TO JOSEPH McMINN | TO ANDREW JACKSON
TO JOHN ALLEN | RESIGNATION

Nashville 15th Feby 1823

Dear Governor,
Your letter has remained unanswered longer than my wishes dictated by my situation required that I should do things that kept me busy, and I wished to say more in answer, than, "I am happy to acknowledge the receipt of your letter" of such a date. I was happy to receive it and attended immediately to the executive part of it; I folded and sent the first Whig myself, and requested Norvile to say where the deposit for it should be made; and he said it might be sent to him at this place!

Permit me to assure you Governor, that in my advancement (which you have been pleased to notice) I can never be unmindful that in the commencement of my career you were not an inefficient friend. No, Sir, on the contrary, I reflect with pleasure, that you placed me in a situation, that has had its influence in my elevation. I am happy that you have always considered the appointment of Eaton, Graham & myself at fit, and fortunate to your administration, and not unfortunate to the community of which you were the head. I do not pretend to say these cou'd not have been better'd but whether or not, I will endeavor in life to act in such manner as will shield my friends from all imputation on my account. In affairs of men, too, I am satisfied there must be a conducting Providence! I am the more satisfied of this fact, where I advert to my past life and behold the changes which have taken place with myself. Five years since I came to this place, without education more than ordinary—without friends—without cash—and almost without acquaintances-consequently without credit. And here among talents and distinction I have made my stand! Or the people have made it for me.

I have no opposition yet for congress, nor is it probably I will have any—It is not by the consent of all parties, or persons that I have none, for you must know I have sined in obtaining at my present appointment, and can never be forgiven! They smile at me, and seem kind, but like the rose there is a thorn under it.

You are a candidate for the Senate of the State. I hope you will have no difficulty in obtaining a seat there. It will give me great pleasure to see you there. You will recollect what we have spoken of in former times. I will expect you to answer this letter soon, and I will say some things omited in this.

Sam Houston

Source:
Amelia W. Williams and Eugene C. Barker, eds., The Writings of Sam Houston, 1813-1863 (Austin, Tex.: Pemberton Press, 1970).

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