Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Houston, Sam (1793-1863) to William Letcher re: Houston's retirement and first born son

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06774 Author/Creator: Houston, Sam (1793-1863) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1845/11/25 Pagination: 3 p. + addr. + docket 28.2 x 22.7 cm Order a Copy

Concerning Houston's desire for a life of happy domesticity in retirement, "to pass the remainder of my earthly existence" with his wife ("she gets all the credit for my good actions, and I have to endure all the censure of my bad ones.") and first-born son ("he will do for pioneer").

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources