TABLE OF CONTENTS
Descriptive Summary
Biographical Note
Scope and Contents
Organization
Index Terms
Related Material
Administrative Information
Description of Series
Original documents:
Photostats (unbound):
Family history,
1831-1957 and
undated
News releases and newspaper clippings,
1849-1941
Houston family poetry,
1839-1865
Sam Houston
James Harper Starr
Photostats (bound):
Transcripts (unbound): Correspondence of and concerning Sam
Houston,
1824-1866, undated, and
fragments
Transcripts (bound):
Calendar of letters and documents:
Land grants signed by Sam Houston,
1828 and 1860
Calendar of Original
Documents
|
A Guide to the Sam Houston Papers, 1814-1957
| | |
|
|
| Creator | Houston, Sam,
1793-1863. |
| Title | Sam Houston Papers
|
| Dates: | 1814-1957 |
| Abstract | Papers document the life
of Sam Houston, including military service, as congressman from and governor of
Tennessee, as commander-in-chief of the army in the Texas Revolution, as
president of the Republic of Texas, as United States senator from and governor
of the state of Texas. Many important state and national figures, especially
Andrew Jackson, are represented, as well as personal friends and family
members. |
| Extent | 6 ft., 5 in. |
| Language | Materials are in
English. |
| Repository | Center for American History, The
University of Texas at Austin |
Sam Houston's colorful public life began with his heroic action during
the War of 1812. He served as congressman and governor of Tennessee, spent
years among the Indians, was commander-in-chief of the Texas army in the Texas
Revolution, then president of the Republic of Texas, and later Texas senator
and governor.
Chronology of Houston's life:
| | |
| March 2, 1793 | Houston's birth to Samuel and Elizabeth (Paxton) Houston in
Rockbridge County, Virginia |
| 1813 | Enlisted in the United States Army |
| May 1818 | Resigned from the Army as a first lieutenant, to begin the study
of law |
| October 1818 | Elected district attorney of Nashville, Tennesse,
district |
| ca. 1819 | Appointed adjutant general of the Tennessee state militia with
rank of colonel |
| 1821 | Elected major general of the state militia |
| 1823 | Elected to U.S. House of Representatives as delegate from
Tennessee |
| 1825 | Re-elected to U.S. Congress |
| 1827 | Elected governor of Tennessee |
| 1829 | Married and separated from Eliza H. Allen of Gallatin,
Tennessee |
| 1829 | Resigned as governor of Tennessee |
| 1829-1835 | Served as business and diplomatic agent for the Cherokees in the
Indian Territory |
| 1832 | Houston's probable first trip into Texas |
| 1833 | Returned to Texas to attend the Convention of 1833 as a
representative of Nacogdoches |
| 1835 | Elected delegate to the Consultation, and the General Council
elected him major general of the Texas Army |
| 1836 | Elected delegate to the Convention of 1836; elected
commander-in-chief of the Texas Army; led army to victory at the Battle of San
Jacinto on April 21 |
| 1836-1838 | Elected and served as President of the Republic of Texas |
| 1839-1841 | Elected and served as representative from San Augustine County
to the Fourth and Fifth Congresses |
| 1840 | Married Margaret Moffette Lea in Marion, Alabama |
| 1841-1844 | Elected and served second term as President of the Republic of
Texas |
| 1845 | Elected delegate from Montgomery County to the Convention of
1845 |
| 1846-1859 | Elected by the Texas Legislature to the U.S. Senate |
| 1856 | Discussed as possible presidential candidate for the
Know-Nothing Party |
| 1857 | Defeated in election for governor of Texas |
| 1859 | Elected governor of Texas |
| 1860 | Discussed as possible presidential candidate for the
Constitutional Union Party |
| 1861 | Declined to take the oath of allegiance to the Confederacy and
was ousted as governor by the Secession Convention |
| July 26, 1863 | Died at his home in Huntsville, Texas |
Return to the Table of Contents
Papers document the life of Sam Houston including his military service
under Andrew Jackson and his term as congressman from Tennessee and governor of
that state, his life among the Indians, and his service to Texas as
commander-in-chief of the army in the Texas Revolution, twice president of the
Republic of Texas, one of Texas's first two senators, and governor of the
state. Many important state and national figures are represented here,
especially Andrew Jackson, as well as personal friends and family members.
Included in addition to the small series of original documents are two series
of photocopies and two of transcripts, each of which varies to some extent from
the others.
Return to the Table of Contents
| | |
Organization
|
| Correspondence, financial and legal documents, broadsides, newspaper
clippings, and family history organized by type of material: original
documents, photostats unbound, photostats bound, transcripts, calendar, and by
subject. |
| | |
Arrangement
|
| Arranged chronologically under type of material and/or subject. |
Return to the Table of Contents
| | |
|
|
| |
| Subjects (Persons) |
| | Daingerfield, William
Henry, 1808-1878. |
| | Henderson, James Pinckney,
1808-1858. |
| | Hockley, George Washington,
1802-1854. |
| | Houston, John A. |
| | Houston, Sam,
1793-1863--Archives. |
| | Houston family. |
| | Irion, Anna Raguet,
1819-1883. |
| | Jackson, Andrew,
1767-1845. |
| | Johns, Clement Reed,
1816-1886. |
| | Jones, Anson,
1798-1858. |
| | Lea family. |
| | Miller, Washington D.,
1814-1866. |
| | Prentiss, James. |
| | Rusk, Thomas Jefferson,
1803-1857. |
| | Santa Anna, Antonio Lopez
de, 1794?-1876. |
| | Smith, Ashbel,
1805-1886. |
| | Somervell, Alexander,
1796-1854. |
| | Ward, Thomas William,
1807-1872. |
| | Yoakum, Henderson King,
1810-1856. |
| Subjects |
| | Cherokee
Indians--History--Sources. |
| | Indians of North
America--Texas. |
| | Indians of North
America--Government relations. |
| | San Jacinto, Battle of,
1836. |
| | Secession. |
| | Kansas-Nebraska
bill. |
| Places |
| | Tennessee--Governors. |
| | Texas-Annexation to the
United States. |
| | Texas--Governors. |
| | Texas--History--Civil War,
1861-1865. |
| | Texas--History--Republic,
1836-1846. |
| | Texas--History--Revolution,
1835-1836. |
| | United States--History--War
of 1812. |
| Other Authors |
| | Houston, Margaret Lea,
1819-1867. |
Return to the Table of Contents
| | |
|
James R. and Ewing B. Irion: Houston - Anna Raguet Papers, Center for
American History, The University of Texas at Austin
Sam Houston Hearne Collection, Center for American History, The
University of Texas at Austin
|
Return to the Table of Contents
Sam Houston Papers, 1814-1957, Center for American History, The
University of Texas at Austin.
Sam Houston writings published as: Houston, Sam, 1793-1863. The Writings
of Sam Houston, 1813-1863, edited by Amelia W. Williams and Eugene C. Barker.
(Austin, Tex., University of Texas Press, 1938-1943). 8 vols.
Return to the Table of Contents
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Original documents:
|
| (see also the Calendar of Original Documents near end of
inventory) |
| box |
| 2E250 | | | General correspondence,
1815, 1835-1843 |
| | | General correspondence,
1844-1863 and
undated |
| | | Presidential letters,
1842-1844 |
| | | Sam Houston-James Prentiss correspondence,
March-June 1832 |
| | | Sam Houston-James Prentiss correspondence,
July 1832-April
1834 |
| | | Miscellaneous correspondence concerning Sam Houston,
1905-1942 |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Photostats (unbound):
|
| box |
| 2E250 | | | General correspondence: |
| | | | 1814-1835 |
| | | | January-June
1836 |
| | | | July-December
1836 |
| box |
| 2E251 | | | | 1837-1839 |
| | | | 1840-1842 |
| | | | 1843-1845 |
| | | | 1846-1848 |
| | | | 1849-1850 |
| | | | 1851-1853 |
| | | | 1854-1856 |
| | | | 1857-1859 |
| box |
| 2E252 | | | | 1860-1861 |
| | | | and fragments 1862-1867, undated,
|
| | | | 1870-1938 and
undated |
| | | Financial affairs,
1824-1862 |
| | | Legal and official documents,
1819-1863 and
undated |
| | | Letters mentioning Sam Houston,
1854-1860 |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| box |
| 2E252 | | Family history,
1831-1957 and
undated |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| box |
| 2E252 | | News releases and newspaper clippings,
1849-1941 |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| box |
| 2E252 | | Houston family poetry,
1839-1865 |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
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| 2E252 | | Photostats (bound): Sam Houston
v. James Harper Starr |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Photostats (bound):
|
| box |
| 2E253 | | | General correspondence: |
| | | | Part I,
1815-1832 |
| | | | Part II,
1833-1838 |
| | | | Part III,
1839-1844 |
| | | | Part IV,
1845-1859 |
| | | | Part V,
1860-1924 and
undated |
Return to the Table of Contents
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| box |
| 2E253 | | Transcripts (unbound): Correspondence of and concerning Sam
Houston,
1824-1866, undated, and
fragments |
Return to the Table of Contents
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Transcripts (bound):
|
| box |
| 2R45 | | | General correspondence: |
| | | | Vol. I,
February 1815-July
1830 |
| | | | Vol. II,
July 1830-January
1836 |
| | | | Vol. III,
January 1836-January
1837 |
| | | | Vol. IV,
January 1837-July
1839 |
| box |
| 2R46 | | | | Vol. V,
July 1838-January
1842 |
| | | | Vol. VI,
January 1842-July
1842 |
| | | | Vol. VII,
July 1842-January
1843 |
| | | | Vol. VIII,
January 1843-July
1843 |
| box |
| 2R47 | | | | Vol. IX,
July 1843-July
1844 |
| | | | Vol. X,
July 1844-July
1847 |
| | | | Vol. XI,
July 1847-January
1853 |
| | | | Vol. XII,
January 1853-March
1856 |
| box |
| 2R48 | | | | Vol. XIII,
March 1856-March
1860 |
| | | | Vol. XIV,
March 1860-June
1860 |
| | | | Vol. XV,
June 1860-January
1861 |
| | | | Vol. XVI,
January 1861-May
1928 |
| | | | Volume of selected duplicates,
1835-1859 |
| box |
| 2R49 | | | Houston correspondence unpublished: |
| | | | Vol. 1,
1817-1836 |
| | | | Vol. 2,
1837-1841 |
| | | | Vol. 3,
1842 |
| | | | Vol. 4,
1843-1844 |
| | | | Vol. 5,
1845-1850 |
| | | | Vol. 6,
1851-1859 |
| box |
| 2R50 | | | | Vol. 7,
January 1860-May
1860 |
| | | | Vol. 8,
May 1860-August
1860 |
| | | | Vol. 9,
September 1860-December
1860 |
| | | | Vol. 10,
January 1861-June
1861 |
| | | | Vol. 11,
July 1861-1908 and
undated |
| box |
| 2R51 | | | Copies of speeches and remarks from the
Congressional Globe: |
| | | | Part 1,
1846-1850 |
| | | | Part 2,
1851-1854 |
| | | | Part 3,
1854-1858 |
| | | | Part 4,
1858 |
| box |
| 2R52 | | | | Part 5,
1858-1859 |
| | | State of Texas Executive Record Book: |
| | | | 1859-1860
(2 copies) |
| | | | [1860-1861 missing] |
| | | | Form letters,
27 December 1859-16 March
1861 |
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| |
Calendar of letters and documents:
|
| box |
| 2R53 | | | Part I,
1815-1836
(2 copies) |
| | | Part II,
1837-1841
(2 copies) |
| box |
| 2R54 | | | Part III,
1842
(2 copies) |
| | | Part IV,
1843-1859
(2 copies) |
| box |
| 2R55 | | | Part V,
1860
(2 copies) |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| 3S175 | | Land grants signed by Sam Houston,
1828 and 1860 |
| box |
| 2.325V/57 | | | Oversize documents |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| box |
| 2E250 | | Calendar of Original
Documents |
| | [See Original Documents series for locations.] |
| Sam Houston, Dandridge, to Alexander Campbell, Lexington, Va.,
April 25, 1815. Concerns plans for the future: "At any time I am willing to
sacrifice my wish to the welfare of the Republic." |
| Sam Houston, Harrisburgh, Ky., to Robert Brent, July 26, 1815.
Is afraid he was paid more than he should have been and will repay it. |
| Sam Houston, Nacogdoches, to James Prentiss, New York, April
9, 1835. Letter of introduction for Colonel James Smith. |
| Sam Houston, San Felipe, to Messrs Austin, Archer, &
Wharton, December 19, 1835. Letter of introduction for Major Chas. E. Hawkins
who is "anxious to embark in the Naval Service of Texas." |
| Sam Houston, Nacogdoches, to John A. Quitman, Natchez, Miss.,
February 12, 1836. Thanking him for the present of a Polish Lager and his
sentiments on behalf of Texas and inviting him to come to the aid of Texas.
|
| Sam Houston announcing confirmation of appointment [of Stephen
F. Austin] to be secretary of state, October 29, 1836. |
| Sam Houston, Columbia, Texas, to Colonel H. Raguet, December
31, 1836. Season's greetings. Is about to set out for the army. |
| Sam Houston, Columbia, Texas, to Major Wm. B. Lewis,
Washington City, January 1, 1837. Letter of introduction for General M. Hunt.
|
| Sam Houston, Columbia, Texas, to General Thomas Jefferson
Green, January 1, 1837. Houston conveys to Green the urgent need of new
volunteers and more troops to preserve the newly-won independence of Texas. “It
is 4 o’clock in the morning and I have had no rest since we parted…” Houston
also stresses the importance of letters he is sending to General Hamilton via
General Hunt. |
| Proclamation by the President of the Republic of Texas,
Houston, June 30, 1838. Offers a reward for apprehension of James Aldridge who
killed a Choctaw Indian. |
| Sam Houston, Houston, December 5, 1838. Certifies that Wyly
Martin of Fort Bend County served as captain in the army and is entitled to an
honorable discharge. |
| Sam Houston, San Augustine, to W.D. Miller, Austin, October
12, 1841. Wants him to be his private secretary though he is a candidate for
chief clerk of the House of Representatives. Supports Colonel Anderson for
Speaker. |
| San Houston, Houston, to W.D. Miller, Austin, February 15,
1842. Views as to Santa Anna's policy. |
| Sam Houston, Houston, to W.D. Miller, Austin, March 17, 1842.
Needs his help. Has ordered the archives to Houston. Will press the cause
against Mexico. |
| Sam Houston to W.D. Miller, January 8, 1843. Requests pistols
and mold. |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to Andrew Jackson, January 31,
1843. Copy. Expresses gratitude to Jackson for his friendship and advice and
explains his own political philosophy. |
| District Court, Fall Term, 1843. Sam Houston vs. Elisha
Roberts, damages for failure to pay lawyer's fee. |
| Sam Houston, San Augustine, Texas, to W.D. Miller, Washington,
Texas, August 26, 1844. Filling Judge Jack's place because of his death. "I
hope that I have quelled the Shelbyville riot." |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to Margaret Houston, Liberty,
to be delivered to Grand Cane, September 28, 1844. Expresses his sorrow over
her illness and that he must be away. Has taken quinine, which makes his hand
shake. "Dr. Jones, I suppose, is elected by some 1700 votes." |
| Sam Houston, Washington City, to George Bancroft, April 2,
1846. Submits letters of two Texans desirous of becoming midshipmen. Note: No
vacancy. |
| Sam Houston, Senate Chamber, to President Polk, June 5, 1846.
Letter supporting Thomas W. McCaslan's application for post of military
storekeeper. |
| T. Pilsbury, David Kaufman, and Sam Houston, Washington City,
February 26, 1849. Letter of recommendation for Thruston M. Taylor. |
| Sam Houston, Huntsville, to W.C. Abbott, November 13, 1852.
Desires a suit to be brought against James Davis to establish title to land.
|
| Sam Houston to Mrs. Carr, April 8, 1853. Regards recovery of
deceased husband's pension. |
| Sam Houston to Steen Billé, Washington, March 4, 1854.
Transmitting document to chargé d'affaires. Envelope included. |
| Sam Houston, Independence, to Governor E.M. Pease, Austin,
November 7, 1854. Expresses his view that proposed railroad stock is a fraud.
|
| Sam Houston, Washington, to Dr. J.M. Strans [?], [Boston],
January 25, 1855. Concerns speeches he is to give. |
| Sam Houston, Senate Chamber, to Rev. G.W. Samson, March 3,
1857. Sends him wife's letter; invites him to call. |
| Sam Houston, Huntsville, to A.M. Alexander, September 8, 1857.
Supporters should not be crestfallen because he was not elected governor. "I
have the noblest, best, & truest friends of any man on earth." |
| Sam Houston, Huntsville, to Mary M. Carr, Palestine, August 5,
1858. Comments on the perfidy of the heirs of her father for not wanting to pay
the expenses she incurred obtaining his pension. |
| Sam Houston to the editor of the Gazette, August 24, 1858. Returns newspaper sent to him
with "morceau" marked. |
| Clement R. Johns, Comptroller's Office, to Sam Houston, March
22, 1860. Answers Houston's charges about his actions as state comptroller in
regard to interest warrents. |
| Sam Houston, Executive Department, to Major S.W. Blain, Fort
Arbuckle, April 16, 1860. Comments on cause of feelings against the Indians on
the reservation. |
| Sam Houston, Austin, to [S.A.] Blain, September 4, 1860. Sorry
he has resigned and has no place for him. Surprised at action of supposed
friend. |
| Sam Houston, Cedar Point, to Dr. Kuhn, June 14, 1861. Sends
some of his whittling. |
| Tribute of respect on the death of Sam Houston announced on
August 1, 1863, from Knight Templar Encampment. Signed by Pease, Raven, Elgin,
Harrell, and Merrill. |
| Sam Houston to Mr. C. Lyon [undated]. Will be happy to receive
Caleb Lyon. |
| John M. Hansford to Sam Houston [undated]. Recommendation for
appointment of Hiram Baker as district attorney for the 7th District. |
| [Sam Houston], Houston, to M. de Saligny, July 8, 1842. Draft
of letter of condolence on death of Saligny's father and regret that he plans
to leave because of health. |
| Sam Houston, Houston, one copy to Captain Elliot and one to
Judge Eve, September 20, 1842. Letter to American & British chargé
d'affaires asking for meeting. |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to General A. Somervell,
October 5, 1842. He is to proceed to the Rio Grande and advance into enemy
territory if there is a prospect of success. Reveals his philosophy of warfare.
|
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to Geo. W. Terrell, October
21, 1842. Concerns Indian trading houses and visit of Indian chiefs with
Houston. |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to General Taylor, Fort
Gibson, December 9, 1842. Letter for [James W.] Parker to present when he goes
to try to identify a white boy who has been acquired from the Indians. |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to Colonel Daingerfield, sec'y
of the treasury, December 10, 1842. Request to advance James W. Parker $75 from
fund "for the redemption of Captives from the Indians." |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to Colonel John Warren,
January 18, 1843. Letter telling Warren to proceed to Port of Velasco and there
work on plan of fortification for which $1000 has been appropriated. |
| Sam Houston to G.W. Hill, January 24, 1843. Comments on Mier
Expedition and that Texans should stop at the river and should be home raising
crops. |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to M.P. Woodhouse, January 27,
1843. Woodhouse is to assume the duties of acting secretary of the treasury and
authorize Gail Borden to advance money to the navy. |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to Colonel P.C. Watrow,
February 3, 1843. The colonel is to take prisoners to the treaty grounds. Any
interference with getting the release of our people is to be punished under the
law. |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to Indian chiefs of the border
tribes, February 13, 1843. Urges peace treaty and trade and invites chiefs to
visit him. |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to Judge Jos. Eve, February
17, 1843. Finds subject of annexation is well received. Expresses hope Eve will
give him news. He means to have "our exchequer at par." |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to Indian Chief Linney, March
5, 1843. Encourages peace and settlement of Delaware, Shawnees, Kickapoo
Indians on the Brazos where they may raise corn and trade. They must treat bad
Indians as enemies. |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to John Hall, 13 March 1843.
Appointing him acting secretary of state during absence of Anson Jones. |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to Sah-sah-rokee, Kechi chief,
January 31, 1844. Chief has talked to Houston and must now take his words to
Comanches and Kiowas so there may be peace. Calls for another meeting. |
| Sam Houston, Washington, Texas, to Joseph Ellis, August 1,
1844. Appointing him agent of Alabama and Coshatee Indians and is to protect
them and direct them in the "walks of peace." |
| 1. Sam Houston, New York, to James Prentiss, New York, March
27, 1832. Discusses his 10 acres in Tennessee on which gold has been found.
|
| 2. James Prentiss, New York, to Sam Houston, April 5, 1832.
Expecting news that may require Houston's immediate departure if he is still
interested. |
| 3. Sam Houston, Washington, D.C., to James Prentiss, New York,
April 8, 1832. Can come to New York if called and then go to Texas but has
decided at all events to go to Texas in the spring or summer. Can get the
consulate at Matamoros for Mr. Pearse. |
| 4. James Prentiss, New York, to James [sic] Houston, April 15,
1832. News from Vera Cruz: Santa Anna confidant of success. The state of
affairs may advance their views, so he should go. |
| 5. Sam Houston, Washington, D.C., to James Prentiss, New York,
May 1, 1832. Is involved in his trial in the U.S. House. Will come as soon as
possible. Pearse is now consul to Matamoros. Expecting evidence as to the value
of his gold mine. |
| 6. James Prentiss, New York, to James [sic] Houston, May 18,
1832. Houston should learn of any news sent by Butler from Mexico before he
comes. Asks about Mr. Pearse's whereabouts and says he has given his friend,
Mr. Egorten, a letter of introduction to Houston. |
| 7. James Prentiss, New York, to Sam Houston, May 21, 1832. He
should wait in Washington to find out import of dispatches from Vera Cruz.
Would like Houston to help Chas. A. Clinton, son of DeWitt Clinton, to be
appointed one of the commissioners under the treaty with France. |
| 8. James Prentiss, New York, to James [sic] Houston, May 24,
1832. Sorry to hear that Houston is held up in Washington. Should not let
anything prevent him from this business. Mr. Mason will return soon from Texas
and Coahuila with news so should await his return. Repeats request for aid for
appointment for Elias A. Clinton. Reports that Mr. Pearse has not been
appointed consul at Matamoros as Houston had said. |
| 9. Agreement between Sam Houston & James Prentiss, New
York, June 1, 1832. Cancelled. Houston agrees to go to Texas to purchase rights
or shares in the Leftwich Grant and make terms with Austin and others who claim
an interest in it. Benefit therefrom to be divided equally between them.
Prentiss has delivered and transferred certificates for 8 sitios and 100 labors
in Dominguez Grant to Houston to use to buy the above for which Houston is to
pay 1/2 in a year. |
| 10. Memorandum concerning settlement by note of cost of land
transferred to Houston, June 1, 1832. |
| 11. James Prentiss, New York, to Sam Houston, June 4, 1832.
When Houston left, Prentiss forgot to give him maps and pamphlets. These he
will send. Explains the details of Arkansas & Texas Land Co. scrip he has
given him. Says he may decline the deal and send it back. Also must decide
about the Dominguez scrip and Galveston Bay Co. scrip. Wants to hear about
Houston's trial. |
| 11a. Enclosed sheet listing places and persons with symbols.
|
| 12. Sam Houston, Washington, to James Prentiss, New York, June
9, 1832. Concerns Prentiss's son, Mr Clinton's appointment, the Bank Bill,
General Mason, opinions as to the future of Texas, his trip to Texas, and land
holdings. |
| 13. Sam Houston, Washington, to James Prentiss, New York, June
12, 1832. People are questioning him about terms, but he says nothing and will
not dispose of any scrip. |
| 14. [James Prentiss], New York, to Sam Houston, June 13, 1832.
Funds are ready. Will get small amount for expenses of a companion. Still wants
him to wait for General Mason and his news. Discusses land deals and says
Beales has received a 6-year extension on land that was to expire. Mentions
son, Clinton, Bank Bill, and requests information on any other pertinent
topics. Includes a cypher. |
| 15. Sam Houston, Washington, to James Prentiss, New York, June
16, 1832. Anxious to be off. No word from General Mason. They should not trust
Mr. Pearse. |
| 16. John A. Wharton, New Orleans, to Sam Houston, Washington,
June 2, 1832. [Enclosed in letter to James Prentiss of June 16, 1832.] Letter
of support in his trial in the House. Will be with the Texans when they are
ready for action. Asks Houston to procure a passport for him. Wonders if he
should apply to be secretary of legation to Mexico. |
| 17. Sam Houston, Washington, to James Prentiss, New York, June
17, 1832. Concerns effort to obtain grant for navigation of the Rio Grande del
Norte. Should use names of Banker Bradley and Congressman Sam P. Carson instead
of Mr. R. Pearse who has acted badly toward General Arnold. Discusses his
trial. Will furnish inducement to Mr. Noland. |
| 18. Sam Houston, Washington, to James Prentiss, New York, June
20, 1832. No need to wait for General Mason. Has all ready to set out at a
moment's notice. |
| 19. Sam Houston, Washington, to James Prentiss, June 27, 1832.
To be tried tomorrow. Has a friend, Carson of North Carolina, who would like a
share of his share if this is possible. "That fool Butler [minister to Mexico]
is cutting some capers." |
| 20. Sam Houston, Washington, to James Prentiss, June 28, 1832.
Was fined $500 along party lines. Will be off. Mentions "dubious gentlemen,"
Butler and Miller, Mason who has not arrived, Prentiss's son whom he did not
meet, and "poor Pearse" for whom he has done what he could. |
| 21. Sam Houston, Washington, to James Prentiss, New York, July
10, 1832. Will be off tomorrow or the next day. Repeats his feelings about
Mason and Butler. Will return scrip if he thinks he can't do anything with it.
His friend Major Carson has already left so will not be accompanying him. His
answer to the report of the committee on the fraud matter is in tomorrow's
Globe. Stanbery may be expelled tomorrow. The Bank
Bill will be vetoed. |
| 22. Sam Houston, Washington, to Daniel Jackson, New York, July
12, 1832. Is ill, but will start out for Nashville tomorrow. If plan goes
through, money will be sent Houston. Houston will pay his debt later. if plan
does not progress, he will go on his own but not take advantage of his
knowledge to use against friends. No news from General Mason and is skeptical
about the good Mason can do. |
| 23. James Prentiss, New York, to Sam Houston, Nashville, July
31, 1832. Cholera epidemic has made it impossible to do business. Can't get the
money for Houston. General Mason returned and advises they wait, but he
disagrees. Mason got extensions of grants, was with Austin in Saltillo. Houston
should not leave until he hears from Prentiss again. |
| 24. [James Prentiss], New York, to Sam Houston [Nashville],
August 18, 1832. Cholera is still raging; still can't do business. Pearse says
he has been suspended because of withdrawal of General Arnold's recommendation
and has done no wrong. Asks for a statement of the facts. |
| 25. Sam Houston, Nashville, to James Prentiss, New York,
August 18, 1832. Needs money. Will leave for the Arkansas on the last day of
the month where he has $1800 due him. Has heard from friends that Texas is a
"prosperous and lovely region." Needs a settled government to attract settlers.
|
| 26. Sam Houston, Nashville, to James Prentiss, September 11,
1832. Answers query as to Pearse's wrong doing. Since no funds have arrived, he
will leave scrip behind and depart. Will carry out their personal agreement
about the Leftwich Grant but cannot work for company since he has no money or
instructions. |
| 27. Sam Houston, Nashville, to James Prentiss, New York,
September 15, 1832. Is leaving in the morning. Things have not turned out well.
Has sent a receipt for scrip and wants notes returned. If money and
instructions have been sent, they will be forwarded. |
| 28. James Prentiss, New York, to Sam Houston, March 8, 1834.
Asks if U.S. will honor Mexican land grants and what U.S. views on Texas are.
Repeats news of Texas, especially about Austin and Mexia, and hopes still to
secure Houston's services. |
| 29. Sam Houston, New York, to James Prentiss, March 28, 1834.
Is not and has never been employed by any land company or persons concerning
Texas lands. States terms under which he would accept such employment. |
| 30. James Prentiss, New York, to Sam Houston, April 1, 1834.
Sorry he cannot get Galveston Bay and Texas Land Company people to pay
Houston's required fee. Houston may locate the two leagues and fifty sitios
they hold together. Houston should make profit selling |
| 31. Sam Houston, Washington, D.C., to James Prentiss, New
York, April 11, 1834. Will take care of business of Prentiss and his brother.
Would accept less to work for the company since he is hard up for money. Asks
Prentiss to get a map that he left at City Hotel in New York and send it to
him. Has heard that Austin is home. |
| 32. James Prentiss, New York, to Sam Houston, April 15, 1834.
Galveston Bay & Texas Land Company has given General Mason instructions
about agents, and Houston must apply to him. Letter from Mexico dated February
13 says Austin is there in prison. Wishes information about anything concerning
owners of grants. Sent map. |
| 33. Sam Houston, Washington, D.C., to James Prentiss, New
York, April 20, 1834. Prophesies that Texas will be a sovereign state within
one year and separate from Mexico in three. Butler reports revolution in
Mexico. "Santa Ana [sic] aspires to the Purple."
Will leave for the West on Thursday. |
| 34. Sam Houston, Washington, D.C., to James Prentiss, New
York, April 24, 1834. Land company will need him more than he will want them.
Texas cannot remain as she is but will not be acquired by treaty by U.S. during
General Jackson's administration, for senate would not ratify such a treaty.
Houston will pursue a course for "the true interests of Texas" and "to preserve
her integrity to the Confederacy of Mexico." |
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