Details
HOUSTON, SAM, Texas patriot. Autograph letter signed ("Sam Houston" as President of Texas, to Major Thomas G. Western in Houston, Texas; "Washington County," 2 December 1841. One page, folio, integral address leaf with panel in Houston's bold hand and note that the letter was hand-carried by M.V.B. Lea, tear in blank portion of address leaf.
TEXAS'S NEWLY-ELECTED PRESIDENT PREPARES TO RETURN TO THE CAPITOL
Houston's letter is boldly headed "Confidential"; a one-line postcript is written across the left-hand edge of the page. "My dear Western, I wish you to call on Mrs. Houston and tell her if she should require any cash, that 'you are my Banker.' Or if you would deem it a more delicate way, write to her a note. Now this request is made upon the supposition that you can command as much as she might want, and that she might need some, tho she will command the hire of four valuable Negros after this month. There is no one more economical than she is, and I know will be. Should you find this in your power...you shall have it returned at any moment that you may desire: Yes, if it required the sacrifice of Saxe-Weimar!...
To day I met an express from the city of Austin bearing despatches connected with the reception intended for me [upon his return]. I send them to my beloved Wife, to amuse, or gratify her! They have nothing to do with the Seat of Government I presume! They need not, as they are merely in the way of courtesy....Tomorrow I hope to proceed on my way, so as to reach Austin, on the 7th instant. Matters went off well at Montgomery, and tho I am not well, embracing all other matters 'just as you would have me to be.' I hope you will write to me often, and by all means, give me the news....Salute our friend...I will write to you on my arrival at Austin. Be pleased to keep and eye to the Rancho!"
Houston had married a much younger woman, Margaret Lea, in 1840.
TEXAS'S NEWLY-ELECTED PRESIDENT PREPARES TO RETURN TO THE CAPITOL
Houston's letter is boldly headed "Confidential"; a one-line postcript is written across the left-hand edge of the page. "My dear Western, I wish you to call on Mrs. Houston and tell her if she should require any cash, that 'you are my Banker.' Or if you would deem it a more delicate way, write to her a note. Now this request is made upon the supposition that you can command as much as she might want, and that she might need some, tho she will command the hire of four valuable Negros after this month. There is no one more economical than she is, and I know will be. Should you find this in your power...you shall have it returned at any moment that you may desire: Yes, if it required the sacrifice of Saxe-Weimar!...
To day I met an express from the city of Austin bearing despatches connected with the reception intended for me [upon his return]. I send them to my beloved Wife, to amuse, or gratify her! They have nothing to do with the Seat of Government I presume! They need not, as they are merely in the way of courtesy....Tomorrow I hope to proceed on my way, so as to reach Austin, on the 7th instant. Matters went off well at Montgomery, and tho I am not well, embracing all other matters 'just as you would have me to be.' I hope you will write to me often, and by all means, give me the news....Salute our friend...I will write to you on my arrival at Austin. Be pleased to keep and eye to the Rancho!"
Houston had married a much younger woman, Margaret Lea, in 1840.