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Sam Houston Autograph Letter Signed. ...
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Description
"I cannot control the destiny of this country. Were I its ruler, I could rule it well. The great misfortune is, that a notion obtains with those in power, that the world, or the people, require more governing than is necessary...Govern wisely and as little as possible!"
Sam Houston Autograph Letter Signed. Four pages of a
bifolium, 7.75" x 9.75", Washington, [D. C.]; April 22, 1858.
Addressed to his wife, "Margaret" [Margaret Lea Houston].
Houston, wearied after twelve years in the Senate, writes this
incredibly frank letter to his wife expressing his view on the
nature of governance and where he thinks President Buchanan has
gone wrong. He writes, in part:"...I am fearful, my Dear, that you will think that I tried yesterday to be rather jocose, or witty, but I [f] you are you must excuse me, for I assure you, that I do feel all that I say, of anxiety, and a desire to see you, to be with you, and to stay with you, and let the world wag; for I cannot control the destiny of this country. Were I its ruler, I could rule it well. The great misfortune is, that a notion obtains with those in power, that the world, or the people, require more governing than is necessary. To govern well is a great science, but no country is improved by too much governing. Govern wisely and as little as possible! Most men think when they are elevated to position, that it requires an effort to discharge their duties and leave common sense out of the question. They think that every subject is as great as their position, and imagines a mole's hill to be a mountain. Hence, they raise their heads to ascent the mountain, and stumble over the mole hill!!! It has been so with my friend Mr. B [uchanan]. He has Cabinet Councils to see who ought to be appointed Lieutenant in the army, or Post Master of a Town. The members, each has an axe to grind, and the President does not reflect that he has to turn the Grind Stone, for the whole Cabinet. This is what you would call too much governing. So, my Dear, I have served you a dish of politics, merely for a relish. Now, I have only to tell you how much I love you, and kiss my pen with which I write it. Love to all!..." Boldly signed, "Houston."
During those tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War, Houston left the democratic party and was briefly associated with the Know Nothing movement. He attempted to secure the party's presidential nomination for the 1856 presidential election but lost to former President Millard Fillmore. James Buchanan ultimately won the 1856 election, but Houston was not impressed by his performance, as evidenced here. He remained in the Senate until his term ended in 1859 and returned to Texas, where he was elected governor later that year. The letter is published in The Writings of Sam Houston.
Reference: The Writings of Sam Houston, vol. VII, ed. Amelia W. Williams and Eugene C. Barker. Austin, Texas: The University of Texas Press, 1942, pages 99-100.
Condition: Silked. A few previous closed tears to vertical folds at top margin repaired by silking. Scattered soiling and dampstaining.
Auction Info
2022 June 4 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6247 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2022
4th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 8
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