Sam Houston Letters for the years 1833 thru 1861

Natchitoches, LA - 13 February 1833

Having been so far as Bexar, in the province of Texas, where I had an interview with the Comanche Indians, I am in possession of some information which will doubtless be interesting to you

Camp At Harrisburg, TX - 19 April 1836

This morning we are in preparation to meet Santa Anna. It is the only chance of saving Texas.

San Jacinto, TX - 25 April 1836

on the evening of the eighteenth instant, after a forced march of fifty-five miles, which was effected in two days and a half, the army arrived opposite Harrisburg.

San Jacinto, TX - 3 May 1836

he recognition of the Independence of Texas should be a sine qua non. The limits of Texas should extend to the Rio Grande

San Jacinto, TX - 5 May 1836

Circumstances connected with the battle of the 21st render our separation, for the present, unavoidable.

Ayish Bayou, TX - 26 July 1836

l have just heard, through a citizen of the army, that it is the intention to remove General Santa Anna to the army, and place him upon his trial.

Austin, TX - 2 February 1841

We have been in session for months, and little of advantage has resulted to our country from the session. We are in a bad box, and I fear it is locked upon us !

Houston, TX - 21 March 1842

The abuse and ribald epithets which you have applied to the citizens of this country, as well as those of the Mississippi valley of the United States, are doubtless characteristic of the individual who gave them utterance.

Houston, TX - 6 July 1842

The path between us has been red, and the blood of our people remains on the ground.

Houston, TX - 1 September 1842

I send to you Drs. Tower and Cottle, on their way to the Apache nation. Antonio, an Apache, is with them.

Houston, TX - 1 September 1842

We are far from each other; we have not shaken hands. I have heard from you. The message was peace and friendship.

Washington, TX - 18 October 1842

The path between us is open ; it has become white. We wish it to remain open, and that it shall no more be stained with blood.

Washington, TX - 31 January 1843

I have often reflected upon the trials through which you have passed, and admired the firmness with which you met and triumphed over opposition.

Washington, TX - 5 March 1843

Your talk came to me. I read it and was happy ! I remembered other days.

Washington, TX - 20 March 1843

Between your people and ours there has been war. Trouble has been in the path between us, and it has been stained with blood.

Washington, TX - 28 March 1843

My heart is sad ! A dark cloud rests upon your nation. Grief has sounded in your camp. The voice of Flaco is silent.

Washington, TX - 19 April 1843

It has been represented to me to-day that upwards of two hundred horses have been taken from the Lipans and Toncahuas by some of the wild Indians, said to be a party of Wacoes.

Washington, TX - 4 May 1843

My ears were opened to your words - they were words of peace. I have laid them up in my heart. I send you my words by the same friend.

Washington, TX - 30 May 1843

Those that I send to you have sat by my side and eaten bread with me. They have learned to love the red brothers. They know the counsels of peace which I have always given.

Trinity River, TX - 13 September 1843

I send you my friend to shake you by the hand, and tell you that my heart is still warm toward you.

Washington, TX - 14 December 1843

Our nation is yet young, but will make us rich, and then I will send many presents to our red brothers.

Washington, TX - 14 December 1843

My young chiefs were well treated and protected from harm. This was right : it was the conduct of a good friend.

Washington, TX - 21 December 1843

If you wish to come and see me and the chiefs of this nation in council, they are here. The white chief who takes you this talk will show you and your friends the way to my house

Washington, TX - 20 January 1844

Connected with our present condition our foreign relations are becoming daily more and more interesting,

Washington, TX - 31 January 1844

You started to hunt the white path of peace - you found and walked in it amongst white people, until you came to my house.

Washington, TX - 16 February 1844

It is natural to suppose that the subject of the annexation of Texas to the United States has commanded the most profound deliberation of which I am capable.

Houston, TX - 16 April 1844

In my opinion, England and France will say to Texas, "If you will agree to remain separate forever from the United States, we will forthwith prevent all further molestation to you from Mexico, and guarantee you independence.."

Houston, TX - 2 May 1844

Lately I have heard that bad men have been down from some of the tribes of our brothers. They stole horses, and two of them were killed.

Houston, TX - 6 May 1844

Can't you come up by the next boat? If you can, it is more than probable that we will return with you to the island, or pass a few days or perchance weeks.

Washington, TX - 29 July 1844

Eight years ago, you were a suppliant ; obtained your liberation without ransom, and acknowledged the Government of Texas.

Austin, TX - 7 September 1860

My wish and object is to beat Lincoln with any man in the field. The question is, how is this to be done ?

Austin, TX - 29 March 1861

I have received intelligence that you have received, or will soon receive, orders to concentrate United States troops under your command at Indianola, in this State