApr1844

MyDearMother,

AsMrEllis1willleavetomorrowforTrinity,2Iwillnotdenymyselfthepleasureofwritingtoyou,aswellastogratifymyDearMargaret.

Wedidcalculatewhenwelefthometohavebeenwithyouatfartherestbythe8thInst,butwhenIcamehereIfoundthatIwascompelledtogotoGalvestononimportantpublicbusiness.3Thenonmyreturn,IhadtosendanExpresstoWashington.4Bythetimeitreturned,therainfellinsuchquantitiesastopreventourtravelling.ThewatersareallveryhighandSanJacintoissaidtobemuchhigherthanitwaseverknownbefore.Wearecompelledtowaitforthe

floodstosubside.Wehopeinthecourseofafewdaystobeabletosetoutandreachyou.Margarethasnowanattackoftheasthmauponher,butIhopeshewillsoonbeentirelyrelieved.Shehasnotsufferedsomuchassheformallyusedtoso.YetshehassufferedmuchagooddealonSam'saccount,forwhenhewillsit,hemustbeattendedto,orhewillmakeafussandthisshecantallowevenattheexpence[sic]ofherowncomfort.Hetoohasratherabadcold,

oristakingtheHoopingCough.itisprevalentinthiscityoratleastinsomepartsofit.

Wewereveryanxiousthatheshou'dreachyouingoodhealth,thatyoumightjudgeofhimashewasthro'thewinter,andthisspring.Heisacleverchild,andMargaretreallythinkshimhandsome.Heistrulygoodlooking,butnotpretty.Wethinkhimsmart,ofcourse,andashisMotherispopularpeopleliketoaddtoherhappiness,andofcoursepraisehimverymuch.Manysaythatheresemblesme,andothersthatheresemblesyouverymuch,andreallyIthinkhedoesresembleyouquiteasmuchashedoesme.SomeofhisfeaturesarelikemyFathers&hisdispositionwilldoforeitherMoffittoraHouston.Everydayhismother&myselffancythathedoessomesmartthingthathedidnotdoyesterday!!HeisquiteassmartasanychildthatIhaveseenofhisage.Ofhissize,heisveryactive&robust.Youwillhavethepleasuresoon,Ihopeofgivinghimsometraining,forhehasneverhadbutonetriflingsmackinhislife,andthatwasyesterdayforbitinghismotherwhenshewasnursinghim.Heregardeditmoreasaninsultthanamatterofrightonpartofhismother.Ihavehopeinhisdispositionandthatisbecauseheischeerfulandaffectionate.

WhenIlefthomeIexpectedtohavereturned,andgonetotheTreatywhichisnowholdingwiththeComanchee[sic]IndiansalongthefallsofBrasos5[sic].Asthingsnowstandonthesubjectofannexation,aswellasourrelationstoothercountries,itisprobablybestthatIshouldbeatthispointforthepresent.BytheNeptunewhichistoarriveontoday,oritisconfidentlyexpectedontomorrow,Ilookforimportantinformation.Bymynextdispatches,IhopetobeabletodeterminewhetherwearetobeannexedtotheU.States,oraretorelyuponourselveswiththeaidoffriendlypowerstobeanIndependentNationatpeacewithMexico.6IfIlive,Ihopebeforemytimeofofficeexpires,tobeplacedonsomesecurefootingandleavetheGovernment,aswellasthepeoplesintheenjoymentofprosperity&

happiness.

Margaretunitesinalllovetoyouandallthefamily.Idonotparticularize,butsenditalltogethertodivideasweareextremelyanxioustoembraceyouall.SamsendsathousandandonekissestoGrandma.Hehopestobetheresoonandpresenttheminperson.

IhavenotmentionedthatIhadthepleasuretomeetbrotherVernalattheIsland,asIsupposethatyouheardofthefact.Wehave

seldomheardfromyouallandthenonlybychancesincelastfall,tho'wehavefrequentlywroteandsometimesIhavesentyoupaperscontainingmessagesandotherDocumentstoletyouknowthatIwasnotbeatendownbytheassemblyofourGreatness.Theireffortsdidasmuchinjurytothecountryastheydidtome.Manyofthememberswerewellofffortheyweresobasethattheycouldnotbeinjuredbythelossofreputation.Indeedmanyofthemweresoutterlyunworthythatitwasdishonortoanycauseorcountrythattheyshouldprofesstoserveit.Theywillmeettheirreward.

TrulyyoursonSamHouston

MrsNancyLeaMaggythankssisterforherletteranditscontents.PleasetellMissTosethatIwilltryandtakeaBeau.Doct[GeorgeW.]Hillwaswelllastaccount,andsentplentyoflove.

1JosephEllis,anagenttotheAlabamaandCoshattaIndians.Writings,V,14.2TheEllisfamilylivedneartheLeasandBledsoesinthevicinityofGrandCane.ReverendJ.H.H.Ellis,SamHoustonandRelatedSpiritualForces,(Houston:TheConcordPress,1945),50.3HoustonmetwithCharlesElliot,charged'affairesfromGreatBritain,todiscusstermsproposedforfuturenegotiationswithMexicoandtocheckontheprogressoftheannexationagreementwiththeUnitedStates.Writings,IV,301-303.HoustontoWashingtonD.Miller,April16,1844.4Ibid.MillerwaswritingHoustonregularlytokeephiminformedofprogressinWashingtonD.C.5ThefallswereacrossingontheBrazosRiverandanIndiancampinggroundlocatedafewmilessouthofthepresentcityofMarlin.RayMiller,RayMiller'sEyesofTexasSeries:FortWorth-BrazosValley,(Houston:GulfPublishingCompany,1981),106-107.

6U.S.SecretaryofStatehadsignedthetreatyofannexationwithTexasrepresentativesHendersonandVanZandtonApril12,1844.TendayslateritwassenttotheU.S.Senatewithamessageurgingratification.Itwouldberejected.StanleySiegel,APoliticalHistoryoftheTexasRepublic,1836-1845,(Austin:UniversityofTexasPress,1956),231-32.

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HoustonremainedbehindinGalveston.MargaretleftonatriptovisitherfamilyatGrandCane.ShesailedonasteamboatuptheTrinityRiverandwrotethefollowingdescriptionofthetrip.

ToGen.SamHoustonGalvestonTexasCareofMaj.JamesCockeCollectoratGalveston

TrinityRiver,SabbathNight,May12,1844

MydearHusband,

Wehaveanchoredforthenightandmymindissothrongedwiththeincidentsofthelastdays,thatIcannotsleep.Ifeellikeawandererinsomeenchantedpalace.Whatmaybethenextsceneinmyvariedlife?ForwhathathGodpreservedme!AmItobethehappyinstrumentofbringingtohimthewandererwhomIhavecherishedinmybosomorshallsomenewanguishfalluponmyspiritforthelovethathathperchanceadoredamortalinhisplace,andthatmortal,onewhohathneveryettrulyrepentedofhissinsandwhoyetstandsexposedtohisawfulwrath!Ohmyhusband,allthetransgressionsofyouth,theiniquityofriperyearsarebeforetheblazingeyeofGod,andnothingbutthebloodofJesuscanwashthemaway!HowlongwillyouvainlydreamthattheLordwillconvertyouinhisowngoodtimewithoutrequiringanyeffortonyourpart.Awake!awake!Yourconvictionsareevennowpassingawayandpurchance''thehotiron"iscausingyouheartsearingthatmayrendergloomymistsoffatalismandleadyouintoeverlastingdarkness!

13th7o'clockPM

Wearenowabout30milesbelowLiberty.Isupposedwewouldhavebeenneartherebut,wereseveralhoursongroundyesterday.Amelancholyincidenthappenedonboardlastnight.Astrangerdiedunnoticedandentirelyalone.Iwasinterestedinhiscaseonyesterday

andsenttoaskhimifhewishedanymedicineornourishment.FindingthatIcoulddonothingforhiminthatway,IrequestedMr.Brasher1tocomewithhimandascertainsomethingabouthissituation.Hedidso,andsatisfiedmebysayingthathistheorywasthathewasmerelysufferingfromactivityafteranat-

tackoffever.InthenightIheardhimcallingmostpiteouslyandsentEliza2sosoonasIcouldraiseher.Someonehadjusthandedhimaglassofwater,forwhichhehadnodoubtbeensufferingforhours.Thismorninghewasfoundcoldanddeepinthesleepfromwhichthelastlovewouldawakehim.

1.o'clock

WearenowatLiberty.Tilly3andMr.BrashearspeakoftakingawalkintothevillageandIwillremainandemploythefewminutesthatwearestillinwritingtoyou.MyhealthhasbeenremarkablygoodsofarandItrustthattravelingmayaffectsomethingforme.Samisextremelyplayfulandthatisecidenceenoughofhealth.HeheldouthisarmsveryredilytoElizatodaytogoandlookforpapa,butalasnopapaistobefound.HehaslearnedtotakeupMissTilly'shandverysentimentallyandpressittohislips.Ionlygavehimonekissyesterday,andthismorningwhenitoldhimto"kissMissTilly'shand"heimmediatelytookitupanddirectedtoitandkissedit!Hewasverymuchastonishedatthesightofasnakeyesterday,amoccasinthatwasbroghtinalivebyMr.Pilot.4Whileitwasheldupbythethroat,Samlookedoninsilentamazement.Idonotthinkhemademorethanoneefforttoobtainit.Isupposehesoonlearnedfromthecountenancesofthoseabouthimthatitwasnotaveryconvenientthingtohandle.LestIshouldhaveanopportunityofsendingmylettertoyouIwillleaveitontheboar,andhaveanothertoaddtoitonitsreturnifpossible.TheCapt.toldmehewillbeinGalvestonaweekfromthetimeofhisdeparture.Whenwillyoucometous?LetitbesoonIentreatyou!Donotletthecaresofstatepresstooheavilyuponyou.Muchofyourtime,dearhusband,hasalreadyIwillnotsaygonetowastefordoubtlessthousandshavebeenmaderichandcomfortablebyyourpublicservices,butintheeyesofGod,whatwillthisavail?OurBlessedSaviorhathassuredusthatonthelastdaytheLordwillsayuntotherighteous,"ComeblessedofmyFather,anduntothe

wickedDepartyecurseduntoeverlastingfirepreparedforthedevilandhisangels!!"Butuntononewillhesay,"Itistruethatonearthyoudidnotseekmyfacebutthenyourcaresweresogreatthatnotimewasleftforrepentanceandgodlysorrow,enteryealsointotheabodeoftheblessed!"Dearestdeceivenotyourself.Weighthesewordswell.

Itisnow10minutespast6o'clockandweareabouttogotoRobinson's5whereIsupposewewillstaythenight.Inthehurryofdeparture,Imaynothaveanopportunityoftakingleaveofyou.ThenDearestofhumanbeings,Farewell.

Thydevotedandconfidingwife,MargaretL.Houston

Onoutside:

Weanchoredlastnight7milesbelowCarson'sandinafewminutesweexpecttoland.Weareallverywell.Comesoon.ThywifeM.L.H.

1MargaretisprobablyreferringtoC.D.BrashearwholivedatWestLiberty(nowcalledDayton).Partlow,205.2Margaret'spersonalservant.3MatildaJohnson.4ThismaybeClaudeNicholasPillot,wholived27milesnorthofHoustononWillowCreek.IdentifiedinCarolineReevesEricson,NacogdochesGatewaytoTexas:ABiographicalDirectory,1773-1849.(Nacogdoches:EricsonBooks,1991),227.5Robinson'sBluff,theplantationofJamesRobinson,waslocated167milesnorthofGalveston.Partlow,66,191.

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GrandCaneMay18,1844

MyBelovedHusband,

Iintendedtohavecommencedalettertoyoubefore,buttheexcitementofmeetingtwodearonesathomeandtheconstantstirandbotherthatwehavekeptuphaverendereditimpossible.Besides,wehavebeenverybusypreparingSarahAnntogohome.Welanded

safelyatRobinsonsabout40clockTuesday1andconveyedthenewstoourfamilyinsufficienttimeforthemtogetushomeonthesamedaybeforenight.Wecameuponhorseback(thedistancebeingabout9miles)andIbroughtSamalmostthewholewayonmylapasheseemedtoexpectthatIwoulddosoandyouknowSamisnotopposedtohavinghisownwaywhenitisperfectlyconvenient.Thelittlescampisthrivingremarkablyandenjoyes[sic]himselfveryfinelyrunningovertheyardaftertheducksandchickens.Ialmostforgettheyearsofsufferingthathavepastinthe

recollectionsofhealthandjoythatthelastfewdayshaverevived.Theverytopicsthatwehavediscussedseemtoexerciseasoothinginfluenceuponme.Andthenthewordsofaffectionfromlovedonesfarfaraway.Robert[Royston]broughtmeagreatdealofnewsandmanymessages.Aunt[Margaret(Peggy)Moffitt]LeawritesthatshehaskissedSam'slockofhairbutshewouldratherkissthedearboyhimself.CousinColumbushasestablishedanewpartnership''LeaandHoustonattorneysatLaw"(meaningthelittleboy2andSam).IdohopeSamwilleverpleadverywell,forheseemsratherdesposedtocommand.Ihavetoldyouofthe[blurred]treebelowmychamberwindow,andoftherootsthere.IamtoldthatAuntLeasuffersnoonetoapproachit,buttreatsitasahallowedthing.Ohhowsweetitistobelovedandrememberedbyonewhowassodeartome!MyhusbandwillthinkthatIamtrulybecomeachild.Iamtellinghimsomanylittlethingsthattohim[are]unimportantanduninteresting.ButasI[blurred]hisgenerousheartforhehasalways[blurred]withmeinjoyorgloominhopesanddespondencythatanyardourthateverstirredmyhearthathmetarespondingthrobfromhis.

Ileftaletter3ontheboatforyouandIsupposethatyouwillgetthisanditatthesametime.LookuponitandDearestifthecontentsoftheformershouldseemtooyoung,Ohrememberthattheyweredictatedbytrueanddevotedaffection.Bylovethatwouldnotsootheitsobjectintoafalsehappinessbyhidingitsdangersabouthim.Thepicturetheredrawnmaybeharshandforbiddingbutturnnotawayfromhim.LookuponitandseekthebloodofJesustocleansethysoul,elseinthedyinghourthatpictureshallarisebeforetheeinfearfulcolours.

Ishallsoonbelookingoutforyourwelcomeapproach.Ohthatyouwerewithmedear,dearhusband.IwasafraidtobeawaynotbecauseIwantconfidenceinyoubutIworrythatyoumaydieandwemaynevernevermeetagaininthisworldnortheworldtocome.Ohcanitbethatsuchathingispossible!

MotherhasgivenBilly4toSamandheistrulyawonderfulgiftforheisahealthierboyandoneofthebestnegroesintheworld.WoulditnotbeagoodplantosellthecarriagehorsesandbringJoshuawithyoutoworkonthefarm?Billycanwaitonuswithoutanydifficulty.IhaveconcludedtohireElizatoMrs.Maffet5assheissoanxioustohaveherandwillbebringingussomething.Ihope

dearestyouwilltrytoeconomizealittle.HoweverIdonotintendtolectureyou.IthinkitprobableIshouldgotoWashingtonsometimeduringthesummer,butifIdoIshallgoonhorsebackandleaveSam.IexpectToseandBob6willstartinthismorning.Bobisingreathastetogetbackashehasaflourishingschoolinthecanebrake.7CousinColumbussendsnewsoftheneighborhood.[blurred]haveofferedhimthreehundreddollarsayearandallhecanmakeoverthat.HeteachesthedifferentsciencesandGreekandLatin,andisevercapableofconductingafineschool.BrotherR8isentirelyclearofdebtandgettingonbetterthanhehaseverdonebefore.IwrotetoAuntLeaandtoldherthatIthoughtwewouldgoontotheHermitage9nextspringandmakethemavisitaswepassthroughAla.Dearassoonasyouhaveleisurewishyouwouldwritetohersoon.Itwouldbesuchacomforttoher.

19thSabbathday.WehavejustdismissedourSundayschool.Iamassignedwithourprojectof[blurred]AgoodgeneralofthechildrenhavelearnedtoreadandsomehavelearnedforthefirsttimethattherewasaGod.

DearestIhopeyouwillbewillingtosettlehere.Ishouldbesohappyifyouwerewithme.MotherhasdeterminedtokeepSam&Annuntilthefallandthengohomewithher.IforgettotellyouthatMother,Mr.Bledsoe,&Mr.HollimanhadbuiltacomfortablecabinonMa'sland.Thefamilyallsendmuchlovetoyou.

EverthyownM.L.Houston

1May14,1844.2WayneEmmetLea,sonofColumbusLea,wasbornNovember30,1843.Gandrud,v.182,97.3MargarettoHouston,May12,1845.

4Ayoungfamilyslave.5Tilly'smother,Mrs.JohnMaffettofGalveston.6RobertRoyston,SarahAnn'sbrother.7TheCanebrakeisaregionofriverbottomlandsinthevalleyoftheTomBigbeeRiverinPerryCounty,Alabama.Originallythelandhadbeencoveredbyadensegrowthofcane.Owen,1,199.8RobertusRoyston,thefatherofRobertandSarahAnn.9TheTennesseehomeofAndrewJackson.

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MrsMargaretLHoustonatMaj.Bledsoe'sLibertyCountyTexasMr.Lang

AtPruits1Sunday19thMay1844

Dearest,

ItisimpossibletoconceiveofmydisappointmentandregretsatfindingmyselfunabletogetovertheTrinity.IhaverodeveryhardandmynervesaresomuchaffectedthatIcanhardlywritealegiblehandoronethatyoucanreadIfear.Irodelatelastnightasthismorningflushedwithhopethatbythistimeofday(12M)thatIwouldbenearyouandthedearlittleTiger,butitisnotso.InafewmomentsIintendtostartforWashington,asthecourtmartialwillmeetthereontomorrow.2TonightIexpecttoreachMrJones3onSanJacinto,andifpossibletomorrownighttoreachMrsMcCarley.4CouldIhavecrossedtheriver,Iintendedtopassonenightwithyou,andthenproceedonandreturnsosoonaspossible.

Unlessveryimportantbusinessshoulddetainme,Iwillseeyou,myLove,verysoon.Ihaveengagedanexpresstosendyouabundle,withityourmedicine.ThearsenicIdidnotget,butthenitricIfoundinabundlesenttomyroombyMrLubbuck.IonlyspentonenightinHouston,andwaswritingallthetimethat[I]wasthere.IorderedforyoumanytriflestobesentbythefirstBoatfromGalveston.IorderedaDozenBottlesofSelserswater,andyouuseitwithgreatbenefit.ItisfromGermany,butisthesameoftheSaratoga.DrinkaGlassofit

beforeeachmeal.Itisfine.Ourdear,dearlittlefellowmayfancyit,andifheshouldgethimtodrinkit.

Ifyoudesiresoda,pouraglassprettynearfullofthewater.Thenputinnearlyawineglassofclaret,withalargeTeaspoonfulofHavanasugar,anditwillbeverypleasant.Sosoonasthesugarisputinaftertheclaretletitbestirredsoon,anddrank.

IhavetenthousandthingstosaytoyoumyDearest,forreally,IthoughtthatIalwayslovedyou,butnowIthinkthatIneverlovedyouhalfsomuchasIhavedonesinceweparted.Iwishedtosee

youthatImighttellyousowithathousandkisses.AlllastnightIwasdreamingofyou,andSam.Ifeeleverydaymoresensibleofmydependenceuponyouformytemperatehappinessandjoysarisingmoreanddependentuponourrelations.

YoumaybeassuredthatIwillbewithyouthefirstinstantatmycommand.Iamnot,andtherefore,Iwillnotattempttoexpressmyanxietytoseeyou,aswellasmotherandthefamilyall.IhopeSarahAnnwillnotleaveTexasuntilIcanseeher&Robert.AsforMother,Ihadnoideathatshewillgo.Ifshedoes,Ihopetoseeherfirst.IntenortwelvedaysItrustIwillbewithyou.Icouldnowcrosstheriverinaskiff,butnotwithmyhorse.TodayIofferedsixdollarstotakeusoverwiththehorses,butIcouldnotsucceed.Theexpresswillcrossinaskiff,&getthehorseontheotherside.

TheIndiansIexpectwillbeinWashingtonbythetimethatIcangetthere.5NothingoverwhichIhavecontrolwillkeepmefrommyeverdearMargaretamomentlongerthanIcanreachyou.YouneednotthinkthatIwillgivewaytodespondency.Iwillbetoobusyforthat.Untillastnight,Ihavenotsleptonenightsinceweparted.

IwasinvitedtoaSoireeonthefirst,onTuesdayafteryouleftme,butwouldnotattendbecauseIsupposedthatyouwouldpreferthatIdidnotandmoreover,Ihadnottheleastinclination.ThatdayIhadmadeaspeech,andslam[med]myenemies.Youwouldhavebeenamusedtoseethewoundedpigeonsflutter.ItwasthoughtbymyfriendsthatIgainedmorebyitthananyspeechwhichImade.

CaptainPaynaccompaniedmethisfar,andwillreturnwithmetoDunmansandgofromtheretoHouston.ImaycometoseeyoubywayofSwarthout,andiftherivershouldbehigh,IcancrosstherewhenIcouldnotonotherplaces.IsendalettertoMissTilly.ItissweetIexpect.TheJudge7sentit.YourfriendswereallwellinHoustonandIencloseanotefromMrsReily8tho'Ihadnotthe

happinesstoseeher,noranyLadies,butthoseoftheCapitol.ImustrideandOhmyDearfancyhowImustfeel.Hopethemostardentblasted,andtothinkthataverylittledistanceseperates[sic]usandensuresmesorrowinsteadofthehighestofearthlyjoyswhichIhadsofondlyanticipated.

HadIattemptedtobringthecarriage,Iwouldhavefailed.CaptainPayndesireshisbestcomplimentsofyourself,MissSarahAnn,andalltheLadies,aswellastheGentlemen.Hefeelsalsomuchdisappointmentinnothavingthepleasureofseeingyouandthe

otherladies.Hesends20kissesandthreelemonstoMasterSam,orthekissestoSamandthelemonstohismother.

Dearest,Icanonlysaycommendmeaffectionatelytoourdearmother,Sister,andthefamily.

IwillseeyousosoonasIcan,andIbeseechyoutobehappy,notto[o]desponding.AthousandkissesandembracestoourdearBoy.

Yes,kisstheLadies.IhadforgottenTillyandSarahAnnwhenyouandSamhadsolepossessionofmyheart&head.


P.S.IfmotherorSarahAnnshouldwishmoneyletthemhaveitthattheymayfeelnoembarrassmentinoroutofTexas.

Houston

1SeveralPruitfamilymembers,includingJesseandBeasley,ownedpropertyontheTrinityRivernearLiberty.SeePartlow,199andmaponinsidecover.2HoustonisreferringtothetrialofCommodoreMooreonpiracycharges.3HoustonmaypossiblybereferringtoJohnJones,whoisidentifiedasowningpropertyonthewestsideoftheSanJacinto.VillamaeWilliams,ed.,StephenF.Austin'sRegisterofFamilies,(Baltimore,Maryland:GenealogicalPublishingCompany,1984),132.4TheTexasArmyhadcampedattheMcCarleyplantationpriortotheBattleofSanJacinto.Zuber,79-80,242.5HoustonhadinvitedtheWacoIndianstocomeforameeting.HoustontoA-CahQuash,May2,1844,Writings,IV,316-17andHoustontoThomasG.Western,May1,1844,311-13.6ThisisprobablyCaptainB.OwenPayne,CaptainoftheordinanceoftheTexasArmy.IdentifiedinCompiledIndextoElectedandAppointedOfficialsoftheRepublicofTexas1835-1846,(Austin:StateArchivesDivision,Texas

StateLibrary,1981),96.7JudgeRobertD.Johnson.8EllenHartReily.

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HoustonjoinedMargaretatGrandCaneonJune11,1844,wherehewasseriouslyillforoveramonth,probablywithmalaria.HereturnedtoWashington-on-the-BrazosonJuly27,1844.1ThefollowingletterwrittenbyMargaretinGrandCanetoHoustonisnotdated,butitappearstohavebeenwrittenduringthelastweekofJuly,1844.

ThroughaletterfromMr.WitherstoMr.BledsoeIreceivedthejoyfulintelligencethatyouweresafelycommencedonyourjourneyasfarastheSanJacintobottom,andthatyourhealthwasmuchimproved.OhhowkindandmercifulisourHeavenlyFather,thustopreserveyouandgrantyouareturnofhealth!Ishallexpectyourreturnmostanxiously.IndeedIcannotbehappyuntilIseeyouagain.

Mydearest,mymindretainssomerecollectionsthatareexceedinglypainfultome,andifitwereinmypower,Iwouldobliteratethemforever.ThisproudheartofMine!Ithascauseditall.Ialoneamrealytoblame.Yes,thisfoolishheart,withvainimaginationandpresumptuousconceitiseverdistractingspiritualfearsanditisnotstrangethatmyearthlyhappinessshouldsufferfromit.OhifIcouldonlyseeyouallwouldberightagain!Butyouarefarfaraway,andImustendureinsilencemyuselessregrets.Heaven[torn]ourfutureintercoursemaybesweetasthepast,whichexceptfortherecentinterruptionhasbeenalmostacontinuedinterchangeoffondnessandaffection.Ouronlycloudshavearisenwhenmyproudhearthasclaimedmorethanitisdue,ortrembledlestthathadfallenshort.Doyourememberthatintheheydayofourfirstacquaintance,Itoldyouthatmydispositionwasnotperfect?WhatIthentermedjealousy,Ibelieveispride,andIhavesincecombateditinvariousforms,butIamfirmlypersuadedthatitismy"besettingsin,"andwiththehelpofGodIwillstrivetosubdueit.

Wehaverec'dlettersfromAla.andtheyaremuchdisappointedanddissatisfiedatSarahAnn'snotreturning[torn]realynooneusedanypersuasionsorexercisedanyauthorityexceptMother.Theywritewithgreatexcitementandalarm,astheyhadheardthatSarahAnnwastobemarried.Thatissomeexcuseforthem,butIassureyouwedonotrelishthereprimandmuch.

IhavereceivedaveryaffectionateletteronyesterdayfromTilly.She

gavemeanabundanceofnews,andbigarmsofflatteryandfoolery.

ItislateatnightandMr.Bledsoeexpectstostartinthemorning.Samisnowsleepingsweetly,buthehasinterruptedmeseveraltimessinceIcommencedwriting.Thelittlefellowisinperfecthealth,andgrowsrapidly,butdoesnotwalkyet.ItrustthatwiththeblessingofHeaven,wemayenjoymanyhappyhourswithhim.

Presentmeaffectionatelytoourfriends,andcomesoontothydevotedwife.

M.L.Houston

P.S.Therelationssendlovetoyou.Iamtrulydistrest[sic]onMother'saccount.Herhealthisfailingrapidlythroughmentalandbodilysuffering,andwithoutaspeedychange,Ifeartheconsequence.HeavenpreserveherfromallIforebode.Myownhealthisfine,andtherestofthefamilywell.

1SueFlanagan,SamHouston'sTexas,(Austin:UniversityofTexas,1964),75.SeealsoHoustontoW.B.Ochiltree,July28,1844.Writings,IV,342-43.

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TrinityRiverAugust3rd,1844

Dearest,

IwrotetoyouafewdaysagoandsentthelettertoyoubyMr.Bledsoe.Iexpectitwillhavereachedyoubeforeyoureceivethis,butasyoumaybedetainedinWashington,andtrustingthataconsiderationofitshomedetailsandthelittleinformationIcangiveyouwillnotbealtogetheruninterestingtoyou,IhavecommencedtobeginalettertoyoualthoughIamfarfromfeelingwell.IhavebeensufferingadayortwowiththeasthmabroughtonIthinkbytakingquininetoofreelytocheckthemalariawithwhichIhavebeenthreatened.

IwasdelightedbyMr.Withersintelligenceofyou.Ididexpectonelittlelinefromyoubythewaitifithadbeenbutonelittleline.Perhapsitwasbestthatyoudidnotwrite.Theexertionmighthavefatiguedyou.Dr.Dismuke1alsobroughtmenewsofyoufrom

Adams's.2IwastrulyhappytohearthatyourhealthandspiritsweresomuchimprovedandthatyouenjoyedyourselfsomuchwiththefriendswhometyouatAdams'sbutIdothinkthatyououghttohavesleptmoreaftersofatiguingajourneyasonthedaypreceding.

YoucannotimaginehowmuchSamisgrownandimproved.HeisbeginningtostepalittleandIhopebeforeyouseehimhewillwalkquitewell.Mr.Worshem3hasmadehimabeautifulwhipandhepopsitwithsuchpompasanup-countrywagoner[sic]andhe

looksaboutverycuriouslywhenItalktohimabouthispa.Ohmylove,heisasoundbondofunionbetweenus.Heavenhasblessedusinourchild.

Sunday,4thIammelancholytoday,andveryunwell.Iwroteuntillatelastnight,infactthepenalmostdroppedfrommyhandbeforeIgaveitup,butIwascompelledtodosoatlast.

Mother'shealthhasbeenwretchedindeedbuttodaysheisbetterthanformanydays.Grief,4togetherwiththeinfirmitiesofageandaviolentcoughisfastwearingherawayandIfearthatIshallsoonbewithoutaparent.Heavengrantthatmyfearsmaybegroundless.

Docomebacksosoonasyoucan.Yourwifeandlittleonewillclingtoyouwithreverence,fondnessanddevotion.

IexpectyouhaveheardofMr.Goodall'sdeath.(Gen.Davis'sson-in-law.)5Hediedofsomethinglikethejaundices.

Farewell,Thinedevotedly,M.L.Houston

P.S.SarahAnnsendsherlovetoyou,andallwishtobeincluded.

1Dr.A.W.Dismuke.IdentifiedinDaughtersoftheRepublicofTexas,225.2ProbablytheplantationofJ.W.AdamsinMontgomeryCounty.3ArcherG.WorshamofGrandCane.IdentifiedinEllis,51.4NancyLeawasstillgrievingoverthedeathofheroldestson,MartinLea.5AlbertC.GoodallwasmarriedtoKatherineDavis,thedaughterofGeneralJamesDavis.MadgeW.HearneCollectionofPapers,SanAntonio.

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ToGeneralSamHouston,

Huntsville,Texas,Mr.Evans(forwarded)

GrandCane,TrinityRiver,Aug7,1844

DearestHusband,

OhdelightedIhavebeenthiseveningbyyourkindletters.1Yestheyhavemademeveryhappy,butoh,Ihavebeensaddenedtooforwhilemyheartwascheeredandrefreshedbythelanguageof

affection,Iwasshockedanddistrest[sic]bythemournfulintelligenceofCol.P'sdeath.Ohmylove,Idoprayfrommyheartthattheawfulblowwhichhasfallenuponhisfamilymaybesanctifiedtoyourgood!Rememberthat''nowistheacceptedtime"nottomorrow,notthenexthour,butthismoment.Ohseizeit,asitspeakstoeternity,andatoncegiveyourhearttoGod.

Howtrueitisthat"wealldofadeasaleaf,"thatthehopes,joys,caresandanxietiesofthislifeandthesoulappearuselessbeforethesearchingeyeofitsCreatorwithallitsstainsand"washedfromitssinsandmadewhiteinthebloodoftheLamboftheLamb."OhhowgloomymustbethedeathhereofhimwhohathnotloveofGodinhisheart!TheSaviourisnottheretowhisper"Iamnearthee,betheenotafraid!"Dark,darkmaybe"thevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,"fortheHolySpiritdefusethnolightalonghispath-way,andtheFatherdothnotbidhimwelcome!

Ohmyhusband,myhusband,myheartisfilledwithawfulfearsonyouraccount!Rememberthatthetimespentinjestingandunprofitableconversationismadeupofmomentsgivenyou(eachoneworthmoreincalculablymorethanmillionsofworlds!)toprepareforeternity!Deathisabroadintheland.Ourfriendsarefallingaroundus.Someevensinceweparted.Neglectnotthosesolemnwarnings.

Aug.8th

Iwasonlyabletowriteonepagetoyoulastnight.AsusualaftersupperIwascompelledtogothrough"thepompandcircumstance"ofgettingMasterSammytosleep.BeforeIcouldcommence,hisfirstnapwasfinishedandthesameceremonyrepeated.ThistimethenightwasfaradvancedandIlaydowntorestwithasadheart,Imustconfessforyouarefar,faraway.

WehadpreachinginourlittlechurchyesterdaybyMr.Friend2the

Methodist.Hewasinwretchedhealthandalmostwornoutbytravellingandpreachingamongstpeoplewhodonotevenpayhispassageacrosstheriver.Wefurnishedhimwithmedicinetorelievethesufferingbroughtonbyexposureforthem.Igavehimthemedicineherequired,andatthesametimeblessedthegeneroushandofmyhusbandwhohadputinmypowertoperformthesacreddutyofcharity.AndohmyLove,wemustnotforgetfromwhomwereceiveallourthings!Itrustthathewilleverblessuswiththemeans

sufficientto[torn]thewantsofthepooranddistrestthatwemaymeetin[our]journeythroughlife.Butaboveallmaywesubduethefearsthathadpossessionofourhearts!

IdeliveredyourmessagetoMother,butitwashardlynecessaryforyouwerenotgoneveryfarfromusbeforeshewassayingthatyouhadborneyoursufferingswithmorepatiencethanshecouldhaveandenoughtotrythepatienceofanyone.Butdearestwerecollectthatnochastisementissentwithoutsomepurpose,andourbusinessistofindoutthatpurposeandderiveallthe[blurred]thatwecanfromourafflictions.LetuswatchthedevelopmentofHiswiseplanwhocarethforoursoulsandstrivetofindout"whathewouldhaveustodo."

Iregretthatyoufounditnecessarytogowest.Masays"donotrideintheheatoftheday"andIsay"donothingthatmayendangeryourhealth."SarahAnnhashadanothervisitfromMr.Vanpredillis.3Heisaveryfinelooking,intelligentyoungmanandhighlypolishedIcalculated.Heisalsosaidtobeverywealthyandtolivelikeaprince.But(thereisnoaccountingfortasteyouknow)heranswertohissuitwassoveryevasive,butatthesametimesopolitethathecalledhera"perfectcircle."Ileaveyoutodrawyourowninferences.ImustconfessthatIdidexpecttoseeherconstancywaveralittle,butIsawnosignsofit.Hisfamilyarecatholics,butheagreedtoturnprotestant,hereticoranythingelseshewouldsay,butalltonopurpose,andhewentawaythismorningingreatchagrin.Somuchforbeingafewdaysaheadinthesematters.

Mr.BledsoestartedtoGalvestonalmosttwoweeksagoonMr.Holliman'sboat.HeisnotyetreturnedandAntoinetteisveryanxiousabouthim.Iwrotetoyoubyhimbutyouhavehardlyreceivedtheletters.IalsopreparedoneforMr.WorshemtotaketoHouston,4butMr.Edmundsstoppedforitashecamealong,forwhichIamverygladthoughitdoesnotcontainmuch.Youwilllearnthismuchthat

youareneverabsentfrommythoughts.OhmyLovedohastentome,forIamsad,verysadonyouraccount.IhaveneglectedtotellyouthatMother'shealthisimprovingandmyownisverygood.Samisashardyasapigandgenerallyasdirtytooforhehastakenuphisquartersintheyardandunderthefloorandtherewillbeinspiteofme.ImusthastentoacloseforMr.E.willstartverysoon,butIwilltrytowriteashortlettertoMissAnnGrissumandsendanoteofthankstoMr.[WashingtonD.]Miller.

ThinedevotedlyMargaretL.Houston

1Nolettersforthisperiodhavebeenlocated.2PresidingelderL.S.FriendofLiberty.IdentifiedinKemp,HoustonPost,May1,1934.3AlbertBaldwinVanpredilliswasawealthymerchantwholivedthreemilesfromLiberty.IdentifiedinWhite,1840CensusofTexas,105.4MargarettoHouston,August3,1844.

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HoustonwasonthewaytoEastTexastosettleproblemswhichhadariseninShelbyvillebetweentwogroupsofvigilantes,theModeratorsandtheRegulators,bothofwhomwereactingcontrarytotheconstitutionandthelawsoftherepublic.1HestoppedattheplantationofJamesDavisandwroteMargarettoconsoleheraboutanunidentifiedenemywhohadpreviouslyslanderedMargaretandhermother.

GenlDavis'13Sept1844

Dearest,

Iwillnotforegothepleasureofwritingyoualine.Wecameherebynightfall,andwereverykindlyrec'dbyall.IthinkthecoastwouldbeclearforBud,ifheweretomakeanallianceintheregion.Iwillmarkhiscourse.Heseemssomewhatsmitten,orIamnojudge.

MyDear,Iwilltellyou,tho'youwou'dhearofitfromothers,thatIescapedthechills&fever,andtalkeduntilhalfpasttwothismorning,andneverclosedmyeyessincewepartedinsleep.Irosebeforeclearday.WhenIceasedtalkingandIrenderedthanksofmyCreatorfor

hismercies,andofferedprayersforacontinuenceofhisgoodnessandblessingsuponyouandourdearBoy,mymeditationsresteduponyouboth,andwhiletherecollectionsofyousoothed&cheeredme,ithadtheeffecttovanishsleepfrommypillows.

Dearest,Ineed[not]tellyouhowdearly,howdevotedly,andhowardentlyIdoloveyou,norneedItellyouhowmuchIamattachedtoourdearlittlebrat.Poorlittlefellowhowmyheartbledtoseehimtornfrommebynecessity.Tho'Iwassomewhatamused

toseehisresolutiontoresisttheauthorityofhisnursewhenIcalledhertotakehim,heunderstoodme&emphaticallytoldhernottotouchhim.WhenIlookedbackandsawhimleaningoverhershoulderandlookingatme,IwastrulysorrythatIhadputhimtosuchatest.ButIcanonlysaythatonmypartitwasfoolishfondnessoraFathersaffections.IhopemyLoveitwillnotbelonguntilweshall,underthecareofakindandmercifulGod,meetagain,andenjoySamswhimsandanticks[sic]andagainbehappy.Takemyadvicemydear,asIgaveittoyou,andyouwillfindthewisdomofmycounsel.DonotthinkaboutthefruitlessattemptsofthatpoordespicablewretchtoassailyouandMother.3Theyhavefailedhere.Theblowwasaimedatme,andheknewthatnothingwhichhecouldsayofmewouldberegarded,andhethoughtthatbyhisslandersofothers,hecou'dinflictuponmeanincurablewound.Hehasutterlyfailed,andpunishmentnowawaitshim.Don'ttellMotherofthematterifyouhavenotdoneso.Itistwoyearssincethecreaturetoldthelies,andtherearenottwohousesinNacogdochesthathedareentersolowhashesunk,andthereporthasnevercirculated,andIpledgedmyselfnevertomentionthemansnamewhotoldme.Ifitwereknownhehadtoldsuchathing,thepeopleofNacogdocheswouldwhiphimoutoftheplace.IhavenotyettoldBud[VernalLea],butIfeelitmydutytodoso,andifhetakesmyadvice,itwillallcomeoutright!Don'tdoubtme.

NowdearestIprayyoutobehappyandrestassuredthatmyheartbeatsforyou,andyoualone!

Ifourpathisbesetbyenemiesandsnaresaresetforus,wehaveonlytowatchandpray,lestweenterintotemptation.ThisIknowyouwilldo,andyoumayrestassuredthatIwilllooktoHeavenforaid,toenablemetosecureyourpeacehereandyoureternalhappiness.DearestIwillwritetoyouwheneverIcan,andallthatIthinkwillinterestoramuseyou.

MyLovetoourdearMother,HowdatoVirginia,4andtoyourdear,dearselfallmybestanddevotedaffections.Dobehappy&cheerful,anddon'tletthepastgiveyouamomentspainnoreverbestowathoughtuponit.Noonewouldbelievesuchaslander,ifithadcirculation,whichithasnot.YourecollectGen[Memucan]Huntsaidsomesuchwittythingonceandwashalfscaredtodeathaboutit.Don'tregardsuchthings,andIhavethusdweltuponthismatterbecauseIthoughtyouweredistressedmuchaboutthematterwhen

weparted,andnowIhopedifIwascorrectthatyouwillthinknomoreaboutthenonsense.

GiveSamathousandkissesformeIprayyou,andhughimashardashedoesyou.

ThyeverdevotedHusbandSamHouston

IambetterthanIhavebeensinceIwasattackedintheredlands.IbeganonyesterdaytouseDrRandalls5tonicpillsandthatricewaterisagreatthingIthink.

Houston

1Lankevich,53,andCrockett,199-200.SeealsoHouston's''OpenLettertomyCountrymen,"August15,1844.Writings,IV,361-62.2HoustonisreferringtothefactthatVernalLeawasenamouredwiththeGeneral'sdaughter,KatherineDavisGoodall.Theywouldlatermarry.HearneCollection,SanAntonio.3HoustonmayhavebeenreferringtoJudgeGeorgeMilesofLiberty.IdentifiedintheCompiledIndextoElectedandAppointedOfficialsoftheRepublicofTexas1835-1846.SeealsoHoustontoVernalLea,October14,1845,inChapterVIIofthisvolume.4VirginiaThornwasthenine-year-oldwardofVernalLea.5Dr.LeonardRandallofSanAugustine.IdentifiedinCarpenter,IV,1712.

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GeneralSamHoustonWashingtonTexasByCol.Palmer1toMontgomery

GrandCaneSeptember20,1844

DearestHusband,

WiththefainthopeofhavingaletterconveyedtoyouIhavecommencedone,butImustconfessitismoreforthepleasureofwritingtoyouthanbecauseIhaveanythingneworinterestingtotellyou.Ihaverec'dtwopreciouslettersfromyouandforwhichIthankyou,butdearestmyheartisagonizedatyourillhealthandcontinuedlameness.2IdonotfeelasifIcouldendureyourabsence.Myheartisheavywithgrief.MyLoveyoubidmetobecheerfulandhappy.Alastheverywordstomyeararelikegaymusicinasorrowinghouse!IfIcanberesignedwhenyouaregoneitisthe

highestdegreeofcontentthatIaspireto.MorethanthisIneednotaskforIcannotbehappyorsatisfiedwithoutyou.Ihavenotenjoyedonemomentofhealthsinceyouleftme.AlmostassoonasyouweregoneItookaterriblechillandfeverandhavehadtheseeveryalternatedayuptothepresenttime.Ihavetriedourusualremedy,opium,butithasfailedandIamnowtakingarsenicwhichIsincerelyhopewillcureme.IperceivealreadythatitisdoingmegoodalthoughIhaveuseditbutadayandahalf.

Butwewilltalkofsomethingmoreagreeable.ThismorningforthefirsttimeIhadthepleasureofreceivingyourlettertoSantannaandImustsaythatIwashighlypleasedwithit.3Thesentimentsarethatofpurepatritionandhigh-souled[blurred]andthelanguageisjustsuchasIwouldwish.IwasalittleconcernedatyourallusionstoaSantaFetraitor,butIsupposeyouwouldtermthatacharmlesspresence.Yourretortsofhischargeofperjurywereverygood.Itisaltogetherafinedocument.

Mr.Jo.Ellishasbeendownandbroughtmenewsofthebarbecue.Iamgladtohearthepeoplethereweresowellpleased,particularlytheladies,forIamnotjealous,andifIwereIshouldnotbeasmydearoldfriendMrs.Maxey4andIlearned(butjustbyminutecharacterizing)thatyouwereseenattentivetohersisterCary5[blurred].

Ihavenotyettoldyouanythingaboutourdearboy!Hishealthisveryfine,andhecontinuestogrowrapidly.Poorfellow!hewassadlydistrestwhenyousenthimback,butIadministeredhisusualcordial,andhewassoonsmilingthroughhistears,andhisblueeyeslookedupasjoyouslyaseveryviolet.Dearboy!Iexclaimedtomyself,youknownotthemagnitudeofyouraffliction,andyourMotherhascuredyourgrief,butyoucanonlysootheandcannotcurehers.Hestilllooksanxiouslyinthedirectionthatyouleft,whenweaskhim"where

hispapais?"Ihaveverylittletroublewithhim,exceptonrainydays,andthenitiswithgreatdifficultythatIkeephimwithindoors.Hehaslearnedtomakeaverygoodbow,andIthinkwhenyoucomehome,youcansoonteachhimtomakeanelegantone.

IamanxiouslyexpectingbroVernal'sreturnwhowillofcoursebringmenewsofyou.Mr.Holliman,alsoIshallexpectverysoon.Heavengrantthattheymaybringmenewsofyourimprovedhealthandhopesofa[blurred]reunion!

OurneighborMr.[blurred]haslosthiswifeandIamtoldheisdangerouslyillhimself.Iamtoldthathishouseisasceneofsufferingandpoverty.Ihavenotbeenabletovisitthem,butIhavesentthemalittleaid.Itisalmost4oclockPMandIamtakingahardchill,sogood-byforthepresent.

Saturday21stIsufferedintenselylastnightwithmychillandfever,andtodayIamnervousandfeeble.Iwishyouwerewithmedearest,kindest,andtruestofearthlyfriends.Mysoulseemssickandwearywithinme,andIhavenopleasureinmylife.Whenwillyoureturn?Ohwhenwillyoucheerthisheavyheartagain?ItrustthatMyHeavenlyFatherwillnotsuffermetorelapseintodespondency.Butifheshould,Idarenotcomplain,forIdeservehissurestchastisements.OhhowoftenhaveIbackslidandforgottenhistendermercies!Godhathrecalledmeagain,likeawanderingsheep,andreceivedmeintotheHeavenlyfold.SometimeIlongtocastoff"thisearthlytabernacle,"thistiresomebody,and"departandbewithChrist,"butohwhenIthinkofthehusbandandchildthatwouldbeleftinthisdangerousworld,Iclingtoearth,forthierdearselves!Ohmyhusband!wouldtoGodIcouldliftyourthoughtsandaffectionswithminetothatHeavenlycountrywherealloursufferingsandsorrowsshallbeforgotten,orrememberedastheincidentsofanadventurousjourney,andtherebyeembraceourjoysaroundthethroneofGod!Perchanceourverytrialsonearthshallbecelebratedinourfuturesongoftriumph.Letus''strivetoenterinatthestrait[sic]gate."

IhavewrittentoMrHuckins6sinceyouleft,andrequestedhimtosubscribemynametosomeBabtist[sic]paper,andifhethoughtitbesttopaythesubscriptioninadvance,tocallonMajCocke7forthemoney.IknewthatmydearHusbandwouldnotdenymeanythingthatcouldcontributesomuchtomyhappiness.Moreover,ifmydemandsofthischaractershouldgrowexorbitant,suchasbooks,papers,andbenevolentfunds,therearemanyuselessexpenditures

thatIcanthrowoff,inordertomeetthem.Butofthiswewillspeakmorefullyhereafter,iftheLordshouldwillourreunion.Thefamilyareallwellexceptmyself.Col.PalmerhaspromisedtoforwardthisfromMontgomery,andIshallhopetohearfromyouoccasionallyuntilyoureturn.

ThinetrulyanddevotedlyM.L.Houston8

1MartinPalmer,alsospelledParmer.2Onlyoneletter,September13,1844,hasbeenlocated.MargaretisreferringtoHouston'sanklewoundreceivedattheBattleofSanJacinto.3ForacopyofthisletterseeHoustontoSantaAnna,July29,1844,Writings,IV,346-49.4Mrs.MaxeywasthedaughterofJamesDavis.5CarolineDavis,daughterofGeneralJamesDavis,andsisterofMrs.Maxey.6ReverendJamesHuckinsinHouston.7MajorJamesCockeofGalveston.IdentifiedinWritings,III,70.8TheletterwrittenfromLibertyonSeptember28,1844,containingHouston'sreplytothislettercanbefoundinWritings,IV,373-74.InithementionshisupcomingtriptotheFallsoftheBrazosandhisregretsthathewillnotbeabletoattendtheTreatywiththeIndiansfarthernorth.HealsotellsoftheelectionofAnsonJonestothepresidency,hiseffortstoobtainanantelopeskinforSam,andhispleasurethatMargaretwaspleasedwithhislettertoSantaAnnaonJuly29,1844.ThiswouldbehislastlettertoMargaretwrittenwhilehewasPresidentoftheRepublic.

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ChapterVIIJanuary24,1845November10,1845January24,1845:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston


March11,1845:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston



April1,1845:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

April4,1845:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston






September30,1845:MargaretHoustontoSamHouston


October14,1845:SamHoustontoVernaLea


November7,1845:SamHoustontoWilliamPalmer

November10,1845:SamHoustontoMargaretHouston

Inthelatterpartof1844HoustonpurchasedafarmaboutfourteenmileswestofthetownofHuntsville.HenameditRavenHillandbegantobuildahomethereandplannedtoretiretocountrylife.Thefollowingletterswerewrittenashetraveledtoseehisnewproperty.

ToMrs.M.L.HoustonGrandCaneLibertyCountyTexas

GenlDavis'1Friday24thJany1845

MyDearest,

LastnightandthismorningIwasillwithsorethroatandcold.Iammuchbetter.TheJudge2wasillwhenIcameorratherhadbeenso.Todayheiswell.Inafewminutesweintendtosetout.

BeforeIlefthomeIwaspressedandoppressedbymanycauses.OnreflectionIhaveconcludedtoassureyou,asIthinkitwascauseofsomeapprehention[sic]thatyouneedbeundernoanxietyformyintentionisnottodrinkanythingduringbyabsence,atanytime.ButyoumayrestassuredthatundernocircumstanceswillIindulgeintakingonedropinWashingtonCounty.NowmyDearest,Iwishyoutobehappy!YoumaybesatisfiedthatIwillactinsuchmanner,aswillpromoteyourhappinessaswellasmyown!

Joshua3willcomeupwithVernalandIwishhimtobringsometenorfifteenFigcuttingsfromMr.Cherrys.4Ihavenineprettyoneswithme.DomakemyfriendVernalbringmydogsupwithhim.TheywillfollowaftertheycrosstheRiverorwhentheygetasfarasMr.Ellis'.5

Nowdearest,IcantellyouthatIwillreturnattheearliestmomentpossibletoembraceyouandthatIwillnotbehappyuntilIcanagain

seeyou.Iwillbelonely,butIwillbebusy.Iwilldoallinmypowertogetforwardwithmybusiness.

YouneedhavenocareaboutGeneralHamilton.6IfanythingisdoneIwillmanageitproperandhavenofighting.IhavebeggedMrs.Davis7toletMissCarey8remainwithyouuntilmyreturn.Ihopeshewillcomply.

Commendmetoallthefamilyandembraceourdear,dearBoy.Iwillwritebyeverychanceonmyway.

Icanhearofimpostors.Dobeonyourguard,astherewillbemanyinsheepsclothing.Wemustbeonourguardagainstsuch.OurcousinJudgesendshislovetoyou&thefamily.HehasnotboughtlandnorwillheuntilheseesRavenHill.Relyuponmydeareverythingtomakeyouhappy.Iembraceyouwithmywholeheart.

ThyeverdevotedHusbandSamHouston

1GeneralDavis'sPolkCountyplantationwasaboutfourmilesfromRavenHill.Ellis,50.2JudgeJohnT.Jones.ForabiographyseeZellaArmstrong,NotableSouthernFamilies,v.III,(Baltimore,GenealogicalPublishingCompany,Inc.,1971),187,andByronandBarbaraSistler,DavidCounty,TennesseeMarriages,(Nashville:ByronSistler&Associates,1985),122.SeealsoHoustontoMargaret,January27,1845.3Houston'sslave.4WilliamandAaronCherrylivednearEllisandVernalLeainLibertyCountyonthewestbankoftheTrinity.AnAbstractoftheOriginalTitlesofRecordintheGeneralLandOffice,103.5TheEllisplantationhome,namedPleasantLawnbyHouston,waslocatedaboutthirtymilesnorthofLibertyontheeastsideoftheTrinityRiver.HerelivedBenjaminEllisandhisfamily,includinghisbrother,Joseph.Ellis,49-50.6JamesHamilton.OnSeptember12,1844,HamiltonhadwrittenU.S.SecretaryofStateJohnCalhounthathewouldgotoTexasinNovemberandthathe''couldcarrythecountryinthedirectionwedesireagainstHouston....myfriendswillbeinpowerandhewillbeoutofpoweronthe1stDec.andwewillcarrymatterswitharush."Friend,143-44.7Mrs.JamesDavis(AnnElizaHill).IdentifiedinHandbookofTexas,III,230.8CarolineDavis,thedaughterofJamesandAnnElizaDavis.

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GrandCaneTexasToMrs.M.L.HoustonGrandCaneLibertyCounty,Texas

RavenHill,27thJany,1845

MyVerydearWife,

InwritingtoyouIhavemanydoubtsastoyourgettingtheletter.Iamsofaroutofthewayofbusinesspeopleandtravellingworld

thatthereisbutlittlechanceoflettersending.NomatterIwillwrite.AfterleavingGen'lDavisIcameonverywellandatCol.WilliamsonlIrelatedtomyshrubberyplants.Forinstance,strawberriesrasberry[sic]bushes,quinces,plums,plentyoffigs.Theyareallsetout,astodaywasrainyandfavorable.

YesterdaywastheSabbathandIwouldnotviolateitbyworldlyemployment.MwaspreachingatSquirePalmer's2andafterthatwasoverIreadtheBookwhichyousenttoMr.[WashingtonD.]Miller.TodayIwentmuchoverourplace,andwhenIcametolookoverit,IfoundasIhadbeentoldthatithadtwofinesaltlicks.ToappearancestheywerethebestIhaveeverseenandIhavenodoubtbutwhatsaltcanbemadetoanyextentandthewatereasilyobtained.

AfterridingoverthelandJudgeJonessetoutforhomeandIfeargotmiserablywet.HewouldgotonighttoCol.Woods.3Hewaspleasedwiththelandinthissectionbutheselectednoplace.Ihadhalfanotiontolethimhavemylowerhalfofthetract,butwouldnotwithoutyouradviceandconsent.HewantedBruin4morethananyoneIeversawbutItoldhimthathereallywasyoursandthatIhadpromisednottopartwithhimorheshouldhavehadhim.SoyouseemydearhowfaithfulIaminsmallmatters.NowIlovedtheJudgeandCousinCaro5[and]wouldhavegreetedhimalmostasarelationbutallwouldnotdo.Bruincouldnotgo.

IhavebargainedtohaveagoodlotandsomefenceenclosedaroundaneatGardeninsideofittobepaledinprettyneatstyle.Itwillbe220ft.onewayand200theother.ItwillbesothatrabbitscannotgetintoitandIamsurethatyouwillthinkittasty.Iwasaboutcontractingforahouseon[blurred].Iwilldoit.(postponed)AwifeImusthave,notakitchen.IcalculateeverypennythatIcontractforandreallyfeelpenuriouswhenIthinkofyouandSam!Ihavethoughtmoreabouthimthistime,sinceIlefthomethanonanyformeroccasionbuteven

thus,andIdonotthinkofhimnorspeakoftheyoungmanasoftenasIdoofhisdear,dearMother.Heisstoutandhealthyandisnotanobjectofconstantsympathyandsuffering.Thusmydearestitiseasytoaccountforyourbeingalwayspresentwithme.Ithinkofyouinmyhearteveryhour.

LastnightIwasquiteillandsinceIleftGen'lDavisIhavebeenhoarseandattimescouldnotspeak.TodayalthoughIwasmuchintherainIfeelmuchbettertonight.TomorrowifsparedIhopetoset

outforWashington,andwillhopeandtrytoattendtomybusinessandreturnintheleasttimepossible.Youmayrelyuponthismatterasoneoftrusts.Iamusingallmeanstogetonwithallmybusinessandtoberidofthemtogotothestatesorbeathomeleavingthewholemattertomydearwife.IlearnthepeopleareallwellabovesoyoucansaytoBud[VernalLea]andtomorrowIhopetomakethefaironesuchabowassheisnotusedtogreet.DonotletanyonemakeSambowbuthisdearMama.Iftheydoitwillspoilhim.IfIcouldIwouldreturnfromhereandconsultyouasIhavelearnedwhatahousewouldcostwithabeginning.Itwouldbe$840.00andthisismorethanIwishtolayoutuntilIconversedwithyouonthesubject.Ihaveseenmyhorsehereandheisdoingwell.IhopewhenIhaveturnedmyattentiontomyownbusinessthatIwillbeenabledtomakesomethingandthatIcantakecareofwhatIdomake.

28thIhavemadeaminutecalculationofthecostofHouseKitchen,andfarmof60acresofopenlandinthecase.Withfarmingutensils,cookingmattersandallthatwillbenecessaryforfarmingcompleteaccuratetermswillcostonthemostaccuratetermswillcost[sic]$1,200.Thismayastonishyoubutwhenwecometolookatthewholerequirementswemustconcludethatitcannotbedoneforless.

TheHousewouldbetwostorys[sic]highpassage12feet.Eachroomtobe20by24feet.Galleriesthewholelengthofthebuilding12feetwide.ThelengthoftheHousewillbe62feet.TheGallerieswillbeneatlybannisteredorpaled.Aneatkitchenwithpealedlogs.TheywouldengagetohavetheHousereadytotakepossessionofbythelastofOctobersothatifweconcludetohavetheimprovementmadewhenweconfer,itwillenableustovisittheU.States.

Donotmydearesthaveanyuneasinessaboutthisorothermatters,foryoumaybeassuredthatIwilluseeveryexertioninmypowertoarrangemymatterstothebestadvantage.Youwillneedtohearthat

JudgeJonesintendstosettlenearbyandifhedoesnotbuyColWood'sfarmIamtotryandpurchaseoneadjacenttoourplace.Theoverseerwasnothere,andhebecamesoanxioustoseeCaroandtheboysthathecouldnotstayanylonger.Ifearthathehassufferedmuchbytheawfulrainoflastevening.Itisnownineo'clockAMandIintendtosetoutinafewminutesandwillpassbyStubblefield's.6TheroadsmaybesobadthatImaynotattempttobringthefurnitureandinthateventIwillarrivemuchearlierthan

Ianticipatedwhenweparted.

Imustconcludewithexpressionofmygreatanxietytoembraceyouandtheyoungbarbarian.IfindthatIcanonlybehappyoratrestwhereyouare.Theremytimeishappiness.Absent,enduranceistheonlyqualitywhichIexercise.YouneednotfancythatIamwritingyouortryingtowritea"loveletter."IaminamatterofFACTmoodandcanonlyassureyouofmyperfectdevotiontoyouandSam.Presentregardstoallthefamily.

ThyeverdevotedHusband,Houston

1RobertMcAlpinWilliamson.2HoustonisreferringtoeitherMartinPalmerorhisson,Thomas,bothofwhomlivednearRavenHill.ForbiographiesseeHandbookofTexas,II,340.3GeorgeT.Wood,whosettledontheTrinitynearthepresenttownofPt.Blank.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,II,929.4Houston'smuleBruinwasoneofhisfavoritemeansoftransportation.5SarahCarolineMcEwen,daughterofHouston'scousinRobertMcEwen,wasmarriedtoJudgeJohnT.JonesofHelena,ArkansasonAugust12,1839.Sistler,122.6JohnStubblefieldownedpropertyinPolkCountynearVernalLea.IdentifiedinPolkCountyBicentennialCommitteeandthePolkCountyHistoricalCommission,APictorialHistoryofPolkCounty,Texas(1846-1910),(n.p.:PolkHistoricalCommission,1976),40,andCarpenter,III,1556.

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OnFebruary28,1845,HoustonwasinLiberty.HewrotetoMargaretwhowasvisitingherfamilyatGrandCane,mentioningthathehadattendedchurchandsignedatemperancepledgealongwithmanyothersandthat"Ifallkeeptheirvowitwillbeagoodthingfor

society."

Hespeaksofpendingcourtcasesandcomments:"IdonotknowwhatIwilldowithallthecasesofferedtome.Ifeeldisposedtostayathomeandattendtomyfamily,andforyearstocometherewillnotbemuchpleasureinthepracticeoflaw.TherewillnotbecomfortssuchasshouldbedesirablenorwouldallthefeeswhichImightgetrecompensemeforthelossofyoursociety&Sam."Becausesomuchoftheletterisfadedandillegible,itisnotfullytranscribedhere.

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ToMrs.M.L.HoustonGrandCaneTexasMr.B.F.Reynolds

Mr.Ellis'11thMarch,1845

Dearest,

IcameherewellenoughandhearthatIcanpassDrewsCreekinasmallboat.SoIhopeIwillmeetwithnoobstructionsontheway.IcamewithMr.ReynoldsandfoundCol.Palmerhere.WeintendtostartinafewminutesanywaytogettoCaptainRoan's1bysunset.Gen.Davishasgoneaheadnodoubt.SeveralmorewillbeatRoan'stonight.FromheretoMr.Ratcliff's,2thediningplace,itisaboutfifty-fivemiles.UnlessitrainstomorrowIintendtogoon.IfitdoesrainImaydeclinegoingonasIdonotdeemitofmattersufficienttoexposemyself.

IhavenonotionofengagingMr.[B.F.]Reynoldsasanamanuensis.Thatiswithusonly.IwillhurrybackasIaminformedtheriverisyetrising,andIwishtogoeitherupordownbythefirstBoatthatwecanboard.Aboutthistime[George]Hockley,IthinkwillbeattheIsland3fromCorpusChristiandIshouldliketoseehim.ThereisHockley,SamWilliams,and[Thomas]McKinney,thatIhavebeenafriendofandIamwellsatisfiedthattheywouldnowbegratifiedatmyruinordisgrace.WilliamsandMcKinneyIamanxioustosettlewithastheymustowememorethan$500.00.Myac'ntcannotbe$500.00andIletthemhavetwoDrafts,oneonElishaRobertsandtheotheronPeteSublett,eachfor$500.00andinterestnowonthemforyears!

Mydear,ifourkindCreatordoesspareme,Iwilltryandattendtotheaffairsofthisworld,andabetteroneinsuchmannerasarationalbeingshoulddoasonewhoowessomethingtothisworldinthewayofdutytothosewhomIamrelatedtoandeverythingtoakindandmightymercifulGod.

Saluteall,hugSamandkisshimforme.Iwilltrytoreturnassoonaspossible.

ThydevotedHusband,SamHouston

1W.J.Roan,whofoundedthecommunityofRoansPrairie.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,II,481.2ProbablyWilliamV.Ratcliffe,listedasaresidentofHendersonCountyinMullins,139.3HockleyresidedinGalveston.Abreechinthefriendshiphadoccurredin1842.HockleyresignedasSecretaryofWarwhenHoustonpubliclydenouncedtheefficiencyofthevolunteertroopsasareasonforbeingagainstthewarbill.Wisehart,408,411.

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ToMrs.M.L.Houston,GrandCaneTrinity,TexasMr.Holliman

MrEllis'26thMarch1845

MyDearestWife,

ItoldyouthatIwouldwritewheneverIcould.Somylove,IwriteiffornootherreasonthantotellyouthatIhadthegratificationofatedious,tho'notlongchatwithmyfriendFitzGreen.1MrHolliman2toowasalong,andprettycleverincompany.Iarrivedat1oclkPM,andfoundPalmerwiththeoxennearhere.Theyarenowongoodpasture,wheretheyaretostayuntiltomorrow,andthenproceedtoRavenHill.TodayIhavebeensadandIthinkdepressed.IregretmuchthatIhavetoleaveyouandSam,andthatwecouldnotallgotoRavenHill.Tho'somewhatperplexedtoday,Ihadtimetoreflect,andthenrunmyreflections.Wefeeldepressedattheapprehensionoftemporalevils,whichmayormaynothappen,andarecarelessabouttheeternaldispleasureofGod,whichisinevitable,tho'tothat,all

sufferingandmisfortuneisincomparisonnothingandlessthannothing!Tothissubjectanditsconsequences,Iwillendeavortoconformmyearnestattention,andwilldosobecauseIhopethatinfittingtime,theAlmightywilldeigntohearme,ofhisgraciousmercy!

Iknowwellourfallen,orlostestate,bythewisedispensationofanalmightyCreatorandabeneficentGod,andwhetherwehaveourselvesincurredtheguiltoritisbythefallofourfirstParents,is

notthecareofmortals.Canwebytheattonement[sic]ofChristJesus,beredeemedfromourlostestate?Iamsatisfiedthatwecan,andthro'Hismediation,IhopetheFatherwillgrantinanswertoprayersuchportionofHisGraceaswillbesufficientforthesalvationofthosewhoseekHiminSincerity&truth!Wehavethepromisethatifwe''seek,weshallfind."Thisisanimportantquestion!!Howshallweseek?TheproperframeofmindsurelymustcomebytheSpiritofGodworking,oroperatingthro'Grace.Icouldwritemuch,butIknowIamignorantontheseallimportantandEternalSubjects.

Iamfearfulmydearest,thatIamhinderedbysomethingnotmorecommendablethanselfsufficiency.Itisnotpride,norisitforthewantofrationalconvictionofGospelTruths.AllthatIcansayisthatIhavenotbeenbornagainorthatIhavenotenjoyedanewconditionofheart.YetIhope,andpraythatGodwillindueseasonenlightenmymind,andteachmethesovereignefficacyofChristJesus'deathandthefulness[sic]ofSalvation.

MyDearest,IprayGodthatweandallthosewhomweareindutyboundtoprayfor,mayreceivehisblessings[and]mercieswithgratefulheartsandsubmittohiswillandProvidenceassuchpoordependentcreaturesshouldwhosebreathisintheirnostrils.

MyLove,youmayrelyuponmywritingwheneverIcan,andifIliveIwillreturnatthefirstmomentinmypower.

MyLovetoall,andhugSamforme.Isupposethepoorlittlefellowwillmissmemuchunlesshiswaggon[sic]mayengrosshisthoughts.

IamthytrulydevotedHusbandSamHouston

P.S.Ihopeyoucanmakeoutmymeaning,thotheimpressionsareconfused,asIwroteingreathaste.

Thine,Houston

1FitzGreenresidedinLiberty.White,1840CensusofTexas,102.2AneighborofVernalLea's.

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Mrs.M.L.HoustonGrandCaneTexasByMr.Chambers

28March1845

DearestWife,

ThismorningIcameherebywayof[torn]Swarthout1andlastnightGenlDaviswas[torn]andmyselfstayedwithColWilliamson.They[torn]verygladtoseeusandmadeenquiriesforyourself,LadiesandSam.WecamebyCaptainMaxey's2&foundallwell.ThesonfromAlabamawhohadbroughtthenewsofannexation(afterafashion).IwillgetMr.Chambers3whomwemettotakea[blurred].IthinkyouwillseethatourvisittotheU.S.isanticipated.IsendbyMr.Chambersyourdress[faded]Ourmattershave[blurred]onwell.Billy4ismendingandnearlywell.Maria5hasbeenpapoosingforsometime.She[torn].Vincy6isdoingwellandherchildren.Thehouse,kitchen,andgardennearlyso.TomorrowIexpectbeforedaytobeup,andbysunriseatourplace,andfromthereproceedtoHuntsville.ImaygotoWashingtonorHoustonorboth.Iwilltryandletyouhearfromme.IamwantedatWash.nodoubtatthisjuncture!Imayormaynotgo.IntheeventofcommissionersbeingappointedtotreatwithothersfromtheU.States,doubtlessImaybecalleduponforthatpurpose,andifitshouldbethecase,youmayrestassuredIwillrefusethestation.7Iwouldnotforanyofficeorpostloose[sic]theopportunityofavisitwithyoutoourrelationsintheU.States,andthedutyifwell[torn]willnotbefullofthanks.Iamwelloutofthescrape.Beassured,myLove,thatnothingshortofourmutualinterestwill(withinmycontrol)detainmefromyouonemoment.

IammostsincerelyanxioustoseeandembraceyouandSamagain.Youaremyearthlygoods,andsoitisthatIcannotbehappyaway

fromyou!Iamnotcourting,mydearest,but"speakthewordsoftruthandsoberness."AllthelittleshrubsthatIsetoutaredoingwell,andnotonehasdied.Theheartseaseblossomedandtherosehasbloomedalsosincetheyweresetout.Ihopethisisagoodomen.TheBois'dArc[sic]andfigsareallflourishing.Thestrawberrieshaveborne,andarebearing.ImusttellyoumyLove,thattheNegroesareveryanxioustogettoourhouse.Jose,8Mr.Parmer9saysis

oneofthebesthandshehaseverseenandworksfinely&well.

IsincerelyhopemyLovethatyouarehappyandcheerful.YouhavethecomfortandsolaceofReligion,andtheGraceof[torn],andthisIhopeandbelievewou'dbesufficientforyouineverysituation.[torn]yourspiritineverytrialoflife.'TismidnightandIwillinprayer[torn].MyLovetoall,andembraceourdearboy.Watchwithdoublevigilance.Virginia10isafearfulchild.Ifyoucan,byanysaferoadyoumightsendthecotton.SendofwhichyouspoketoMr.Palmer.IpromisedtobearMrMarneysexpenses,andgivehimsevendollars.IwillleaveapaperiftheHogshavebeenboughtbyHugh.11Theyhavenotcomebyyet.Excusethisconfusedletter.

ThyeverdevotedandtrulyaffectionateHusbandSamHouston

1SwarthoutwaslocatedontheTrinityRiverabout221milesupstreamfromGalveston.ForadescriptionofthetownseeBobBowman,The35BestGhostTownsinEastTexas,(Lufkin:BestofEastTexasPublications,1988),85-88.2Maxeywastheson-in-lawofJamesDavis.3ThisisprobablyWilliamMartinChambersofLibertyCounty.ForabiographyseeHandbookofTexas,III,159.4ALeafamilyslave.5MariawasaservantoftheLeafamily.6AHoustonslave.7Houstonisreferringtonegotiationsconcerninganannexationtreaty.8Maria'shusband,afieldhandandservantoftheLeafamily.9HoustonisprobablyreferringtoThomas,whowasassistingMargaretinmanagingRavenHill.ThenamewasalsospelledPalmer.10VirginiaThorn,thewardofVernalLea."HoustonisprobablyreferringtoHughB.Johnson,hisfriendfromLiberty.

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Mrs.M.L.HoustonGrandCaneTrinityTexas

Montgomery,Texas1stApr.,1845

MyverydearLove,

Iamhomesafe.Mytripwasquitepleasantandmyreflection

rationalafterwritingtoyoufromRavenHill.1Isawtheplacethenextmorning.Itlookedchangedandimproved.Itwillbebeautiful.Ihavefoundmuchexcitementonthesubjectofannexation,buthaveforeborntheexpressionofanyopinion.AllwishtoknowhowIlookuponorinwhatfashionofthoughtIentertainaboutthematterandmyreplyis"Idonotknowwhatactionhastakenplaceorwhatmaybenecessarytobedone.ThereforeIcangivenosatisfactoryopinioninthecase."Isendforyourapprovalsomeletterswhichmayshedsomelightonthestateofaffairs.2

JudgeOchiltree3hasjustcomeandfromhimIhaveenoughtoshowmethatthingswillbedonerightbythePresident.Heisprettysmart!!!4IhavemuchbusinessaffairstodoatthiscourtandIthinkmydearthatIwillbeabletosecureatleastonethousanddollarsinfees.ThisisprivatemyLoveandyouaremyonlyconfidanteinthesematters.Iwillbeatnoexpenseduringcourtandeventhatissomethingthesehardtimes!Nowmylove,IassureyouthateventheprospectsherewillnotcompensateformyanxietytoseeyouandouryoungBarbarian.Youarebothpresenttomedayandnight.Ifeelinfinehealthandtheuncertaintyofmygettingofffromcourtandmydetentionfromyoubearmuchuponmyheart.

ImaygotoWashington5ifIfindittoourmutualinterestorImayreturnfromcourtdirectlyhome.Itwilladjournonthe11thinst.ifnotsooner.IfIdoreturnitwillbewithintentiontotryandgit[sic]youandMasterSamtoHoustonsothatIcanattendtobusinessandhavemoreofyoursocietyuntilwecansetoutfortheU.S.6

Mr.BenEllishascomebackwithoutawifeandisnotmarried!Thisisallasitshouldbe!IsendyoubyMr.BealapairofshoeswhichIhopewillfitiftheyshouldnotsuityou.Ilikethemformuddyweather.Ihavebutlittletimetowrite.MyLove,donotfeel,asourfriendMillerdidifyoushouldhearanyfalsereports.Ihavepassed

theTemptoratHuntsvilleandmetithereanddonotfeelthatIwillbeoffmyguard.Ifeelanewimpulsetoexertion.Inpartasasignfrommyincreasedaffectionforyourself,andSamaswellasmyimprovinghealth.ImustweighsomeseveralpoundsmorethanIdidwhenweparted.Iamneededinthecourtroomandmustclose.IfIhadonlytimeIcouldwrite44pages!!!IoughttofearthatImayplagueyoubywritingsooftenandsomuch.BenElliswillbringyoumanyletters.IamtoldourfriendPayne7writesmuch.Youmustreadhisletters.

Bewareof''Virginia."8Thereisnotellingwhatthelittlemonstermaydo.EmbraceformeourdearBoy.Saluteallourfriends,andkisstheLadiesforme.LetCaptakecareoftheoxen.IpaidPalmer$150.00forthehouse,and$30forotherimprovements.9Inall,onehundredandeightydollars.IyetowefiftyfortheGardenbutIamnotoutofcashbutdidnotchuse[sic]topayityetastheworkisnotquitedone!

Tho'distantmyLove,Iembraceyouwiththemostpureanddevotedaffection.

Imaybeabletoseeyouonthe13th(ifsparedbyakindandmercifulProvidence).IfnotbythattimeIwillwritetoyou,andifanyopportunitiesoccurinthemeantimeIwillalwayswrite.


Isendyousilk,myLove.Ihopeitwillsuityou.IowePalmernothingbutgoodwishes!

1HoustontoMargaret,March28,1845.2ItisuncleartowhatlettersHoustonrefers.3JudgeWilliamB.Ochiltree.ForabiographyseeWritings,IV,343n,andThrall,595-96.4PresidentAnsonJoneswasbeingsilentonthesubjectofannexation.Lankevitch,56.5Washington-on-the-Brazos.6TheHoustonswereplanningatriptoNashvilletovisitAndrewJackson.7OwenB.Payne.8VirginiaThorn.ForinformationabouttheproblemsMargaretwasexperiencingwithVirginiaseeRoberts,145,149.9HoustonisreferringtoimprovementsmadeatRavenHill.

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MrsHoustonGrandCaneTrinityCol.Palmer

MontgomeryTexas4thApl1845

MyDearWife,

ColonelPalmerwillleavetoday,forTrinity,andbyhimIwillsendthisletter.NothingnewhasoccurredsinceIlastwroteyou.Todayisfriday,andontomorroworSunday,ImayrideovertoWashington[-on-the-Brazos].Theyareanxioustoseeme,andifIdogo,Iwilltry,andbringforyousucharticlesofyourclothingasIthinkyouwillneed.1IamsureyouwillthinkthatIam"courtingagain,"andbymyfrequentwriting.Itmustapprehendsomeopposition,orrivalry.Thisisnotthecaseexactly,butnevertheless,IwillseeyousosoonasIcan.TodayitmaybethatIwilltrademymareforahorse,thatwillbearmenobly[sic],andIcanmakerapidmarcheshomeward.Youneednotbeuneasymydear,Iamnottogivebooty,butgetit,ifIcan.IintendtopassbutonedayinWashingtonifIshouldgothere,asIintend.ShouldIbesohappyastogethomeagain,ortoseeyou,andSam,mystaywithyouunlessIcangit[sic]youtoHouston,willbeshort.

YoumaysaytoSam,thatPapahasahatchetforhim,andthathemustbeagoodboy,andmusthavehisheadcombedwhenPapagetshome.IapprehendthatImaynotbehomeuntilthe16thor17thInstasthewatersarehigh,andwillcompelmetogooutofmywaytoreachGrandCane!

TodayIam,andwillbebusyincourt.MayaKindandBeneficentGodpreserveyouandourdearboy,andmakeyouhappy.Saluteall,andhugtheBoy.Iembraceyouwiththepurestaffection.


MrsHouston

P.S.Itookamomentfrombusinesstowritethishastynote.

Houston

MrsHouston

1AlloftheHoustons'belongingshadnotbeenmovedfromtheirprevioushomeinWashington.

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Washington10thMay1845

MyLove,

Thestageisjuststarting,andwillwaitamomentformetosay,"Howareyoumylove"aswellastoaskforourdearBoyswelfare.Mytripherewasthro'awfulroads.Theywereaboutasbadastheycouldbe.OntomorrowIhopetoreachTigerPoint1&returndirecttoHouston.StayingonMondaynightatourrelationsCaptainMcDades,2sothatbyWednesdayIhopeintheeveningtomeetyouandSamhappyandinfinehealth.

Iwillwriteyounopolitics.Letthembe!!Iamhappythatwearetobeabsentandremovedfromimpendingscenes,whereIcanbesowithoutruinancy.Youwillconcurwithme,whenyouhearallfromme.

Iwillbequiet,andstill,andwhatIdosay,shallbemeasuredandnotinconsistentwiththepastnorinsensitivetothefuture.

IhaveseennoonebutMrsNorwoodoftheladies.IsawherasIcametothePresidentsoffice,whereIamwriting.MrsN.mademanykindinquiriesforyouandregrettedthatyoudidnotcomeup.

IcanonlytellyouthateverypersonwhoseesmeasksforyouandSamparticularly.

EmbraceSam.Commendmetoourfriends.Salutetheladies.Thisletterisanapologyfornotwritingmore.


MrsHouston

1AsettlementsixmilessouthwestofBrenham.HandbookofTexas,III,1009.2JamesW.McDade,alawyerinWashingtonCounty.Itisunclearhowhe

waskintotheHoustons.Ray,159.

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InlateMay,1845,theHoustonsleftTexasforatriptotheUnitedStatestovisitAndrewJackson.TheyarrivedattheHermitageafewhoursafterJacksonhaddied.HoustonandMargaretremainedinTennesseeforanextendedvisit.TheylatertraveledtoAlabamatovisitMargaret'sfamily.MargaretremainedinAlabamawhileHoustontraveledhometoTexas,makingseveralspeechesalongthewayandwritingtoMargaretateverystop.

Mrs.MargaretL.HoustonMarionAlabamabyDoctorShivers1

Greensboro17thSept1845

MyDearestMargaret,

UntilaftermyspeechtodayIwasmiserable.DuringthetimeIwasspeakingorthelatterpartofit,IsawDr.Shivers,andtho'youhadbeenalmostconstantlypresentandIengagedinthinkingofyou,andourdearboy,sinceweparted,themomentthatIsawhimmyanxietytohearall,becameintense,andpainful.SosoonasIcamefromthestand,andheardthatyouwerewell,Oh!Iwas"soappee,"thatIcouldhavespokenanddiscoursedmosteloquentlyoflove,andjoy,andgratitude!Imadeafairspeech,&perhapsthebest,takingitallinall,whichIhavemadeintheStates.

Icameingoodtimelastevening,andwasmet,greetedandwelcomedbythecommitteeandreceived,andescortedbyuniformedCavalry,andartillery.Isaidonlyafewcivilthingsuntiltoday.Youwillhearall.

Myintentionwasnottoattendthepartylastevening,butastheydidnotdanceIconsentedtowalkintotheroomandbeintroducedtothebridalpair.SosoonasthiswasknownMissAuruliaBlasingame2sentmewordthatshewishedmetoescortherintotheroomasherprotector.ThisIdidallonyourdearaccount!!Wewalkedintotheroom,andthricerounded,whenIsurrenderedhertoayoungerBeau!Thepartywasquiteagreeabletomany,astheysatuplongafterIretiredasIlearned.TodayIgotMissA.tobearthepresentwhichmydearniecegave,andthenwesquaredaccounts!!!AtdinnerIsawher,andMissGoree,andsaidthatSamHoustonMoore3wastobe

disposedof.Theybothlaidclaim,butIreferredthemtoyou,foryourdecisionofthematter!andIsaidthatyouwouldpreferMissGoree,onthegroundthatyouwouldnotwantHoustoncoquetedbyanyone.Youmaymakechoiceforhimofeither,sofarasyoucan,butdon'tlethimbetortured.Youknowthefamilycantstandit.TodayinmyspeechImadeupformyomissiontomentiontheLadiesinMarion.4TodayIsaidcivil,sensible,andelegantthingsof,andaboutthem!Oh!howIdidticklethem.Iamontheeveofsettingoutthisevening,againonmyjourney.

Houston'stravelsSeptember16,1845toOctober14,1845

Allthingsseemtogowell!

Youmust,myDearest,givemylovetoBrother,Sister,Nieces,andall!AdviseasyouthinkprudentinrelationtoourdearnieceElizabeth.5Iwillbesatisfiedwithwhateveryoudo,orsayinthismatter!!!WhenyoudoseeMotherandallourKindredintheCanebrake,6atEilands,rendermylove.

Mydearembraceourdearboy,andimpressuponhisdearface,Kisses,numberless!

MyLove,Icanonlysay,thatyouarethespringofmyjoys,andtheobjectofmyhopes.Inshortyouarethecompanionofmyheart,andtheonlystarthatshedsalightuponmyaffections.Howpainfulitistobeseperatedfromyou.UnworthyasIam,IwillbeseechHeavenonyourbehalf!Doubtmenot!!!


MrsM.L.Houston

1Dr.OrlandoL.Shivers.ForabiographyseeOwen,IV,1549-50.2ThedaughterofWilliamE.andElizaTownesBlasingame.IdentifiedinOwen,III,163.3Houston'snephew,thesonofElizaHoustonandS.A.Moore.4HoustonhadbeeninvitedbyacommitteeinMariontospeakonhisopinionconcerningtheannexationofTexastotheU.S.Heacceptedandspokeon"AnnexationandourrelationswithMexico."Forthenewspaperarticleconcerningthisspeech(AlabamaStateReview,September17,1845)seeWritings,VI,14-15n.5Elizabeth(Betty)Moore,thedaughterofElizaHoustonandS.A.Moore.6ThisnamereferstothefamilyplantationofGincy(Virginia)MoffitteEilandaswellastotheregioninPerryCounty,Alabama.

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Mrs.M.L.HoustonCareofthePostmaster,MarionAlabama

Livingston18thSept,1845

MyDearMaggy,

AtnightfallIreachedthisplace.Todaywetravelledabout35miles.Itwaswarmoppressively.LastnightIwasmosthospitablyentertainedbyDr.Withers1whomarriedaMissWithers,2sisterto

Mrs.Gov.Clay.3Sheisquiteanagreeablelady.TherewasaMissWithersandaMissSawyerthere,butIwastoosleepytomakemyselfatallamiableorinteresting!TheDoctorandLadyareanxiousforyoutovisitthem!IdidnottellyouoftheinquiriesandregretsexpressedaboutyouatGreensboro.Therewereseveral.Iwishyoucouldhavebeenthereandhereinhealth.Youwouldhavebeenveryagreeablyentertainedandpleasedwiththepageantorshow!

IinquiredforyourfriendsMrs.Lipscomb,4Mrs.Bragg,5andMrs.Tate.6SoyouseehowwellIrememberyourinstructions.Neitherwasthere.HereIfoundourCousinsincomfort,andgladtoseeme.Theyregretmuchthatyoucannotcomealso.TheyliveinprettystyleandIjudgetheyarewealthy.ThehousewhichM.C.Houston7lives[in]costupwardsof$5000.00andtheyarddisplaysacorrespondingtastewiththeHouse.Theyarewellofftoointhewayofdaughtersonlysevenandallquitepretty.ItellthemcometoTexasandmarryoffthegals.TheyhavehadonesonatPrinceton,Isupposepromising.Iwishyoucouldseethem,astheymuchdesireyoushoulddoso.IsawaprettyPiano,butdidnotaskfor''atune."

IintendtowritemynextlettertoMarionandafterthattoWoodville,asIsupposeyouwillgototheCaneBrakesoon.Iamdoingwrongtowritesooftenatthestart.TomorrowIhopetoreachDalevilleinMiss.TellMaj.Townes8thatIwillwritetohimsosoonasitmaybeinmypower!

Iwillonlyaddmylovetoall,andembracesandkissestoSam!Dear,writetomeatHoustonsoonandoftenasyouplease.PaypostagetoNewOrleans.Iwilltryand"persecute"youwithlettersuntilwemeet.

ThyeverdevotedHusband,Houston

P.S.IleftaBridleandMartingalebesidestheoneforMissBetty.9Let

itbehandedovertoYoungRoyston!!!MylittlefillyisafineBuggyanimalandimprovesdaily.WewillhavetotravelrapidlyandIfoundaBuggyawonderfulrelief,andhopeitwillholdoutwell.Theroadsaredustyasweprogressandwaterisscarceforhorses.ThewellsherebarelysupportthepeoplewithwhatisleftbythecountrypeoplewhogetwaterinTownandhaulittotheirhouses.

ThineEver,Houston

1Dr.JohnWithers.ForabiographyseeOwen,IV,1793.2SusanaClaiborneWithers,Owen,II,342-43.3Mrs.ClementCameronClay.Ibid.4ProbablyMrs.AbnerLipscomb.5ThismaybeMarthaCrook(Mrs.Newport)Bragg.IdentifiedinOwen,II,203.6ThismaypossiblybeMrs.CharlesTait.Brewer,43.7MatthewC.Houston.FormoreinformationaboutthisHoustoncousinseeR.D.Spratt,HistoryofLivingston,Alabama,(Publishedprivately,1926),25.AvailableintheClaytonLibrary,Houston,Texas.8MajorSamuelTownesofMarion,Alabama.9ElizabethMoore.

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Mrs.M.L.HoustonWoodvillePerryCountyAlabamamail

Rodney26thSept1845

MyDearest,

ThiseveningatduskIcametothisplace,weareallwell.WehadthelucktobejoinedbyaRulingElderoftheMethodistChurch.HeisaMisterGould,1from"oldBlountCounty,"andhasbeenstationedontheRedriver.Heisaclevergentleman,&hasbeeninNorthAlabama.Hesawafinelookingyounglady.Hewasnotintroducedtoher,butsaidhesoughtanintroduction,butsheleftbeforeheobtainedone.Hesaidthatshewasat[the]tablewithanumberofLadies,andthatshefromhermodestyandfineappearance,attractedhisnoticeaboveall

therest.Soyouhavethestory!TomorrowweintendtosetoutearlyandhopetoseeRavenHillinsixdaystravel.Atthistimetravellingisveryfine,andwemakefrom30to38mileseachday.Ifeelnofatigue,buttravelonastho'youwereathome,whichwouldcertainlyrendermemuchmorehappy,thanIwillbewhenalone.Idonotsaythistomakeyouhurrybyanymeansorinduceyoutohurryhome!!!Iwishyoutocomewhenitwillbeconsistentwithyourhealth,andconvenience.Youwillbeprovokedatmypatience.Itisnotpatience,northeabsenceofgreatanxietytoseeyoumydear,forIassureyouthatIdonotthinkanhourhaspassed,whenwaking,thatyou,andSamhavenotbeenpresenttome,andthemostintensesolicitudefeltforyou!

IwillwriteagainifIcanbeforeIreachhome,andfromhome.

Ihopemydear,thatyouattendtoyourcorrespondence.ToMrsGaines,2MrsReily,3OurCousins,andSisters.Ifyoucould,IwishyouwouldwritetoMrsDrShelby.4

Itislateatnight,andImustclose.Ihaveyettoreadmychapter!asIdoeverynight,butthenitwasimpossible!

GivemylovetoallourdearKindred,andforyourselfmyDearest,receivemywholeheart&divideitwithourdearBoy.Dohugandkisshimsoundly.

Thinetruly,andEverHouston

1ThiswasprobablyReverendWilliamGould.Gandrud,494.2ThismaybeeitherMrs.James(Susana)GainesorMrs.Edmund(Mahala)Gaines.IdentifiedinMarionDayMullins,FirstCensusofTexas1829-1836,Number22,(WashingtonD.C.:SpecialPublicationoftheNationalGenealogicalSociety,1959),32.3EllenHartReily.4ThiswasprobablyMrs.JohnShelbyofNashville.

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Mrs.MargaretL.HoustonWoodvillePerryCountyAlabamaMail

Teusard30milesFromRodney28thSept1845

Mydearest,

IwrotetoyoufromRodney,1andonyesterday,wereachedthisplace.TodayisSunday,andwerested.Therewaspreachingnearhere,andIwenttohearthesermon.ItwasquiteacleversermonbyayoungMethodistPreacher.Ourtravellingcompaniondidnotpreach,butmadeabeautifulprayer,inconclusionoftheservice.Todayhasbeenrainy,andtonight,itcontinues.Ifeartomorrowwillbeunpleasanttotravel,aswehaveyettenmilestotravelinthelowlands,andtheworstpartofourjourney.Wehopetoreachcourtbythethirdday,ifwehavenobadluck.YesterdaySam'sSallyO'Flannegan2wastakenlame,butseemsbettertoday.Ihopeherlamenesswillnotcauseanydetention.

Wetravelquietly,andharmonizewellonourjourney.Ihavenotshewn[sic]theleastimpatience,orbadtemperontheroute.Yesterday,asIwasleavingRodney,Iwaswaiteduponbythecitizens,andaddressedbyaMrWilcox,3inaveryneatandappropriateaddress.Irespondedinafewremarksofthanksfortheunexpectedcourtesy,toastranger,andwepartedallingoodhumour[sic].Imettheresomemenwhohadbeenwithmeatthe"Horseshoe"andonewhoplayedthedrum,atthetimethatIenlisted!4Ineverhadexperiencedsomuchfeeling,andgenerousenthusiasminmylife,aswhatwasevincedinMississippiwhenIaffordedanopportunityforitsdisplay.Ibearitmodestly,andIhavenotshavedsinceIleftGreensboro,forwhichIapologizebysayingthat"IwillnotshaveuntilImeetmydearwifeagain."

Myhealthandlookshavebothimprovedsincemyjourneycommenced.Iamfattening,andhaveonlycomplainedofmylittletoe,onmywoundedfoot.FromsomecauseItookarisingonit,andforseveraldays,Icouldnotwearmyshoe.Itrose,andonyesterdayIopenedit,andtoday(ortonight)itismendedandseemsnearlywellagain.

Mythoughtsareconstantlywithyou,andsometimesIfancymyselfwillingtotellSam"Tigertales,"aslongashewouldbewillingtolistentothemifIcouldonlyseeyou,andthedearladoncemore!

Iknowyoudonotmydear,wishmetowriteloveletters,butitisasmuchasIcando,tokeepfromcourtingyouagain.Totellyouhowtruly,howdevotedlyIdoloveyou,wou'dbesuperfluoustofacts,whicharebornetoyoueverymail.IlearnmyLove,thattheepidemichascommencedinNewOrleanswithmuchfury!ThiswillIfearrenderitproperforyoutodetainlongerinAlabamathanIhadhopedwouldbeneedful.IprayyoumyLovenottoadventuretoMobile,Orleans,orGalveston,untilyoucandosoinperfectsafety.Iwillnot

trustmyselfatHouston,orGalvestonuntilIcangoinsafety.YoumaybeassuredmydearthatIwilluseeveryprudence,astomyhealth,andallthatwillconducetoit.

Iyetregretmydear,thatitwasnotinmypower,tohaveseenmoreofourAuntEiland,andagainvisitedtheCanebrake.Youmustrepresentmyregretstoallandexpressmyregards.OurdearCousinBetty5hasreasontobegladofmydeparturewithoutceremonyinasmuchasIsatupsolateatnightwithcousinColumbus.Youmay

tellher,thatifsheandColumbuswillcometoseeusinTexas,thatIwillmakehimbehavebetterthanIdidatherhouse!!!

IwouldliketoknowhowourdearnieceElizabeth[Moore]ismovingon,andtoknowhowhercurlsbecomeher.Theentirecontrolofmatterswasleftwithyou,andIhavenodoubtbutwhatallwillberight.YoumustbringoneofyourNieceswithyou,andyouhavemoneywhichwillIhopeenableyoutoalleviateanyobjects,whichcouldariseonthatscore!Whoeverofthekinmayreturnwithyoumusttakeespecialcareofthebaggage,andseethatnolossissustained.YoucanwriteifyouwishtoCousinCarolineJonestohaveyourtrunksenttothecareofThos.B.EastlandNewOrleans.Thistho'maybeleftuntilyoureachhome!IhearnoimportantnewsfromTexas.Therewillbenowar6thathasalwaysbeenmyopinion,andIthinkyousoheardmeexpressmyself!

Sinceweparted,myurgencyhasbeengreattoreachTexasonaccountofmybusiness,soastohaveitprettywellarrangedbythetimeyoucome,thatImaybeenabledtostayathomethewinterout.

YoumaybeassuredthatI(ifspared)willpursuethecoursewhichIthinkwillbestconducetoourmutualhappinessandinterest.

ItrustmyDearest,thatyouwillpassyourtimehappily,andenjoyyourhealthwithSam.ButIknowthatyoucannotbehappyunlessSamiswell.Blessthelittlefellow.Ihopehewillbegrownandthrifly[sic]whenhereturnstohisnativeland.Ireallydowishourreannexationmaytakeplacesosoonasitwillbeprudentforyoutoreturn.

Rendermyaffectionateregardstoall.Ifanyextraordinaryoccasionrequiredit,giveanunclesbenedictiontoourdearNiece!Onalloccasions,rendermyassuranceofsincerewishesforthehappinessandprosperityofourdearkindred.

Dodearattendtoyourcorrespondence!

Mosttruly,&affectionately,thyeverdevotedHusbandSamHouston

ToMrs.M.L.HoustonWoodvilleAla.

P.S.Myhandwritingimprovesverymuch,andIsupposeitisbecauseIwritesomuchtoyou.

AdieuHouston

1SeeHoustontoMargaret,September26,1845.2AhorseHoustonhadboughtforSamJr.3G.H.Wilcox,ofRodney,Mississippi.IdentifiedinGwenPlatt,et.al.,MississippiSouthernDistrictIndextoUnitedStatesCensesof1840,(SantaAnna,California:GAMPublishers,1970),58.4Armyrecruitersattractedattentionuponenteringatownbybeatingonadrum.Silverdollarswerethenplacedonthedrum.Youngmenenteredthemilitaryservicebytakingacoinfromthedrumhead.HoustonenlistedintheWarof1812onMarch24,1813.James,29.5ElizabethParkerLea,wifeofMargaret'scousin,ColumbusLea.IdentifiedinGandrud,v.182,97.6HoustonisreferringtoaMexicaninvasion.

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Gen.SamHoustonHoustonHarrisCo.Texas

Canebrake,Sept30,1845

MyownLove,

YourtrulyheartcheeringletterscameinfromGreensboroughandLivingston1andIhopethiswillmeetyouonyourarrivalinTexas.OurcircumstancesaregenerallyasyouleftthemexceptthatourdearnieceElizabethhaschangedhermindwithregardtothemarriagethen

incontemplation.2Sheseemedmelancholyforseveraldaysandatlengthconfessedtomethatshefearedherfeelingswerenotsufficientlyinterestedtoinsureherhappinessintheconnectionandthatshehadsincerelyagreedtothinkofthematterbecauseshesawthatitwasadesirablethinginthefamily.MydearhusbandwillnodoubtimaginehowIactedinthematter.IpresentedthesamecoursethatIwouldhavetakenwithadaughterandshehasseemedperfectlyhappyeversincetheterminationofit.Therearenohardfeelingsinthefamily.Onthecontrary,IhavenodoubtthatAuntLea3willfeelasIatthisresultforIamconvinced

thatitisherdeterminationthatCousinWaineshallnevermarry.4BettyisvindicatedbyseveralmembersofthisfamilyfromMotherdownasapieceofperfection.IhaveneverseenanyonemoreadmiredandIdonotthinkshehasnoweverasadfeeling.

IhaveprefacedmyletterwithBettybecauseIknewyouwouldbeanxiousabouther.SheandSamarebothdearertomesinceyouleftusthantheywerebeforeandIsometimesfeelthatIcouldtakethemintomyheartbecausetheylooksomuchlikeyou.Ourdearboyismoreinterestingthanyoueversawhimandspeaksinaverypracticedstyleofhisfather.WeleftMariononthedayfromyourdepartureandexpecttoreturnhomenextFriday.

TheBaptistshaveheldaprotractedmeetingintheneighborhoodduringourvisitandweheardsomefinepreaching,butthepeopleseemedascoolasthesnowon[blurred].ItseemsasifthisGodofthisworldhadsoblessedtheheartsofthiscottonraisingregionthatitisimpossibleforthemtoenterthekingdomofHeaven!!!OhthattheLordwouldrevealthemtheawfulcriminalityofthisworshipofmercers.

IhavepromisedmyselfthepleasureofseeingourfriendMr.Crawford5(towhomyouareinsomedegree[blurred]forasustainingwifeandIforthebestofhusbands)atthemeeting.ButhewasjustconveninganewsessionofhisschoolandIsupposedbythatcircumstancewasdetained.Heislivingaswellinhispresentsituationthere.IhavenohopeofpersuadingonhimtogotoTexas,butIamtoldthatMr.Clements,6anoldacquaintanceofoursandaverylearnedmananddevotedministerofthegospelisanxioustoseemeonthesubjectofhisremovaltoTexas.Hehasasmallfamily,onlyawifeandonechild,andIthinkhewouldsuitusverywell.Butofcourse,wewouldnotwishhimtogooutatthistimeasitwouldbenecessarytomakesomepreparationforhisreception.

Ohmydearhusband,sinceyourdepartureIhavefeltadeeperconcernforyourimmortalinterest!WhenyouarewithmeIamsohappythatIfearmyearthlydevotiongetsthebetterofmeanditisonlyina[blurred]andsolitudeoffeeling,thatneverleavesmyheartwhenyouareaway,thatIcanlookuponthingsastheyreallyare.OccasionallythereisasweetwhisperingwithinmyheartthatperhapsyouarealreadyjustifiedandhopethattheLordwillsoonrevealhimselftoyou.Oh,myhusband,layholdwithinstanthandsuponthatdearhopewhichissetforthinthegospelasananchorto

thesoul,bothsureandsteadfast.RememberthewordsofourSaviour,''ThekingdomofHeavensufferethviolenceandtheviolenttakeitbyforce."ApproachthethroneofGodwithdeephumility,butwithasmuchenergyasifyouwerestormingacastle,anddeterminenevertogiveupthestruggle,nevertoleaveyourSaviour'sfeetuntilheshallblessyou.Whenyoucanbringyourselftotheresolution,hewillsuddenlyappeartoyou,andthelightofHeavenwillbreakinuponyoursoul.ThisistheplanlaiddownbythegreatSaviourofsouls,anditistheonlywaytoseekhim.Ohmyhusband,magnifytheLordwithme,andletuscallhisnametogether.

Irec'daletterafewdaysagofromcousinCarolineJonesatNashville.ShesaysMrs.McEwen7wishestoknowifyoureadJudgeJones'letteronthesubjectofhisTexasland.IrepliedthatyoudidandIwassureofit,butIhavesincefearedthatImighthavebeenmistaken.Doifyoucanwritetotellmethesubject.Allsentthierlovetoyou.

ThinemostdevotedlyMaggy

[inthemargin]DearestafterIfinishedmyletterSamdidathingwhichwassosmartthatImusttellyouofit.Hetookupaletterandsaid,"Maletmeread"andbeganasfollows."Minepa,Iisdoodboyandbeveryhappytoseeyou."Whenallpresentburstintosucha[blurred]oflaughterthey[blurred]

1HoustontoMargaret,September12andSeptember18,1845.2Margaret'scousinWaineLea,sonofPeggyandGreenLeaandbrotherofColumbusLea,hadproposedtoElizabethMoore.3PeggyMoffittLea.4Waine[sometimesspelledWayne]LeawouldindeedlatermarrySarahAnnTalbertonSeptember24,1846.FloraD.England,AlabamaNotes,IV,(Baltimore:GenealogicalPublishing,1978),28.

5TheReverendPeterCrawfordpresidedattheHoustons'marriage.6MargaretmaypossiblybereferringtotheReverendAndrewE.Clemmons,apreacherinJacksonCountywholaterwenttoTexas.ThenamesClemmonsandClementsweresometimesconfused.ForabiographyoftheReverendClemmonsseeJohnHenryBrown,ed.,TheEncyclopediaoftheNewWest,(Marshall,Texas:TheUnitedStatesBiographicalPublishingCompany,1881),500-501.7Mrs.RobertMcEwen(HenriettaKennedy),thewifeofHouston'scousinandmotherofCarolineJones.IdentifiedinArmstrong,III,187.

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Gen.SamHoustonHouston,HarrisCo.Texas

Marion,Oct.8th,1845

Mybelovedhusband,

Erethis,Itrustyouhaverec'dtwoletters1fromme,andthoughmystockofinformationisnotmuchincreasedsinceIlastwrotetoyou,andaveryfewdayshavepastsincethattime,yetIknowyouwillbegladtohearthatyourdearboyanddevotedwifearestilllivingandwell.WeleftthecanebrakeonlastSaturday4daysago.OnlyMother,SamandIcameup.OurdearnieceBettypreferredremainingwiththegirlsasLucyAnn2wasgoingtoschoolandtheyweresounwillingtogiveherup.Ihaveneverseenagreaterdevotionthanthierstoeachother.Theremustbesomecongenialityintheblood!IfweremainheremanydayswewillsenddownforherandoneofMartin'sgirls.

Soonafterourarrivalhere,IreadyourletterfromNewton3inMiss.Oh,itwasasweetletterindeed!Theverynightbeforeitcamebro.HenrysignedasolemntemperancepledgedrawnupbyMr.Dustie.Ireadtohimtheportionofyourletteronthatsubjectandheseemedmuchaffectedbyit.Atthatverytimeahuntingexpeditionwasonfootandhewastobeoftheparty,buthedidnotgo,andperhapsyouradviceenteredhim.MayHeavenblessyouforit!

Andhere,mylove,ImusttellyouhowsorelyIhavebeengrievedsinceyouleftme.Youknowbro.H'sunhappysituationwhenyouleft.Iknewittooandmighthaveforeseentheconsequence,butIshutmy

eyestoit.OnlastSaturdaythecasewasbroughtintothechurch.Mr.Dustie,thepastordidallinhispowertoretainhim,pleadedhisliberalitytothechurch,hisgeneralexcellenceofcharacterandtoldthemtheyweredoingwrong.ButtheLocketinfluence4wasthereeveninthatholyplaceandprevailed.Theyrequiredhimtogivethemapledgeoffutureabstinencewhichtheyknewhewouldnotdoandonhisrefusaltheyexpelledhim.ButthankstomyHeavenlyFather,ithasbeensatisfiedtohisgood.Itseemedasuddencheckuponhim,andfromthatdayhehasbeena"differentman."

Mybrotherishimselfagain.Ohmylove,willyounotunitewithmeinthankingtheAuthorofallourhappinessforthisblessing.

SinceIreadyourlast,Ihavenotbeensoimpatienttosetoffhome,asyouinformmeitwillbeseveralweeksbeforeyoucanbeathomewithme.IthinkwewillleaveduringthefirstweekinNov.Bro.HenryreadaletterfromMaj.Hopkins5fromafewdaysagocontainingarequestfromMrs.PeckofGreensborroughthatshemightjoinourcompanytoTexas.SheisasisterinlawofJudgeOchiltree's6andisgoingoutforsomeofhischildren.Iexpectwewillfindheranagreeablecompaniononourtrip,assheisaladyoffirmstanding,andIthinkquiteinteresting.

Thursday9th.

IhaveapieceofnewsforyouLove.MargaretKing(theGen'l's7daughter)toldLucyAnnyesterdaythatCol.Homeshadstaid[sic]atherfather'sThursnightbeforeandtoldthemthathewaswithyouthefirsteveningyouspentinmycompanysothatCol.HenryHomesisnotdead.Hetoldthemmoreover,soM.says,thathewasterriblysmittenwithmeatthattime,butIthinkshehadthewrongendofthestory,andthatCol.H.meanttosaythatGen.HoustonwassmittenasIhaveheardsomethingofthatbeforeandtheformerwasquitenewtome.

Monday13th

SinceIlaidmyletteraside,theweatherhasbecomeintenselycoldandiftherewastheslightesthopeofmeetingyouinGalvestonIwouldsetoffinafewdays,butasitis,Ithinkwewillnotleavebeforethe1stweekinNov.IexpectonnextThursdaytogotoAunt[GincyMoffitt]Eiland'sandIwillascertainwhetherCousinOvid8willgowithusornot.IfhedoesnotImustmakesomeotherarrangements.

IheardaneloquentsermonfromMr.Hamilton9ofMobileonyesterdaymorningandanotheratnight.Hissermoninthemorningwasfromthe18thofEzekialfirstclauseofthe4thverse.Atnightfromthe7thch,ofRevelations,18thverse.HiseloquencesurpassedanythingIhaveeverheard.Heseemedinspirationitself.Heisinbadhealthandhaslostmuchofhisformerpompandself-complacencybutisfarmoreinterestingonthataccount.

TodayIhaveagreatmanycallstoreturn.Iwillthentellyou

goodbye,andclosemyletter.Atnight:Ididnotmakemycalls,asIdesigned,butpostponedthemuntiltomorrow.OhhowIlongtoseeyou!Ourdearlittleprattlerismoreinterestingthanyoueversawhim.Hisideasandlanguagewouldastonishyou.Wehavemanysweetconversationsaboutdearpapafaraway,andheistrulyagreatcomforttome.

DearestifthetimeIhavenamedforleavingAla.besoonerthanyouwouldwishtobeinGalvestonIhopeitwillcauseyounoinconvenienceforyouknowIcaneitherwaitinGalvestonuntilitwouldsuityourbusinesstocomeorIcouldgouptheTrinitywithMother,butofcourseIwouldbemuchdelightedtomeetyouonmyarrival.Ihopehowevertohearfromyounextwhenyouwillprobablybethere.OnSaturdayIrec'daletterfromJudgeHutchinson10containinganaccountofyourvisittoJacksonandtoRaymond.Itisofcoursehighlygratifyingtometohearthatmybusyhusbandreceivesallhonorsduetohim.However,Love,Dinnaforgetherwholovesyoufarmorethanwordscantell.

Thydevotedwife,Maggy

[onoutsideofenvelope]Iamrejoiced,Love,tohearthatyoureadyourbibleregularly.Oh,continuethatsacredemploymentandperchanceyoureyesmaysoonbeopenedandyouenabledtobeholdwondrousthingsoutofhislaw!!!!!!

1OnlyonepreviousletterfromMargaretforthistimeperiodhasbeenlocated.2LucyAnnLea,theoldestdaughterofHenryLea.3Thisletterhasnotbeenlocated.4TheLeaandLocketfamilieswerenotongoodterms.NapoleonLockethadkilledMartinLeainaduel.

5ThisisprobablyMajorF.M.Hopkins,aninstructorattheMilitaryInstitute.IdentifiedinEngland,49.6JudgeOchiltreewasmarriedtoNovaline,theformerMrs.ThomasPeck.Gandrud,52.7GeneralEdwinKing.8OvidEiland,Gincy'sson.9Owen(III,733,735-36),liststwopreachersinMobileatthistimebythenameofHamilton:JeffersonHamilton,amethodistminister,andWilliamThomasHamilton,aPresbyterianminister.ItisuncleartowhichoneMargaretrefers.10AndersonHutchinson,aformerjudgeoftheRepublicofTexas,wasnowalawyerinRodney,Mississippi.ForabiographyseeWritings,III,524n.

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HoustonreturnedtoTexasinOctoberof1845.HewrotethefollowinglettertoVernalLea.

Swarthout14thOct1845

MyDearVernal,

Ireturnedonfriday[sic]lastafterafatiguingtrip.IleftMariononthe17thoflastmonth,andtravelledmoreorlesseverydayexceptSundays.

IleftallwellinAlabama.AtZavalaIlearnedforthefirst[time]thatourbrotherBledsoewasnomore.1IwrotefromthencetoAlabama.Sincemyreturn,IhaveheardthatourdearSisterAntoinetteisinconsolableinherbereavement.Idomosttrulycondolewithherinhergriefandsorrow.IcanonlyrecommendthatsolacewhichisfoundintheSacredVolume.TherewearetaughtresignationtothewillofourDivineMaster&SaviourJesusChrist!ItmustbeasourceoftheconsolationtoherthatourbrotherdepartedintheassuranceofEternalHappiness,andthehopeofarighteousreward.ItgavemeunfeignedpleasuretoknoworlearnthathedepartedwithafullassuranceofSalvation.Letusallstriveforsuchanassurancethro'themeritsofJesusChristsatonement.

Iwouldordinarilygodownandseeyouall,butparticularlySister,atthistimeifitwerepossiblebutitisnotinmypowertodoso.

Ifindmyselfinabadconditioninmyaffairs.PoorMorris2haddonebutlittleandallthathehasdonehasbeentomyinjury.Ihavenotseenhimasheisatcampmeeting.Iwillbecompelledtogoformyfurnitureandgetthathomeifpossible.3Ihavecornandeverythingto

get,soastoenablemetolive.Imustgoonthefirstofnextmonth,soastomeetMargaret&MasterSametcbetweenthatandthe10thatGalveston.Istartedwithoneofmynieces4tobringtoTexas,butwillnotbesurprisedifshe&CousinWayneweretomarry.Hespoketomeonthesubject,andIrefered[sic]ittoherandherAunt[Margaret].

Therelationsareallmuchgratifiedatyourmarriage&prospects!5Theyweredelightedtohearofyou&oftheirrelationsin

Texas.IthinkoneofourRoystonnieceswillcomewithMargaret&herGrandMa.WhichIdonotknow.Henry(brother)orRobtRoyston,IthinkwillcomewiththeLadies.Samisnotquitecapableofundertakingthetask.WritetomeatHouston.Margaret,andalltherelations,sentathousandregardstoyourfamily,Sisterandourdepartedbrother.

AllSister'sMarionrelationsarewell.IsawDrEvans6yesterdayandallhisfamilyarewell.Heisdoingwell.

IleftTroup7withhiminthebestorderthatIeversawhim.Ibroughthimforyousupposingthatyouwantedhim.IcameinaBuggy,anddroveathreeyearoldfilly.Troupwasrodebyayoungman(rathersmall).IrodedownthismorningfromColWilliamson's8thatImightwritetoyou.

YoumustrendermysincerelovetomyDearSisters.Ihavenonews.Myhealth,thankGod,isfine.Faithfullythybrother.TellSisterAntoinettetowritetomeatHouston

SamHouston

MajV.V.LeaP.S.Don'tbevexedaboutJudgeMiles.9Letitrest.

ThineHouston

Mum!Private

WritetomewhereMrs.Hollimansl0BrotherGrace11livesinAlabama,orthewifeofherdeceasedBrother.

Houston

1WilliamBledsoehaddied.ItisbelievedthatheisburiedintheHardinCemeterynearLiberty,butnomarkerexistsforhim.Hewasarelativeof

theHardinfamily.Partlow,222.2HoustonmaybereferringtoWilliamMorris,aneighborintheRavenHillarea.IdentifiedinWhite,CitizensofTexas,1840,v.I,131.3HoustonisreferringtomovinghispersonalbelongingsfromWashington-on-the-BrazostoRavenHill.4ElizabethMoore.5Atsomepoint,VernalhadmarriedayoungladynamedMary,whowoulddieafewmonthslateronNovember7,1845.HearnecollectionofFamilyPapers.SeealsoMargaretHoustontoAlmiraWoods,June14,1846,intheAlvaWoodsCollection(MSS816)inthemanuscriptcollectionoftheRhodeIslandHistoricalSocietyLibrary,Providence,RhodeIsland.6Dr.WilliamF.EvansofPolkCounty.ForabiographyseeNixon,477.7Houston'shorse.8ColonelRobertM.Williamson.

JudgeGeorgeMilesofLibertyCounty.10Vernal'sneighbor,Mrs.HowellHolliman.11ThismayrefertoB.M.GracefromHenryCounty,Alabama,whosettledsouthofSwarthoutin1848.EmmaHaynes,''AHistoryofPolkCounty,"(bound,unpublishedmanuscript),21.

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MarionOct.20th,1845

Mydearhusband,

OnyesterdayIreadyourlettersfromRaymond1andTerseaud.2Theyweretrulyacceptable,butalasourpleasuresareneverunmingledwithpain.Atthesametime,camethenewsofMr.Bledsoe'sdeath.Wearealldeeplydistrest[sic].Icanscarcelyholdmypen,butohmydear,Imustwriteandinfluenceyoutoflytomydearsisterandcomfortherinherdesolation.IneednotaskthisforIknowyouwillgotoherifyoucan.Ohhowmyheartisagonizedforher!!Ifitisindeedtrueyouwillanticipatemywisheswithregardtoherthatisthatsheshouldbewithus.

IthinkitwouldbebestforyoutomeetusinGalveston,andwewillgobywayofGrandCaneandtakeherhomewithus.IftheyellowfeverisinNewOrleans,IdonotthinkwewillleaveAla.beforethelastweekinNov.IreturnedyesterdayeveningfromavisittoAuntEiland.SheseemedverymuchcheeredbyitandIhadquiteapleasantvisit.Ihaveneverseenanyonemoregratifiedbyapresentthanshewasatyours.ShesendsmanykindmessageswhichIreserveforourmeeting.Young[LeaRoyston]cameuponSaturdayandleftyesterday.HesaysBettyandthegirlsareenjoyingthemselvesveryfinely.Theyattendedseveralweddingsandpartiesandseemvery

happy.HesaysalsothatcousinWaynehasmadeanotherofferofhishandtoourdearnieceBetty,butsheagaindeclinedit,andIamnotatalldisposedtoquarrelwithheraboutit.Icertainlywouldhavebeengratifiedifshehadfanciedhim,forIknewhisexcellentqualities,butIlefthertothefreeexerciseofherjudgmentanddiscretion,andshehasundoubtedlydeclinedwiselyifshecouldnotlovehim.

IwasdelightedtohearofthepleasantcompanywithwhichyouweretravellingandIhopedearest,youweresatisfiedbytheconversationoftheElder.Ohhowdeeply,howintenselyIfeelforyoureternalwelfare!Whydoyouhesitate?BelieveintheLordJesusChrist

andyoushallbesaved!!!Thisisallthatisrequiredofyou.Sosoonasyoucansaywithallyourheart-

ThereLordIgivemyselfaway

'TisallthatIcando!

thestrugglewillbeover,andthevoicewhichcalmedGennesaret'sstormywaveswillsoothethetroublesofyourheart.OhthattheLordwouldenlightenyourdarkness.

Wehavehadagreatdealofrainlately,andtheroadsareexceptionallybad.Sosoonastheycanbetravelledweexpecttogotothecanebrake.IneglectedtomentionthatoursadintelligencewasmerelyaparagraphinaMobilepaper.Weknownothowtoevaluatethetruthofit,yetitseemsstrangethatwehavenolettersconcerningit.Motherissometimesalmostfrantic,andIamdeeplygrieved.Ilongforthetimeofourdeparturetocome,butIwilltrytobepatient.Samisjustrecoveringfromthechickenpoxandisdoingverywell.Ithinkitishighlyprobablethattheafflictionhas[blurred]tohishealth.

Mydear,ImustremindyouagainofMaj.[Samuel]Towns.Ifeelmuchinterestforhisfamily,andifanythingcanbedoneforhimwithMr.Polk,3Iwishyouwouldwritetohimagain.Atallcounts,write.HehasperhapsforgottenMaj.T'sapplication.IthinkitprobablethatoneofCousinOvid'ssons(theeldest)willgowithus,butitisnotyetdecided.

Bro.HenryhassomeideaoftakinghisfamilytoSumptercounty,toalittlefarmwhichhehasthere,untilhecansettleuphisbusinesshereandgotoTexas.Iwishyoucouldseehim.Heisperfectlytemperate,andyouwouldlovehimathousand[times]morethanyoueverdid.TrulytheLorddothmingleblessingswithoursorrows.

Itislateatnightdearestandthemailclosesat10tomorrow.Doyou

seethismark?4Well,Iwilltellyouhowithappened.Afterfinishingmyfirsttwopagesthisevening,IcarelesslyleftmyletteronthetablewiththepenandinkbesideitandonreturningwhoshouldIfindinmyseatbutMasterSam,mypeninhandwithallthedignityofanarch-bishop!

FarewelldearestLove,Thydevotedwife,M.L.Houston

P.S.Yourwatch-sealisfound.Iwillendeavortowritetosomanyas

possibleofthefriendswhomyoumentionedbutIthinkdearestyouweretaxingmeprettysurely.IwasasmuchpleasedasyoucouldpossiblyhavebeenatyouraccountsofIsabella.5OhhowIwishIcouldseeourdearsisterEliza[Moore]!

1Thisletterhasnotbeenlocated.2HoustontoMargaret,September28,1845.3PresidentJamesK.Polk.4Alineisdrawnacrossthecenterofthepagehere.5IsabellaMoore,thedaughterofElizaHoustonandS.A.Moore.

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HoustontraveledtoGalvestoninthehopesofmeetingMargaret.FromherehewrotetoWilliamPalmerwhowashelpingtakecareofaffairsatRavenHill.Thewhereaboutsoftheoriginalletterisunknown.AcopyisintheSamHoustonverticalfileattheDRTLibrary,SanAntonioTexas.

ToWmPalmer,MgrPalmersP.OfficeMontgomeryCity,Texas

Galveston,7thNov.1845

MyFriendPalmer,

IcamebywayofWashingtonandHoustontothisplaceinthehopeofmeetingMrs.H.&Sam.TheyhavenotyetcomebutIhopetheywillbeherebytomorrow'sBoat.Irec'dthreeletters,anditisnotcertainthattheywillcomeuntilthefirstofDecember,butItrulyhopetheymay.IthinkmyNiecewillcomealso,andMrs.Leacertainly.

WhenatWashingtonIpackedmyfurnitureanditwillbesentinyour

caresoon.YouwillpleasetoputthePiano,andTrunks,andtheBoxeswithPapersandBooksintheroomnext[to]theGarden,andtheothersintheotherroom.YouwillpleasetellMariatosleepinthatroomandsaytoherthatIdidnotseeHoseabutsenthimword.IonlystayedalittlewhileinHouston.

Bepleasedtodothebestyoucaninforwardingmymattersandtakingcareofthem.IhavebeentrulyindustriousandwillnotrelaxwhileIamabletowork,oruntilIgetthro'mybusiness.Iwillsend

youaNewspaper.

IfIliveIwantagoodcropnextyear.Don'tallowtheBoystoletmyhorsesormarestodieoff.IhadsenttomefromNewYorkthefinestDogyoueversaw.HalfMastiffanddogoftheAlps.Ihopetotakehimsafehome.Iwillbeathomethefirstmomentinmypower,andnottoleaveifIcanavoidit.

YouwillpleasetogivetoMrsPalmer1andfamilymyregards,andtoThomas2&hisfamily.SaytotheNegroesifyouplease,thatIexpectthemtodofaithfully,andobeyyouwhileIamabsent.IwilltakethemsomeclotheswhenIcomeup.Themanwholivedwithyouformerly,butwhosenameIcannotrecollect,IthinkIwillwanttohirethisyear.Youmaysaysoifyouplease.Ihavenonews.

TrulyYrFriend,SamHouston

1CorneliaEmalineAllenPalmer.IdentifiedinDaughtersoftheRepublicofTexas,215.2ThomasandWilliamPalmerwerebrothers.

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GalvestonTexas10thNov1845

EverDearestMargaret,

Onthe6thInstIcametothisplace,hopingtomeetyou,whentheNewYorkshouldarrive,butshecamewithoutyou.Ididnotmuchexpectyou,sothatmyhopesweremainlydisappointedandnotmyexpectations.Ineverheardanywordofyou,orfromyou,untilIwentonboardtheSteamBoatatHoustontocomedown,andthenIhadthepleasuretoreceiveyourthreelettersofthe30ththe8th&20thof

OctoberInthelastIwassorrytolearnthatyouwouldnotperhapsleaveuntilthelastweekofthismonth.

ThinkdearofthepainfulanxietywhichImustendureuntilyourarrival,withyourcompany.MasterSam,forinstance,justtogivehimonedearsqueeze,nexttohisdear,dearMother,wouldbethehight[sic]ofearthlybliss.OhmyLove,youcannothavetheleastideaofmyfeelings.Thevoidofheartcannotbefilledbyallthe

meanswhichphilosophy,andresignationcanmustertomyaid.Becauseyoucouldnotbepresent,andthehopethatitmightexercisesomecharmuponyourcoming,Ihavedeclinedtwodinners,theoneatWashington,1andtheotheratHouston.2HereIagreedformanyreasonstoacceptone.WhenIconsented,Ihopedyoumightarriveintimetobepresentatthespeech,andbegratified,asitwouldbeinGalvestonwhereIhavebeensooften,andsomuchreviled.Moreover,therewasacommittee,andoneofsome15or20towaituponme(Ithink).Ilearnthattherearenotlessthan150subscriberstothedinner.IhavebeentoldthatIamtospeakinthePresbyterianchurch,whereImademytemperancespeechlastMay.SpeakingofTemperanceMydear,IthinkyoumaygivemefullcreditforintruthIhavenotdrankevencidersinceweparted,norwillIeverforgetmyself,sofarastodrinkanythingwhichcanintoxicateanyone.ButmydearIamnowintoxicatedandhavebeenforsometimepast.Youwill,Ihopeexcusemeformyintemperance?Itisnolessthantheintoxicationoflove,andyouarethedearobject!!!This,Iknowyouwillexcuse,butIwillnotaskyoutodoso,untilwemeet,andthatIhopewillbesoon.Somematterswouldengagemyattention,butIdeclaretoyou,thatmyaffectionforyouissoardentthatitengrossesmythoughts.Sam,thedearlittlefellowisoftenpresentwithyouandI,andseemstosay,''Ma,whatareyou[and]minepatalkinbout."And"Mastopandletmetalk!"Aswellas"Mastop,andsingso,likeme."Dear,don'tbejealousofSamorthinkthedearladisabouttorivalyouinmyaffections.HeifhedidnotlovehisdearMasomuchmightbejealousofrivalry,forcertainlytho'Ilovehimmuch,heisnothisFathersBetterHalf!!!WhenyoucomehomeLove,Iwilldiscourseuponthissubject.UntilthenIwilllookwithpainfulanxietyforyourcoming!

IhaveheardlatelyfromSister[Antoinette],&Buds[Vernal's]family.Theyareallwell,andourdearSisterisgraduallyrecoveringfromthe

shockwhichherfeelingshavesustained.Atfirstshewasinconsolable,andalmostheartbroken.3ThesituationofmyaffairswassuchthatIcouldnotgotoseeher!Iwou'dhavedoneso,[if]ithadbeeninmypower,andafterBoxingourfurnitureandcomingtoHouston,Iwouldhavethengonetoseeher,ifIhadnothopestomeetyouhereonthe7thInst,tho'Irequestedyounottostartuntilthe1stor7th.ButastherewasnosicknessinMobileorNewOrleansthisseason,Ihopedthatyoumightstartsooner,andIwished

tobeherewhenyouwou'darrive.Mrs.Price,4&Mrs.Cocke5desireyoutogoandstaywiththem.IamnowatMrs.Maffitt's6andintendtostayuntilyoucome,unlessIshouldlearnthatyoushouldnotbehereforsometimetocome.Tho'ofyourspeedyreturntoTexasIwillnotdoubt,asitwouldaddtomyunhappinesswhichisnowtoogreatalmosttobear.TilleyJohnsonis"lookingout"asIlearnday,andnight.7Thejudgeisconstantlyonguard!Itisinterestinginfamilyaffairs.ThereareseveralslandersinthisplaceuponLadies,andoneofthemhasleftthecityfortheUStates.Idonotknowthemerits,ordemeritsoftheparties.Thepeopleheretreatmemorekindlythantheyhaveeverdonebefore,andthatinthefaceofallmyenemies.WhentheDinnerwassetonfoot,anattemptwasmadetogetoneupforLamar,butitwas"nogo."SosomeoftheGentrylefttheplace.MyDearestIonlywishthatyouwerehere,forIhavemanythingstosaytoyou,whichIwouldsaytonooneonearthbesideOneis,Iloveyoumorethanallcreatedbeings.ThisIcansayintruthtoyou,andyouonly,andyoutellmenevertouseinsincerityortobeuncandidTherefore,Iamcompelledtospeakout!Itisnowmidnight,andIcouldwriteuntilday,onlythatImustriseearlytotakethislettertotheBoatasitwillsailat9AMtomorrow.Iwillsoarrangematters,thatifyouarenotinOrleans,orifyouareyetinAlabama,thatyoumaygetmyletters.

IsendyouaslipfromtheTelegraphofHouston8containingaletterofmine,inreplytoaninvitationtoDineatWashington.YouwillseethatIhaveputthesubjectofannexationprettymuchtorest!Burnetclaimsitsincetheninaletteroftoday,butIfoundanoldletterthatIsuggesteditprevioustotheBattleofSanJacinto.9Iamyouknowluckyinsomethings.Thepartyherehasdwindledtonothing,almost.YoumayifyouareinOrleans,becalledonbyaMr.Kent,anEditorfromKentucky.HehasbeenmuchwithmesinceIcamedown,andputupatMrs.Maffitts.TwonewBookshavemadetheirappearance

inthesewaters.OneisTomJeffGreen'sBook,10andoneisfromthepenoftheelegantMrs.Storms,alias"CorinMontgomery."11Thefirst(Ihavereadneither,nordoyou)Ihaveheardpronounceda"lousy"productionandverylow.Theothercameina"norther"anditissaidwasfrozetodeath.Theyarebothgonetoalongsleep.Theywillneverawake!IsawalettertodayfromWashingtonCityonthesubjectoftheBooks,anditstatesthattheyarenowforgottenoronlyremember'dwithdisgust.

Whatadeplorablewantoftaste.Onlythinkoffinethoughtsandprettychastelanguagenotadmired?Oh,degenerateage!!YoumayrestassuredmyDearest,thatIhave[not]feltonesinglepain,orregretatthesepublications!Theycouldnotdomeagreaterservicethanwhattheyhavedone,andIhavebeentoldthatmyenemiesinWashingtonCity,fromTexashavelostcastatthe"WhiteHouse."Somuchforsomuch!IwouldgoovertomeetyouatNewOrleans,ifIweresurethatIcoulddosoinspiteofeconomy,butImightbychancemissyouontheway.TherearetwoBoatsexpectedeveryday.TheGalvestonandtheTelegraphwhichistorunfromMobiletothisPort.IpresumeyouwilltakethefirstsafeBoat,andIwouldbeuneasytosail,leastImightbychancebeinOrleans,whileyouwouldbehere!Youmaymeasuremysolicitudebyyourown.PoorlittleSamknowsnoneofourcares,thoughnodoubthehaslittlecares,ofwhichweknownothing!MyLove,myheartswellswithhopesthatIwillsoonclaspyou,andourdearBoytomydevotedheart.

IlookforMother,andoneofyournieceswithElizabeth[Moore].Ihaveakissforeachoneofthecompany,andathousandforyourdearself!Iwillasknoquestionsofyou,butIamreallycurioustoknowhowBetty,&cousinWayne,settledtheirmatters.Youdidrightinthematter,andsodidBetty,tho'Iwouldhavebeendelightedifshehadloved,andmarriedhim!Heisworthyofherifshecouldlovehim!Sheactednobly,nottotakefortuneintotheestimateofhappiness!Itisamarkofwisdom,andpiety,inonesoyoung.

Dearest,Iwillwearyyounolongerwithmyprosingepistle.Tho'Icouldscribblemuchlonger.Mrs.Maffittandallsendtheirregardstoyou.William12issittingupwithme!

MyLovetoall,andpinchSamformeuntilheasksthereason.

Thydevoted&faithfulHusbandSamHouston

1ForHouston'sletterdecliningtheWashingtoninvitation,seeWritings,IV,425-28.2ForHouston'sletterdecliningtheHoustonCityinvitationseeWritings,IV,429.3HoustonisreferringtothedeathofAntoinette'shusbandWilliam.4ThismaybeElizabethMorgan(Mrs.James)Price.5Mrs.JamesCocke.6Mrs.JohnNewlandMaffitt.7MatildaMaffit(Mrs.RobertD.)Johnsonwasexpectingababy.

TelegraphandTexasRegister,November5,1845.SeealsoWritings,IV,428.9ItisuncleartowhichletterHoustonrefers.10JournaloftheTexianExpeditionAgainstMierbyThomasJeffersonGreenwasreprintedinAustinin1935bySteckCompany.11JaneMcManusStorms(whowroteunderthepennameofCorineMontgomery),TexasandHerPresidents:withaglanceatherclimateandagriculturalcapabilities,(NewYork:E.Winchester,NewWorldPress,1845).Thiswasapamphletof122pageswhichsoldfortwenty-fivecentsin1845.ItmaybeseenonmicrofilmatUniversityofTexas,ArlingtonandAustin.HistorianLindaHudsontoMadgeRoberts,September28,1993.12ThisisprobablyWilliamMaffit,thebrotherofTillyandHenriettaMaffit.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

MargaretreturnedtoTexasshortlyafterreceivingthisletter.OnDecember29,1845,theCongressoftheUnitedStatesapprovedtheconstitutionoftheStateofTexaswhichhadbeensubmittedseveralmonthsearlier.TheformaltransitionceremonytoendthegovernmentoftheRepublicofTexaswouldtakeplaceFebruary19,1846.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

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Appendix

AppendixA:HoustonGenealogy

RobertHoustonm.Margaret(someaccountssay"Mary")Davidson

I.JohnHoustonm.AnnLogan

A.John"Jack"Houston*

1.MaryHouston*m.Lt.Gardiner*

2.JamesB."Buck"Houston*

II.SamuelHoustonm.ElizabethPaxton*(seenotesbelow)

A.PaxtonHouston(diedyoung)

B.RobertHouston(nevermarried)

C.JamesHoustonm.PatienceBills

D.JohnHouston

E.SamHouston*m.(1)ElizaAllen,*(2)MargaretLea*

1.SamHouston,Jr.*m.LucyAnderson

2.NancyElizabethHouston*m.JosephC.StylesMorrow*

3.MargaretLeaHouston*m.WestonLafayetteWilliams

4.MaryWilliamHouston*m.J.SimsMorrow

5.AntoinettePowerHouston*m.WilliamBringhurst

6.AndrewJacksonHouston*m.(1)CarrieGlennPurnell(2)ElizabethHartGood

7.WilliamRogersHouston*

8.TempleLeaHouston*m.LauraCross

F.WilliamHouston*m.MaryBall*

1.SallieHouston*

2.MaryHouston*

3.WilliamHouston*

4.ClaudeHouston*

5.EugeneHouston*

G.IsabellaHouston

H.MaryHouston*m.(1)MatthewWallace*(2)WilliamWallace*(nephewofMatthew)

I.ElizaHouston*m.SamuelMoore*

1.PhoebeJaneMoore*m.N.A.Penland*

2.HoustonMoore*

3.IsabellaMoore*m.Col.WilliamTaylor

4.Elizabeth"Bettie"Moore*

5.MaryMoore*m.JohnLehr*6.WilliamLouisMoore*

III.BettieHoustonm.JohnMcClung

IV.MargaretHoustonm.JamesHopkins

V.EsterHoustonm.JamesMcKee

VI.MaryHoustonm.JohnLetcher

A.WilliamHoustonLetcherm.ElizabethDavidson

1.JohnLetcher*m.MarySusanHolt(HewasgovernorofVirginia,1860-1864.)

B.SallieLetcherm.RobertHamilton.

1.NarcissaBertoniaHamilton*

JohnHouston,brotherofRobertHouston,m.SarahTodd

I.JamesHouston

II.JohnHoustonIV

III.Rev.SamuelHouston

IV.WilliamHouston

V.RobertHouston

VI.MatthewHouston

VII.AliceHoustonm.WilliamStephenson

VIII.MargaretHoustonm.AlexanderMcEwen

A.JohnMcEwen

B.EbenezerMcEwen

C.AlexanderMcEwen

D.RobertHoustonMcEwen*m.HenriettaKennedy*

TheirdaughterCaroline*m.JudgeJohnT.Jones*

E.SarahMcEwen

IX.EsterHouston

notes:

a.HannahPaxton(sisterofElizabethPaxtonHouston)m.JamesCaruthers.TheirgrandsonwasRobertCaruthers.*b.JosephPaxton(brotherofElizabethPaxtonHoustonandHannahPaxtonCaruthers)m.MargaretBarclay.TheirthirddaughterHannahPaxton*m.MajorDavidEdmondson.*

*Starrednamesarementionedineitherthisorfuturevolumesofthepersonalcorrespondence.

AppendixB:LeaGenealogy

GeorgeLeam.LucyTalbert

I.FrankeyLeam.AsaAtkins

II.SallieLeam.aMr.Black

III.RhodaLeam.WilliamMiles

IV.RansonLeam.Mrs.Mckinzie

V.EuniceLeam.Mr.Deane

VI.TempleLea*m.NancyMoffett*

A.MartinLea*m.OpphiaKennon*

1.RobertusLea

2.WilliamsJones

3.HenryClintonLea

B.VarillaLea*m.RobertusRoyston*

1.YoungLeaRoyston*

2.Robert''Rob"Royston*

3.SarahAnn"Tose"Royston*m.ThomasPower*(brotherofCharles,whomarriedAntoinette)

4.Serena"Seen"Royston*m.Mr.Patton

5.NeanthaRoyston*m.(1)Mr.Bordman(2)Mr.Sample

6.MartinRoyston*

C.HenryClintonLea*m.SerenaRoot*

1.LucyAnnLea*m.Dr.JohnH.Langhorne

2.SumpterLea*m.SusanIsadoreHill

3.MartinArmstrongLea*

4.HenryC.Leam.BettieMosely

5.MarthaJacquelineLeam.JamesAllenHarwood

6.MaryWillisLeam.BeverlyFranklinHarwood

D.VernalLea*m.(1)Mary(2)CatherineDavisGoodall*

1.TempleLea*

2.MaggieHoustonLea

3.MarieLea

4.JamesVernalLea

E.MargaretLea*m.SamHouston*

F.AntoinetteLea*m.(1)WilliamBledsoe*(2)CharlesPower*(3)W.H.Robert

1.ThomasPower*

2.MargaretHoustonPower*3.LilliePower

VII.Judy(diedyoung)

VIII.LettyLeam.M.I.Bittings

IX.GreenLeam.MargaretMoffett*("AuntLea,"sisterofNancy)

A.ColumbusLea*m.MaryParker*

1.WayneE.Lea*

2.MargaretLea

3.KnoxLea*

B.WayneLeam.SarahAnnTalbert

note:MaryTalbert(twinsisterofLucyTalbertLeaandauntofTempleLea)m.WilliamMiles.TheirdaughterPollym.Capt.TimothyRogers.WilliamRogers*wasthesonofPollyandTimothyRogers.TheseventhchildofMargaretandSamHoustonwasnamedWilliamRogersHoustoninhonorofthiscousin.

AppendixC:MoffettGenealogy

ChildrenofHenryandMargaretMoffett

I.NancyMoffett*m.TempleLea*

II.GabrielA.Moffett

III.Virginia(Gincy)Moffett*(AuntEiland)m.AsaEiland

A.OvidEiland*m.HenriettaFord*

1.WayneEmmetEiland*

B.Dr.OliverG.Eiland*

IV.MargaretMoffett*mGreenLea(brotherofTempleLea)

Somenamesofmoredistantrelativesnotappearinginthecorrespondencewereomittedfromthechart.FormoreinformationontheHouston,Paxton,LeaandMoffettfamiliesseetheseworks:

Armstrong,Zella.NotableSouthernFamilies.v.3.Baltimore:GenealogicalPublishingCompany,1971.

Houston,SamuelRutherford.BriefBiographicalAccountsofManyMembersoftheHoustonFamily.Cincinatti:ElmStreetPrintingCompany,1882.

Paxton,W.M.ThePaxtons.PlatteCity,Missouri:LandmarkPrinting,1903.

Roberts,MadgeThornall.StarofDestiny:ThePrivateLifeofSamandMargaretHouston.Denton:UniversityofNorthTexasPress,1993.

Rose,BenL.ReportofResearchontheLeaFamilyinVirginia&NorthCarolinaBefore1800.Richmond,Virginia:PrintingServices,1984.

andMargaretM.Marty."TheLeaAncestryofMargaretLea,WifeofGen.SamHouston."Addendum#2toReportontheLeaFamilyinVirginia&NorthCarolinaBefore1899.Typescript,1987.

1ThenameisalsospelledMoffettandMoffitt.

Index

A

Adams,J.W.,292,293n,311,312n

Allen,AugustusChapman,20

Allen,Eliza,22,23n

Allen,HenryWatkins,237n

Allen,Mr.,172

Anderson,KennethL.,186,189n

Anderson,Mr.,153

Andrews,Eugenia,112,122,131,135,141,157,162,199-200,220

Andrews,JohnD.,94,95n,112,122,128,131,135,152,162,170,171,191,211,212,217,220,255

Andrews,Samuella,164

Andrews,StephenPearl,224,237n

Armstrong,Jacob,37,102,103n,161,170,179

Athens,Georgia,9

Austin,Texas,5,37,112,144,148,149,164,168,183,196

AustinCityandStateGazette,259n

B

Bagby,ThomasM.,223,237n,225,249,254,264,266,278

Baker,Mosely,220,236n,228,229

Baker,Mr.,220

Baker,WilliamR.,278,280n

Barker,Emma,51,54n,58,59,62

Barrington,John,237n

Bastrop,Texas,123

Baylor,RobertEmmettBledsoe,116,117n,135,136,150,173,174

Beal,Mr.,332

Bean,EllisP.,17,18n

Beene,Jesse,273

Bennet(t),JosephL.,114

Bexar,Texas,148,185

Billy(slave),305,306n,330

BirdsFort,Texas,284,286n

Black,JohnS.,13,37,38,88,89,114,118,161,179,191,221,224,225,248,249,250,264,278,286-87

Black,Monroe,118,119n,221,236n

Blake,Bennet,162,163n

Blake,R.B.,22n

Blasingame,Aurulia,336,338n

Blassengame,Maria,9,10n

Bledsoe,AntoinetteLea,4,4n,

7,19,63,81,102,103,105,113,115,119,157,175-76,217,231,233,242,246,272,283,314,350,352,356

Bledsoe,William,2,4,5,7,13,18,19,20,25,26,28,32,33,38,60n,63,68,81,84,86,101,105,113,119,141,176,187,233,244,246,248,293,297,298,306,310,311,314,350,351n,352

BlountSprings,Alabama,3,273

Bonnell,George,72,73n

Borden,Gail,144,152n,243,247n

Bowyer,James,99,100n,292

Bowyer,Mrs.,293

Bradshawfarm,17,18n

Bragg,MarthaCrook(Mrs.Newport),339,340n

Branch,EdwardT.,296,297n

Brannum,W.T.,83,84n,93

Brashear(Brasher),C.D.,302,304n

Brigham,Asa,132,133n

Briscoe,Andrew,130,131n

Briscoe,MaryJaneHarris,131n

Brower,John,258,259n

Brown,PameliaMann(Mrs.T.K.),38,39n,221,236n

Brown,SarahWade(Mrs.JohnD.),289,291n

Bruin(mule),210,324,326n

Bullock,Richard,72n,98

Bullock'sHotel(Austin),72n

Bunton,JohnJ.,284

Burleson,Edward,106,135,136n,217n

Burnet,DavidG.,45,46n,76,78,80n,85,86,106,126n,195,357

Burnett,Matthew,37,38n

Burnley,AlbertTriplett,206,208n

Butler,Anthony,31

Butler,Mrs.,178,182-83,192,211

C

Cahaba(Cahawba),Alabama,3,4n,239,240n

Canales,Antonio,42

Cannan,WilliamTravis,11,12n

Carey,Seth,201,202-203,205n

Carr,William.SeeKerr,William

Cartwrightbrothers,18,20n

Case,JoelTitus,46,47n

Castro,Henry,200,201n,203,211

CedarBayou,Texas,161n

CedarPoint,Texas,10,38,52,69,70,89,98,106,116,118,119,141,146,149,161,170,173,228,247

Centralists,42

Chalmers,JohnC.,85,87n,206,207n

Chambers,ThomasJefferson,330,331n

Chambers,WilliamMartin,330,331n

CherokeeBill,39,40,41n

Cherry,Aaron,322,323n

Cherry,William,322,323n

Christy,KatherineKriederBaker(Mrs.William),103,105n,215,216n,219

Christy,William,103,105n,233

Cincinatti,Texas,17,19

CityHotel(Houston),170

Clay,Mrs.ClementCamerson,339,340n

Clemmons(Clements),AndrewE.,345,346n

Clopper'sBar,235,238nCocke,James,283,285n,302,319,320n

Cocke,Mrs.James,357,358n

Cody,A.J.,69,70n

Cody,Mrs.A.J.,225,237n

Coggod,Mr.,8

Coles,JohnP.,63,65n

Coleta.SeeKalita

ComancheIndiantribe,299

Combs,GeneralLeslie,212

Cooke,WilliamG.,116,117n,167n

Crawford,JamesW.,32

Crawford,Peter,211,212n,345,346n

Creole(boat),215,219

Crockett,Texas,13,106,284

CrockettCourier,106

Crook,James,8,9n

Crump,William,244,247n,252

Crusader(horse),114

D

Daingerfield(Dangerfield),WilliamHenry,98,99n,186,189n,246,257

Daleville,Mississippi,339

Davis,AnnElizaHill(Mrs.James),322,323n

Davis,Caroline,318,320n,322n,323n

Davis,James,161n,216,217n,249,312n,320n,322,323n,324,327

Davis,Katherine,312n

Dawson,Frederick,81,82n,259

Dayton(steamship),10,11n,256

deZavala,Lorenzo,Jr.,62,65,68

Desha,Joseph,284,286n

Deshon(DeShain),G.G.,217,218n

Dismuke,A.W.,311,312n

Dor,JohnM.,7

Doswell,J.Temple,176,178n,180,199

Dunham,Mrs.,37

Dunman,Joseph,292,293n

Durham,GeorgeJ.,153,154n,156,166,168n

Durst,Delilah(Mrs.Joseph),31n

Durst,HarrietJamison(Mrs.John),31n

Durst,Jacob,127,128n

Durst,John,17,18n,

Durst,Mr.,137

Dustie,Mr.,347

E

Easley,JohnG.,7

Eastland,ThomasB.,343

Eberly,Angelina,207

Edmunds(Edmonds),Pizene,104,105n,119,132,133,215,267,314

Eiland,Asa,269n

Eiland,GincyMoffett,241,243n,269n,270,272-73,338n,342,348,352

Eiland,Oliver,267,269n,272

Eiland,Ovid,348,349n,353

Eliza(slave),288,291,303,305

Elliot,Charles,301n

Ellis,Benjamin,322,323n,332

Ellis,Joseph,299,301n,318,323n

Emerson,F.B.,102,103n,104

Esau(Easaue)(slave),19,20n,235,238n

Evans,Mr.,312

Evans,William,F.,351

Eve(Eves),Joseph,151,152n,166,198

F

Farquahar,JamesL.,115,117n

Fisher(Fischer),HenryF.,157,160n

Fleming,Angus,11,12n

Fletcher,Mrs.,270

Fletcher,Nathan(iel),240,241,259,270,271-72

Flood,Catherine,40,43,45,49,53,56,57,59,66,75,95

Flood,Florida,66,67n

Flood,George,40,43,45,49,53,75,79,95

Flood,Laura,66,67n

Floyd,Elisa,170

Ford,WilliamG.,278,280n

Fosgate,Walter,114,115,117,120,222

Friend,L.S.,313,315n

Fuller,Charlotte(Mrs.Nathan),214,215n

Fuller,Samuel,116,117n

G

Gaines,Mahala(Mrs.Edmund),341n

Gaines,Susana(Mrs.James),341n

Galveston(boat),358

GalvestonBayandTexasLandCompany,23n

Galveston,Texas,8,10,37,157,243,274,356,357

Gant,Mrs.William,103,105

Gant,William,23,25n

Garrett(Garat),Mrs.CharlesC.,103,105n

GeneralHouston(boat),37

Gessum,Mrs.,122

Gillespie,Barry,214,215n

Goliad,Texas,217n

Goodall,Albert,160,161n,312

Goodall,KatherineDavis,317n

Goree,Miss,336

GouldWilliam,340,341n

Goyens(Gowans),William,22,23n

Grace,B.M.,352

GrandCane,Texas,37,248n,301n

Gray,MillieStone(Mrs.W.F.),131n,163n,255,258n

Gray,WilliamFairfax,131-32n

Green,Fitz,328,329n

Green,George,155n,189,278,280n

Green,J.E.,278,279n

Green,Mr.,153,155,157,160,168,207

Green,ThomasJefferson,57,58n,357,359n

Grissum,Ann,314

H

Hadley,PietySmith,178,179n

Hadley,T.J.B.,179n,226,232

Hall,ElizabethBuntonOatman(Mrs.JohnL.),107,284,286n

Hall,JohnC.,278,280n

Hall,JohnL.,106,280,285n

Hamilton,James,200,201,203,205n,206-207,208-10,322,323n

Hamilton,Jefferson,349n

Hamilton,Mr.,348

Hamilton,WilliamThomas,349n

Hamphill,John,136

Hardin,CynthiannaO'Brien(Mrs.Franklin),293

Hardinfamily,351n

Hardin,Franklin,256,258n,293

Harris,JohnR.,152n

Harris,LouisBirdsall,168,182

Harris,Mr.,143

Harris,WilliamP.,152n

Harrisburg,Texas,69,130,164,167,188,221

Harrison,GeorgeW.,64,65n

Hart,William,171,172n,182

Hatfield,B.M.,278,280n

Hatfield,Caroline,278,280n,291

Hawkins,Mrs.Robert,101

Hawkins,Robert,101,102n,103

Henderson,FrancesCox(Mrs.J.P.),7

Henderson,JamesPinckney,7,7n,34,107,129,206,236n,281,301n

Herburt,Walter,72,73n

Hermitage,335

Highsmith,Samuel,123,124n

Hill,GeorgeW.,80n,283,285n,288,291n,301

Hill,Harry,232

Hill,MatildaSlaughter(Mrs.GeorgeW.),288,291n

Hockley,GeorgeW.,44,49,58,78,123,136,144,148,152n,162,174,186,216,249,264,289,291n,327,328n

Holley,Mary,289,291n

Holliman,HowellH.,306,314,318,328,329n

Holliman,Mrs.Howell,351,352n

Homes,Henry,348,349

Hopkins,F.M.,348,349n

Horton,AlbertC.,127,128n,132

Horton,ElizaHoliday(Mrs.A.C.),122,123n,127,128n

Hosea(fieldhand),330,331n,354

Houston,MargaretMoffetteLea

books89

courtship,2,4,59

domesticmatters,129

dreams,159-60,199

financialmatters,130,239,306

health,13,22,23n,65,99,101,106,114-115,120,129,136,140,

143,163,171,173,212,218,223,241,242,270-72,288,297,299-300,303,307,311,312,318,319

inCanebrake(Alabama),344

inGalveston,11-13,27-31,39-96,98-105

inGrandCane,294-95,304-306,309-15,317-20,322-35

inHouston,37-38,112-212,299-301

inLiberty,296-97,307-309

inMarion(Alabama),2-5,8-9,216-73,336-40,347-59

inMobile(Alabama),274-75

inWashington-on-the-Brazos,13-23,32-34,278-95,297-98

in

Woodville(Alabama),340-44

marriage,10

onpolitics,98,157-58

onreligion,118,159,178,183,199,269,294-95,298,302,303,305,310,313-14,319,345-46,352-53

onTemperance,347

onTrinityRiver,302-304

poetry,60,104,121,136

Houston,MatthewC.,339,340n

Houston,Sam

atCedarPoint,106-107

atRavenHill,323-26

courtship,59

dreams,132,261,308

elections,5,20n,106

financialmatters,160,170,187,193,225,229,247,259,283,291,293,325,327,333

health,13,138,140,142,143,144,145-46,148,162,169,173,221,222,223,229,243-44,246,250,251,281,307,309,317,324-25,342

inAustin,6,39-96,112,120-212

inCrockett,13,280-91

inGalveston,302-306,354-59

inGreensboro(Alabama),336-38

inHouston,11-12,216-75,299-301,344-49

inHuntsville,312-15,332

inLiberty,292-93,326

inLivingston(Alabama),338-40

inMontgomery(Texas),112-117,278-79,333-34

inNacogdoches,21-25,98-105

inPolkCounty,322-23

inRodney(Mississippi),340-4

inSanAugustine,15-18,25-34

inSwarthout,330,350-52

inWashington-on-the-Brazos,294-97,317-20,325,334-35,334

inaugurations,134-36

marriagetoMargaret,10

nominations,104-105

onchildren,279,281-82,289,316

onIndians,155

onmarriage,166,230-31,267

onMexico,53,63,86,106,133,155,180-81,195-96,216,227,251,262,343

onreligion,146,150,165-66,173,175,190,221-22,232,245,252-53,327,328-29,350

onTemperanceanddrinking,113,117,120,135,145,147,205,

322,332,356

onTexaspolitics,74,75,77,90,92-93,95,96,125,126,127,133,137,139-40,144,146,147,151,155,166,177,181,184-85,191,192,195,197,201-204,208,216,224,226,227-28,234-35,246,248-49,260-62,281,283-84,289,330,332,358

onTexasRevolution,54,63,185

onTrinityRiver,307-309

personalconduct,134-36

poetry,154,158

realestatematters,173,225,226,228,232,244-45,252,255,290,322,324,325,332,333,354

speeches,140,145,149,155,268,278,280,284,285n,308,336,356

uniform,85-86

useoftobacco,149

Houston,Sam,Jr.(sonofMargaretandSam),278,279,280n,281-82,285,287-88,289,290,292,293,294,298,

299-300,303,304,306,310,311-12,313,314,315-16,318,324-25,326,332,334,336,342,345,346,347,349,353,355,356,358

Houston,Texas,69,164,177n,229,299

Houston,William,118,119n,122,133,289

Huckins,James,139,142n,235,319,320n

Hunt,Memucan,98,99n,102,138,174,182,206,222,250,316

Hunt,Nimrod(Flournoy),221,236n

Hurd(Heard,Herd),James,287,288,289,290,291n

Hurd(Heard),Mrs.James,289,290,291n,295

Huston(Houston),Felix,49,51n,85

Hutchinson,Anderson,149,152n,349

I

Indianraids,75-76,148,150,172

Irion,AnnaRaguet.SeeAnnaRaguet

Irion,Robert,6,31,114,127,136,171

J

Jackson,Andrew,63n,85,87n,306n,335

Jewett,MiloP.,9,10n

Johnson,HughBlair,289,291n,292,293n,331

Johnson,Matilda(Mrs.RobertD.),303,304n,357,358n

Johnson,RobertDabney,19,20n,55,70,102,308,309n

Johnson,Thomas,39,40

Johnston,AlbertSidney,224,237n

Jones,Anson,45,46n,98,144,152n,165,167n,186,196,261,264,283,320n,333n

Jones,Dr.,248,250

Jones,John,308,309n

Jones,JohnT.,322,323n,324,325

Jones,Levi(Levy),207,208n

Jones,MaryMcCrorey(Mrs.Anson),196,198n

Jones,SamHouston,196,198n

Jones,SamuelEdward,198n

Jones,SarahCarolineMcEwen(Mrs.JohnT.),324,325,326n,343,346

Jones,WilliamJefferson,22

Jordon,Samuel,42

Jose.SeeHosea

Joshua(slave),10,11n,114,118,212,245,249,252,305,322

K

Kalita(CoushattaIndianChief),294,295n

Kane,R.T.,287,288,290,293

Kaufman,DavidSpangler,17n,41,80n,165,168

Kennedy(Kennidy),William,170-71,174,176,182,184,186,196,198,204,209

Kent,Mr.,8,357

Kerr,William,100

King,AnnAlstonHunter(Mrs.Edwin),238,240n,269

King,EdwinD.,238,240n,273,

348,349n

King,Margaret,348

Knight,Isaac,214,215n

Knight,James,214,215n

Knight,Mrs.James,214,215n

L

LaBadie,Nicholas,100,101n

LaGrange,Texas,85

Lamar,MirabeauB.,45,46n,80n,106,125,126,135,141,148,195,196,201,206,211,222,230,357

Lang,DanielD.,293

Lang,Mr.,307

Lea,Apphia,218n

Lea,Columbus,84,239,240n,241,256,298,305,306,342

Lea,ElizabethParker(Mrs.Columbus),240,342,344n

Lea,Green,84n,239,240n

Lea,Henry,9,10,49,98,141,164,188,207,209,238,239,240n,241,242,243n,254,269,270,273,347,348,351,353

Lea,LucyAnn,230-31,238n,239,347,348,349n

Lea,Margaret(Peggy)Moffette,84n,218n,239,240n,273,305,306,344,346n

Lea,Martin,2,8,49,60n,88,103,122,128,176,188,200,214,217,218,225,230,239,241,258n,270,273,275,284,286n,312

Lea,Mary,350,351n

Lea,Nancy,4,7,8,10,20,25,37,46,47,61,69,70,88,93,94,118,129,217,233,244,246,256,283,286,287,290,292,295,297-98,306,308,309,310,311,312,314,316,347,353,354

Lea,Robertus,240n

Lea,SerenaRootes(Mrs.HenryClinton),8,9n,49,98,239

Lea,Sumpter,9

Lea,Temple,82,83n

Lea,Varilla(Virilla).SeeVarillaLeaRoyston.

Lea,Vernal(Bud),61,69,72,8688,94,101,105,115,129,140,157,176,180,186-87,211,212,233,243,244,247,248,255,272,292,293,294,298,300,315,316,318,322,325,350-51,356

Lea,Waine(Wayne),239,240n,344,345,346n,350,352,358

Lea,WayneEmmet,305,306n

Lea,WilliamJones,240n

Lea,Young,38,39n,233

Lee,Julia,51,54n,59

Lee,Lydia,51,54n,59

Lee,OpheliaCarolineMorgan(Mrs.W.Douglas),118,119n

Lee,W.Douglas,200,201n

LeVert,Henry,219n

LeVert,OctaviaWalton(Mrs.Henry),218,219n

Levy,Mr.andMrs.A.S.,220,236n

Lewis,Allison,113,114n

Liberty,Texas,176,180,187,296

LipanIndians,194

Lipscomb,AbnerS.,224,237n

Lipscomb,Mrs.,339,340n

Livingston,Roberts,237n

Locketfamily,347,349n

Locket,Mr.,8

Lockett,Napoleon,286n

Lockhart,Charles,298,299n

Lockhart,John,299n

Lockhart,William,298,299n

Love,James,206,207,208n,214,215n,230

Loveland,Ann,8,9n

Lubbock,AdeleBaron(Mrs.Francis),131,195,198n

Lubbock,Anna,165

Lubbock,FrancisR.,118,119n,129,130,131,138,141,144,192,194,195,198

Lubbock,Thomas,220,236n

Lynch,James,187,189n

M

MacCarley,Mrs.,307,309n

McDade,JamesW.,335

McDonald,Alexander,231,238n,258

McEwen,HenriettaKennedy(Mrs.Robert),346

McEwen,Robert,326n

McEwen,SarahCaroline.SeeJones,SarahCarolineMcEwen

McGehee,General,225

McKinney,ThomasF.,76,80n,98,102,327

McKinstry,AnnC.,64,65n

Maffet,AnneCarnic(Mrs.JohnNewland),46,47,48n,244,247n,305,306n,357,358n,

Maffett,CarolineMatilda(Tillie),40,48n,55,70,244,247n

Maffett,Henrietta,48n,70,244,247n

Maffitt,William,358,359n

Mann,Pamelia.SeeBrown,PameliaMann.

Maria(servant),19,20n,80,86,288,330,354

Mariners,Charles,278,280n

Marion,Alabama,2,5,8,99,239

Marney,Mr.,331

Martha(slave),100,214,216,235,278

Maryland(boat),88

Matagorda,Texas,127

Maxey,Mr.,330,331n

Maxey,Mrs.,318,320n

Mayfield,James,43,44n,71,165,167n,283,285n

Mayfield,Mrs.,151

Mayfield,Robert,172,185

medicalpractices,13,20,271-72,317,318

Megginson,SarahHill(Mrs.GeorgeD.),218,219n

Meggenson,JosephC.,92,93n

Menefee,William,80n

Miles,George,316,317n,351,352n

Miller,ElizaAnn,8,9n

Miller,WashingtonD.,89,138,140,141,154,163,230,245,250,262,263,291,314,324

Mills,NancyAnn,143,152n,177n

Milton,John,222,237n,230

Mobile,Alabama,2,50,60,94

Moderators,315

Montgomery,Corine.SeeJaneMcManusStorms

Montgomery,Texas,176,187

Moore,Alexander,43n,52,54,55

Moore,Edwin,152n,283,285n

Moore,Francis,287,288n

Moore,Francis,Jr.,67,68n,88,103,172

Moore,ElizaHouston,17n,231,246,289,338n,354

Moore,Elizabeth(Betty),338,339,340n,343,344,345,346n,350,351n,352,358

Moore,Isabella,122,123n,354

Moore,JohnW.,27,29n,211,212n

Moore,SamuelA.,231,238n,338n

Moore,SamuelHouston,336,338n

Morehouse,Edwin,182

Moreland,IsaacN.,37,38n,81,83n,264,268

Morgan'sPoint,Texas,226,237n

Morgan,James,54n,119n,200,201n,237n,244,247n,251,252,283,285n

Morgan,OpheliaMorgan,200,201n

Morris,JohnD.,148,152n

Morris,Mr.,350

Morris,Richard,257,258n

Morris,William,351n

Murray,Nancy,143n

N

Nacogdoches,Texas,15,21,23,98,149,316

Nashville,Tennessee,242

Neely,James,86

Neighbors,RobertSimpson,60,61n,194

Neill(Nail),JamesC.,131,170

Neptune(boat),101,122,217,240n,250,267,268,300

NewOrleans,Louisiana,42,214-15,352

NewYork(boat),42,214,226,232,233,235,248n274

Newton,Mississippi,347

Nichols,EbenezerB.,255,258n

Niles,JosephW.J.,115,117n

Norwood,MargariteAdeleEwing(Mrs.Nathaniel),178,179n,291,335

Norwood,Mr.,259

O

Ochiltree,NovalinePeck,349n

Ochiltree,WilliamC.,332,333n,348,349n

P

Packenham,Richard,196,198n

Page,Mrs.,221

Palmer(Parmer),CorneliaEmalineAllen,355

Palmer(Parmer),Martin,317,319,320n,324,326n,327,333-34

Palmer,Mr.,328,331,333

Palmer(Parmer),Thomas,324,326n,330,331,355

Palmer(Parmer),William,354

Parsons,Enoch,3,4n

Payne,B.Owen,308,309n

Peck,Mrs.,348,349n

Penicar(Penneger),James,218,219n

Penland,PhoebeJaneMoore,16,17n

PerryCounty,Alabama,2,232

Peyton,Bailey(Balie),206,207n

Phelan,JohnDennis,242,243n

Phelan,MaryAnnHarris(Mrs.John),242,243n

Philips,Mr.,215

Phillips,AlexanderH.,37,38n

Pickens,Andrew,223,237n,273

Pilot(Pillott),ClaudeNicholas,303,304n

Pilsbury,Timothy,238n

PleasantLawn(plantation),323

Polk,JamesK.,353,354n

Potter,Robert,57,58n,141,148

Power,Charles,164,165n

Price,ElizabethMorgan(Mrs.James),357,358n

Price,JamesHowe,83,223,237n

Price,Mr.,232

Pruit,Beasley,309n

Pruit,Jesse,309n

R

Raguet,Anna,7,7n,31,137

Randall,Leonard,317

Ratcliffe,WilliamV.,327,328n

RavenHill,323-26,333n,340

Raymond,James,278,280n

Regulators,315

Reily,Donny,162,163n

Reily,EllenHart,122,123n,129,130,135,141,143,160,163,165,183,308,309n,341

Reily,James,112,114,129,135,137,141,143,144,147,149,150,151,152n,153,155,156,160,161,163,164,165,174,178,183

Reily,Samuella(Ella),162,163n

RetrenchmentBill,125

Reynolds,B.F.,327

Richardson,Chauncey,48,50n

Richardson,DanielLong,15,17n,165,167n

Roan,W.J.,327,328n

RoansPrairie,Texas,328n

Roberts,Elisha,6,7n,327

Roberts,Margaret,258

Roberts,MosesF.,80nm,143n

Roberts,S.R.(''Squire''),116,117n

Roberts,Willis,100,101n

Robinson'sBluff(plantation),304

Robinson,James,304n

Robinson,Tod,40,41n

Rodney,Mississippi,341,342

Rootes,Jacquelin,9

Roots,Mrs.,239

Ros.,Mr.,297,298

Rose,Robert,69,70n,94

Rowlett,DanielOwen,298,299n

Royston,MargaretAntoinette,38

Royston,Robert,225,229,237n,270,275,305,306,308,351

Royston,Robertus,9,292-93

Royston,SarahAnn(Tose),9,163,223,225,229,230,242,245,249-50,254-55,257,262,268,270,275,279,280n,283,287,291,292,296,298,301,304,306,308,309,310,314

Royston,Varilla(Virilla)Lea,9n,38,239,240n,241,293n

Royston,YoungLea,128,187,217,220,223,225,226,232,242,244,245,248,255,270,

339,352

Runnels,HiramG.,223,237n

Rusk,ThomasJefferson,7,283,285n

Rutersville,Texas,48

RutersvilleCollege,49

Ruthvan,ArchibaldSt.Clair,167

Ruthvan,Jane,228,238n

S

Sabine,Texas,2,17

Saligny,Alphonsede,56,65,68,72,85,98,99n

SallyO'Frannegan(horse),341,344n

SanAntonio,Texas,42,172,185,217n

SanAugustine,Texas,6,22,23,105

SanBernard(boat),275

SanJacinto,Battleof,53,63,71,357

Sanderson,Cornelia,8,9n

Sands,Bayou,22

SantaAnna,42,43n,62n,106,185,205n,223,227,318

SantaFeexpedition,133,137,138n,195,251

Sawyer,Miss,339

SaxeWeimar(horse),140,156,162,169,195

Scott,WilliamR.,264,269n

Scurry,Johnathan,298

Scurry,Richardson,17,18n,56

Seguin,GertrudisFlores(Mrs.Juan),185,189n

Selma,Alabama,119,239

Shaw,James,161,162n,163,178,204,278,279,280n

Shelby,AnthonyB.,40,41n

Shelby,Mrs.John,341n

Shelbyville,Texas,315

Shepard,Dr.,3

Shivers,OrlandoL.,336,338n

Sims,AnnMaria,291,292n

Sims,Elizabeth,291,292n

Smith,Alfred,143,152n,173,177n

Smith,Ashbel,178,179n,206,207n,289,291n

Smith,Christian,118,119n,193n,237n

Smith,Hadley,177n

Smith,Henry,230

Smith,James,75,77,78,80n

Smith,JohnH.,167n

Smith,Major,165,168

Smith,Mr.,171,192,222

Smith,Mrs.James,75

Smith,NancyAnnMills,173,174,177n

Smith,ObedienceFort,177n,232,238n

Smith,Walter,224,237n

Smith,William,193n,237n

Snively,JacobS.,23,25n

Somerville,Andrew,216,217n,220,226

Sommerville,Alabama,59

Spillman,James,11,12n,155n,189n,280n

Spillman'sDocks(GalvestonBay),12n

Spillman'sPoint,Texas,12

St.Louis,Missouri,228

Starr,James,273

Sterne,Adolphus,39,127,128n

Stevens,Mrs.,275

Stone,Margaret("Mag"),131,142,162,163,175,188,191-92,197,207,208,210,217,220,228,229,242-43,244,255-56,266-67

Storms,JaneMcManus,357,359n

Stubblefield,John,325,326n

Sturdivant(Sturdevant),Francis,12,13n

Sublett,EasterJaneRoberts,18,19n

Sublett,Pete,327

Sublett,Phillip,15,17n,255,258n

Sydnor,John,217,218n

T

Tait(Tate),Mrs.Charles,339,340n

Tankersley,BenjaminF.,249,257n

Tarrant,Lucinda,8

Taylor,BarbaraTighlman,157,199,203,205n

Taylor,Ben,65,68,71,72

Taylor,Mrs.Ben,64

Taylor,William,201n,203,205n

Telegraph(boat),358

TelegraphandTexasRegister,105n,357,359n

Tenant,Virginia,259

Terrell(Terrill),GeorgeWhitfield,85,86n,90,107,127,132,136,144,151,152n,153,156,166,174,186,220,236,243,250,281

Teulon,GeorgeK.,258,259n

TexasSentinal,67,68n,206

TexianNavy,106,144,152n,212,224

Thompson,General,134,225

Thomsonianmedicalpractice.Seemedicalpractices

Thorn,Virginia,316,317n,331,333

TigerPoint,Texas,335

Tighlman(Thilman,Thielman),Bettie,157,228,229,237n,266

Timon,John,57,58n,69

Todd(Tod),JohnGrant,81,82n

Toland,Joseph,82,83n

Toland,Mrs.Joseph,82,83n

Tom(slave),19,20n,68,70n

TowaccanieIndiantribe,152n

Townes,S.A.,242,243n,273,339,340n,353

TravisGuards,135

Treat,James,43n

TreatywithEngland,86

TremontHotel,Galveston,216,217n

Trinity,Texas,187

Troup(horse),351

Tucker,Edmund,10,11n,40,41,63,70,88,116,117n

U

UnitedStates,195,227,332

Uzzell,Elisha,112,114n,180

V

VanNess,Cornelius,80n,148,152n,224,237n

Vance,Andrew,18,19,20,28

Vanpredillis,AlbertBaldwin,314,315n

Vasquez,Rafael,217n

VanZandt,Isaac,45,46n,126,128n,301n