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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 John H. Houston

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00453 Author/Creator: Houston, Sam (1793-1863) Place Written: Nashville Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 June 1825 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

re: reasons for not marrying and political plans. JHH was Houston's cousin. Also concerning his not running for governor.

Nashville
3d June 1825

My dear cousin,
Your highly valued favor of the 16th Ult has just been received, and my reply to it is to me much pleasure. I correct an error into which you have been led with great pleasure. There was no difficulty in my way in So. Carolina, but my own situation at home. I had not provided a House for the reception of madam, when I wou'd bring her home. I had no relations in 200 miles of this place where she cou'd stay at. It wou'd have been unpleasant and unsuitable, for her to have staid alone at a Farm or Boarding house, during this summer, and when in south carolina I was assured that W Grundy wou'd pole against me for congress; and owing to this circumstance I was induced to think [2] that I wou'd be engaged from home in the District this summer, and cou'd not be with madam, and that among strangers and alone, her situation wou'd be unpleasant! Furthermore I had been assured that personal difficulties awaited me at home, and was asked by my friends to come home and look to matters, and if I was single, when these things were made known to me, to come home in a single situation. All but my personal difficulties were submitted to the family, and I left there with a promise to return next fall, by the 1st of November. I intend to do so, let what may, take place - I was employ'd in a suit, in Marlboro, and am to be there by the court on the 1st Monday in November. The fee is one thousand dollars - It is a will case, in which Tennessee, & So Carolina are jointly interested!
I will not run for Governor this time, but presume I will return to [3] Congress. I have serious opposition, and do not doubt my election. W Grundy will not be out this canvass. My personal affairs must be settled in my own way, or not at all!
I like your suggestions respecting politicks - I accord with you in all of them! I will present you to the General & all his family, in the meantime let me assure you that you are [a great] favorite with all the family! And [possess] there [sic] best regard. Tell your dear ----- that your friend Houston salutes her with his warmest regard, and will be happy to meet her of my own name. Give my regard to W Pleasontons family, and to Mrs. Watson's. Comply with my request in all things, and write to me soon. also fully - commend me affectionately, to all our friends!
Thine forever
Sam Houston
Jno H. Houston esq.

[Address:]
Jno. H. Houston esq.
Washington City
C. District
[Docket]:
3rd June, 1825
Hon. Saml Houston
Nashville
Ten.

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