Beschreibung:

HOUSTON, Samuel (1793-1863). First President of the Republic of Texas . Letter signed ("Sam Houston," with flourish) with a 22-word autograph postscript signed ("Sam Houston," with flourish) to Charles Gayarré, Washington, 27 February 1853. 1½ pages, 4to, old tape on verso of blank, very minor staining , otherwise fine. A TWICE-SIGNED LETTER OF SAM HOUSTON. A boldly signed letter in which Senator Houston thanks Louisiana historian Charles Gayarré (1805-1895) for sending a book. Houston commanded the army which defeated Santa Anna in the War for Texas Independence, was the first President of the Republic, and, after Texas won statehood, was elected Senator in 1846. He spent 14 years in Washington, but his reputation was tarnished by his refusal to stand with his fellow southerners on key issues revolving around states' rights, arguing that "I am for the Union" (DAB, V, p. 266). When the secession crisis developed in 1860-1861, then Governor Houston, refused to sign an oath of allegiance to the Confederate Government and was forced to resign. Seven years before the sudden end of his illustrious career, Houston writes to Gayarre: "I received your note of yesterday and volume of 'Lectures on Louisiana' for which please accept my thanks. I have only had time to glance hastily through it, but am satisfied it is a work of no common merit, and I shall feel greatly obliged if you will inform me where I can purchase the first & second series." In an autograph postscript, Houston adds: "It will afford me pleasure to place at the disposition of Mr. Gayarre a copy of 'Owens geological Report'."