The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume I

WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 182f!

123

The Gen 1 stated in addition, that he never saw the piece signed "Jefferson," until it appeared in print, and if you wish, or desire to know whether Major Lee is the author that information must be sought through some other person. The above is substantially, what the General requested me to say to you, on the subject of your communication. Sam Houston. [Addressed] : Carter Beverly Esqr Virginia [Endorsed] : Copy to Carter Beverly Esqr. 18th Feby 1828. 1 Original in possession of Mrs. Roy Hearne, Houston, Texas. Photostat, The University of Texas Library. 2 Major Henry Lee. See Houston to Andrew Jackson, January 13, 1827. Henry Lee was a man of brilliant mind but unsteady character, and on account of his unsteady habits, he could not hold positions with firmness. He became a hack writer for various political leaders, and held a number of more or less unimportant public offices. In 1832 he was a candidate for the vice-presid-ency, but failed of election.

TO COLONEL JOHN CAMPBELL 1

[Extract]

Nashville, Tenn. 20th Feb. 1828. My dear Sir: The enclosed letter to Mr. Chapman Johnson 2 I wish you to peruse, then seal, and hand it to him. He will then be apprised that I know it has been received. So soon as you deem fit, I wish you to inquire of him what course he will pursue in relation to it. You will perceive, by the tenor of my letter, that the object in view is to vindicate the character of Tennessee against aspersions unmeriteci, unjust, and untrue. If Mr. John- son does not adduce his proof in support of the charges which he has made, there is but one course, as an honorable man, for him to pursue - and that is, to retract what he has asserted, and make the redress commensurate to the injury. Truly thy friend, Sam Houston Col. John Campbell. 3 1 Niles Register, XXXV, 1828. 2 Chapman Johnson was a lawyer, born in Louise County, Virginia, March 12, 1779, and died at Richmond, July 12, 1849. He graduated from William and Mary College in 1802, studied law under George Tucker, established himself in law practice at Staunton, Virginia. During the War of 1812, he

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