The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 68, July 1964 - April, 1965 Page: 91
574 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Notes and Documents
sionally he remembered the land of his birth and his kinfolk who
still lived in beautiful Rockbridge County in the heart of the
Valley of Virginia, and on November 25, 1845, he wrote to his
first cousin, William Houston Letcher. Preserved by the Letcher
family, the following letter clearly reflects the new Sam Houston
who evolved after 184o.
Galveston, Texas
Cousin William, 25th Nov. 1845
It is very long since we have corresponded and indeed the circum-
stances, in which I have been involved would be a ready excuse to
any person, who could know or estimate my labours, for the last
eleven years. Now I have returned to the quiet of private life, and
hope to pass the remainder of my earthly existence in the bosom of
my family. It has been my lot to be happily united, to a wife that I
love, and so far, we have a young scion of the old stock. Resembling
his Grand Father, and is called for him, Sam. He is now two years,
and a half old. He has promise, enough to induce the belief, that he
will do, for a pioneer, or as I sometimes say, "he will do, to run the
line, between Texas & Mexico"! I hope he will be a useful, and pious
man. It will be the happiest destiny for the Boy.
My wife is pious, and her great desire is, that Sam should be
reared, in the fear, and admonition of the Lord. It is likewise my
desire. Not because my wife desires it, and controls me (as the world
has it) but, for sundry weighty reasons. You have, I doubt not,
heard that my wife controls me, and has reformed me, in many
respects? This is pretty true, and I tell her, that I am willing that
she should have the full benefit of my character, but it so happens,
that she gets all the credit for my good actions, and I have to endure,
all the censure of my bad ones. Thus you see that I am bankrupt, in
all good reputation. Well, so long as a good name remains in the
family, I will be satisfied.
It would render Margaret (for my wife bears a family name)
and myself very happy to visit our relations in Rockbridge, or to
see them emigrants to Texas. Upon this subject I can't advise,
though we certainly enjoy a most lovely climate, and a rich soil;
but I don't know that it would suit every one as well as it does
me. It will be proper for me to give my attention to my private
affairs, which I have much neglected owing to my official duties;
and the tumults which have existed in our country. But thanks to
a benificint [sic] God, we now [are] at rest. If I could, with my
family, visit the land of my nativity, I would be happy to do so.
There is one matter which I wish to learn something about, and
you are the only person, who can satisfy me on the subject. It is
our family. Aunt Gillespy often wished me to write down our
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 68, July 1964 - April, 1965, periodical, 1965; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101198/m1/115/: accessed March 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.