Life and select literary remains of Sam Houston of Texas

by William Carey Crane

LIFE

AND

SELECT LITERARY REMAINS

OF

SAM HOUSTON,

OF TEXAS.

TWO VOLS. IN ONE

BY

WILLIAM CAREY CRANE, D.D., LL.D.,

President qf the Baylor University, Independence, Texas.

PHILADELPHIA:

J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY.

1884

COPYRIGHT SECURED, 1884. BY

Wm. Carey Crane.

PREFACE.

 

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IN the year 1865, Mrs. Margaret Moffette Lea Houston (widow of Gen. Sam Houston), with whom I had become acquainted at Marion, Ala., in August, 1839, when she was Miss Lea, requested me to undertake to write the life and edit and publish the literary remains of her husband. I did not then feel competent to the task, especially as I had only seen the General twice in my life, once at the President's house in 1846, and again on the floor of the U. S. Senate in 1852; on both occasions while I was with our mutual friend, Hon. Stephen Adams, M. C. from Mississippi. With reluctance I consented, in the belief that the parties to whom she referred me for aid and information would give me their assistance. None of these parties have, to this day, given me any aid, except two; to whom due credit has been given in this work. All counselled delay. An extract from one of the gentlemen named as my counsellor and assistant, will account in some measure for delay. It is dated March 23, 1866: "It does not seem to me that there is any pressing urgency to present the Life and Labors of Gen. Houston to the world. It is true that they will possess a paramount interest so long as the Republic, or State, or Country of Texas, whichever it may be, shall possess an interest for men; yet even in this view there is an advantage in bringing out a book in an opportune time. At the present time every mind that thinks is powerfully, often painfully preoccupied with the strange, anomalous, grave condition of our affairs, with the uncertainty of our future and of that of the gigantic Government of the United States." The writer of the letter from which this extract is taken referred me to my old schoolmate and fellow-townsman in Richmond, Va., Major James W. Scott, of Houston, and Washington D. Miller, Esq., the admirable private secretary of Gen. Houston. Both of these gentlemen have passed away; but each did all he could to put me in possession of needed information.

From Mrs. Houston I had one positive injunction; which was, to have at least one chapter setting forth Gen. Houston's religious character; which I have given. I have consulted the following authorities:

1. "Private Records of Sam Houston's Administration of the Presidency of the Republic, from 1841 to 1844." A most important written volume, the most valuable of Houston's literary remains.

2. C. Edwards Lester's "Houston and his Republic."

3. Hon. Ashbel Smith's "Reminiscences of the Texas Republic."

4. Col. V. O. King's "Battle of San Jacinto viewed from American and Mexican Stand-points."

5. Articles in "Texas Almanac "of 1859, viz.: (i) "Compendium of Early History of Texas." (2) Gen. Sam Houston. (3) Life of Stephen F. Austin. (4) Life of Gen. Edward Burleson. (5) Dr. N. D. Labadie's " San Jacinto Campaign and Texan Revolution."

6. Col. Alexander Horton's "Sketch of War of '36," Eastern Texan, San Augustine, Aug. i, 1857.

7. Letters of W. S. Taylor, Esq., and Gen. Sidney Sherman's Correspondence

8. Correspondence of W. M. Gilleland and R. J. Calder, Esqrs.

9. Correspondence of W. H. Dangerfield, Secretary of the Treasury, and Minister to France.

10. Rev. H. S. Thrall's "History of Texas."

11. Yoakum's "History of Texas."

12. Gen. Waddy Thompson's "Recollections of Mexico."

13. A large mass of letters, pamphlets, and newspapers.

I have been aided by the kind counsels of many gentlemen; especially by the Hon. Ashbel Smith, who prepared the very able chapter on the Finances of Texas during Houston's Presidencies and the Rev. Geo. W. Samson, D.D., now of New York City, who furnished the chapters on Houston's Congressional Career. Dr. Samson has furnished the main points of speeches which are not placed among the State papers; it would require a dozen volumes to publish every document. Major Moses Austin Bryan has aided me in important verbal statements. Prof. C. H. Wedemeyer and my son, Royston Campbell Crane, also have given very valuable aid. C. Edwards Lester, having written "Houston and his Republic," utider the same roof in Washington City with Gen. Houston, and Mrs. Houston having informed me that Gen. H. had told her that Lester's book was the only reliable account of him then written, I have taken his statements without question, and often used his language, although consulting and comparing all varied statements with his points of fact. While I have had the countenance and aid of all Gen. Houston's children, I am especially indebted to his son-in-law, W. L. Williams, Esq., and his lady, Mrs. Maggie Houston Williams, and also to Temple Houston, Esq. I am largely indebted to my lifelong friend. Dr. Samson, already alluded to, for assistance in this work indispensable to its success.

The truth, without fear, favor, or affection, has been the only aim in the preparation of this work. Little reference has been made to the Santa Fé Expedition. Gen. Houston's relation to it was mainly to save it from disaster. Let the people of Texas read this volume with the earnest desire to obtain a satisfactory history of the life, times, and labors of Sam Houston; which it is believed these pages will afford to the candid reader.

WM. CAREY CRANE.

Baylor University, Independence, Texas, Jan. 26, 1884.

	PAGE
Chapter I. Early History of Texas before the Battle of San Jacinto — The Name — Spanish and French Efforts at Colonization — Moses Austin and his Colony of Three Hundred Families — Stephen F. Austin— Sam Houston	9
Chapter II. Parentage and Early Life — First Efforts in Education — His Boy-life among the Cherokee Indians	17
Chapter III. His Early Military Career — Common Soldier, Orderly-Sergeant, Ensign, Lieutenant — Battle of Tohopeka — Service under Gen. Coffee and Gen. Andrew Jackson	24
Chapter IV. Studies Law — Admitted to the Bar — Letters of S. V. Drake and F. Golladay — District Attorney — Major-General — Member of Congress — Governor — First marriage — Reasons for Leaving his first Wife — Departure to the Indians	31
Chapter V. Life among the Indians — Wrongs done them — His condemnation of such Wrongs — His Difficulty with Hon. Mr. Stansbury, of Ohio— The Caning — Trial by House of Representatives and Courts of D. C.	39
Chapter VI. Texas Struggling — Houston's first Visit to Texas — Letter to Gen. Jackson — Letter of John Van Fossen to Houston — The Convention at San Felipe de Austin — Efforts to form Texas into a Constitutional State of Mexico — Houston in the Convention — Austin, as a Messenger to Mexico — His III Success	46
Chapter VII. Texas Triumphing — Struggles under Austin and Houston — Consultations and Collisions in Council — Houston appointed Commander-in-Chief — Commission Revoked — Grant's Effort to Capture Matamoras — Troubles connected with Gov. Henry Smith's Administration — Siege and Capture of San Antonio by Gen. Burleson — Declaration of Independence — Houston again appointed Commander-in-Chief	53
Chapter VIII. The Alamo — Goliad — The Fall of one, the Massacre of the other — Movements of Gen. Houston, before and after these Memorable Event — Movements Preparatory to the Battle of San Jacinto	62
Chapter IX. Battle of San Jacinto — The Hero Chieftain and the Hero Soldiers — Gen. Houston's Report — Col. Robison's Report of Capture of Santa Anna — T. Houston's Address and Exercises at Unveiling of Memorial-Monument	77
Chapter X. Capture of Santa Anna— Statement of Joel W. Robison, Esq. — Introduction of Santa Anna to Houston — Conversation — Scene with Young Zavala — Almonte — Arrival of the Government ad interim — Houston Leaves the Army — Goes to New Orleans for Medical Aid — The Cabinet Treats with Santa Anna — Troubles — Extract from Hon. Ashbel Smith's Speech at Austin in 1879	99
Chapter XI. Houston's Election to the Presidency — Departure of Santa Anna to Washington City — His Conduct — Sent to Vera Cruz in a U. S. War Vessel — Memorandum of Gen. Houston for Santa Anna	116
Chapter XII. Recognition of Texan Independence — Close of Gen. Houston's First Term as President — Gen. Felix Huston — Efforts to Conciliate the Indians — Mirabeau B. Lamar elected President	124
Chapter XIII. The Succeeding Administration the Reverse of Houston's — Houston a Member of the Texan Congress — Santa Fe Expedition and its Result — War on the Indians — Letter to Anthony Butler — Estimate of the Patriotism and Public Virtues of M. B. Lamar and D. G. Burnet	133
Chapter XIV. Jen. Houston's Second Presidential Term — The Exchequer System of Finance — Annexation — Rumors of Invasion by Mexico — Veto of Bill to make him Dictator — The Excitement — Appeal to the Great Powers for Recognition of Independence	139
Chapter XV. Impressions produced by the Appeal to Great Powers — Annexation — Correspondence with Hon. Mr. Van Zandt — Attitude of the United States, France, and England — Views and Positions of President Tyler	148
Chapter XVI. Secret Message to the Texan Congress on Annexation . . .	153
Chapter XVII. Close of Houston's Second Term as President — Resolutions of the Senate — Houston's Management of the Finances of Texas during his two Administrations, and his Admirable Success — A Review and Explanation of the System	156
Chapter XVIII. Houston's Entrance into the U. S. House of Representatives, Dec, 1823 — His Contemporaries and the Questions of the Hour	166
Chapter XIX. Houston's Four Years in the House of Representatives, from 1823 to 1827	175
Chapter XX. Houston's Entrance into the U. S. Senate, March, 1846 — Questions of the Day — Movements of interest	187
Chapter XXI. Houston in the U. S. Senate under President Polk, from March, 1846, to March 4, 1849	193
Chapter XXII. Houston in the Senate under the Whig Administration, from 1849 to 1853	203
Chapter XXIII. Houston in the Senate under President Pierce, from 1853 to 1857	215
Chapter XXIV. Houston in the Senate under President Buchanan, from March 4, 1857, till his Retirement, March 4, 1859	226
Chapter XXV. Career of Houston as Governor of Texas — State Measures — Want of Harmony between the Executive and the Legislature — Secession — His Deposition from the Gubernatorial Office	231
Chapter XXVI. Closing Days — Resolutions of Texas House of Representatives — Speech of Hon. J, H, Banton, of Walker Co	236
Chapter XXVII. Gen. Houston's Religious Life — Letter of Rev. Geo. W. Samson, D.D. — Statement of Rev. George W. Baines, Sr	240
Chapter XXVIII. Anecdotes — Interesting Letter of Gen. E. G. W. Butler	246
Chapter XXIX. Domestic Life of Sam Houston — Mrs. Margaret Moffette Lea Houston — Poetry	253
Chapter XXX. General Estimate of Houston's Character	258

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APPENDIX.

Texan Declaration of Independence March 2, 1836 — Names of Signers.	263

 

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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

 

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Youthful Portrait	Frontispiece, Vol. I.
Letter of Jackson	To face page 42
Santa Anna's Advance to San Jacinto	To face page 70
Battle-Field of San Jacinto	To face page 80
Memorial (memorandum for) to Santa Anna	To face page 122
Portrait in Age,	Frontispiece, Vol. II.

PART I.

STATE PAPERS.

	PAGE
Message of Governor Sam Houston to the Legislature of Tennessee, Oct. 15, 1827	273
Inaugural Address, delivered by Sam Houston as President of the Republic of Texas, at Columbia, Oct. 22, 1836	278
Message to the Congress of the Republic of Texas, Sept. 25, 1837	280
Message to the Second Session of the First Congress of the Republic of Texas, May 5, 1837	282
Message to the Congress of the Republic of Texas, Nov. 21, 1837	287
Message to the Congress of the Republic of Texas, Dec. 20, 1841 (Second term of Presidency)	294
Message to the Congress of the Republic of Texas (Extra Session), June 27, 1842	300
Message to the Congress of the Republic of Texas, Dec. 1, 1842	307
Message to the Congress of the Republic of Texas, Dec. 12, 1843	315
Message to the Congress of the Republic of Texas, Dec. 4, 1844	326
Valedictory Address on Retiring from the Presidency, Dec. 9, 1844	330

PART II.

INDIAN TALKS.

	PAGE
Talk to Border Chiefs, July 6, 1842	334
Letter to Chief of Apaches, Sept. 1, 1842	334
Letter to Castro and Flaca, Sept. 1, 1842	335
Letter to Red Bear and other Chiefs, Oct. 18, 1842	335
Talk to Border Chiefs, February 13, 1843	336
Letter to Indian Chief Linney, March 5, 1843	337
Talk to various Border Tribes, March 20, 1843	338
To the Lipans, in Memory of Flaco, their Chief, March 28, 1843	339
Letter to A-Cah-Ouash, April 19, 1843	340
Talk to Pah-Hah-You-Co, May 4, 1843	341
Talk to various Border Tribes, May 30, 1843	342
Letter to A-Cah-Quash, Sept. 13, 1843	343
Talk to Pah-Hah-You-Co, Dec. 14, 1843	344
Letter to A-Cah-Quash, Dec. 14, 1843	345
Talk to Kechi Chief, Dec. 21, 1843	346
Talk to Sah-Sah-Ro-Ke, Jan. 31, 1844	346
Letter to A-Cah-Quash, May 2, 1844	347

PART III.

LETTERS AND DOCUMENTS.

	PAGE
Letter to Santa Anna, March 21, 1842	349
Dispatch to Texan Ministers, at Washington City, April 16, 1844	359
Letter to Santa Anna, July 29, 1844	362
Letter to Andrew Jackson, Jan. 31, 1843	364
Letter to W. S. Murphy, May 6, 1844	366
Letter to Andrew Jackson, Feb. 16, 1844	370

PART IV.

PUBLISHED SPEECHES.

Speech in the U. S. Senate on Santa Fe Expedition, and the Conduct of Texan Soldiers in the Mexican War, June 29 and July 3, 1850	375
Speech in U. S. Senate on Providing for the Texas Debt, Feb. 11, 1853	393
Speech in the U. S. Senate on the Nebraska and Kansas Bill, Mar. 3, 1854	402
Speech in the U. S. Senate on Treatment of Indians, Dec. 31, 1854	415
Speech in the U. S. Senate on Petition of 3,000 Ministers against Repeal of Missouri Compromise Bill, March, 1854	417
Speech in the U. S. Senate on Increase of Army and Navy Policy of the Government, Jan. 29 and 31, 1855	423
Speech in the U. S. Senate on Need of a Mexican Protectorate, April 20, 1858	456
Speech in the U. S. Senate on Naval Retiring Board, April 23, 1856	468
Speech in the U. S. Senate on Pacific Railroad Bill, and in Reply to Hon. A. Riverson, of Georgia, Jan. 12 and 13, 1859	514
Speech in the U. S. Senate on Bill to divide the State of Texas into two Judicial Districts, Feb. 3, 1859	530
Speech in the U. S. Senate on Unfounded Calumnies, Feb. 28, 1859	578
Speech before Union Mass Meeting, Austin, Texas, Sept. 22, 1860	599

PART V.

LAST STATE PAPERS AS GOVERNOR OF TEXAS.

Message to Texas Legislature, Jan. 13, 1860	611
Message to Texas Legislature on Secession Resolutions of South Caolina, Jan. 24, 1860	621
Message to Texas Legislature on Indian Hostilities caused by Secession agitation, Jan. 21, 1861	631
Message to Texas Legislature on Finances embarrassed by Secession agitation, Feb. 6, 1861	642