The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume I

WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1818-1822

13

[Endorsed] : J. C. Calhoun 6th June 1822 Defer'd for the present as time sufficient has not been sufficient to receive my last address to him. S. Houston 1 0riginals in the possession of Mrs. Roy Hearne. Photostats in The University of Texas Library.

To ANDREW JACKSON 1

Murfreesboro 3d Aug 1822 Dear Genl On this day a resolution has passed the Senate (unanimously) recommending you as a person the most worthy & suitable to be the next President of our Union. The expression cannot be esteemed by you anything less than a gratified & hon- orable expression of the feelings of your fellow citizens. I am aware of your sensibility on such occasions, but the crisis requires that something shou'd be done! The Canker worms have been (already too long) gnawing at the very core & vitals of our Government & corruption stalks abroad, ·without obstruc- tion, or reprehension. You are sensible how long I have been faithless in the Heads of Department. It was at a time when you hoped better things than corruption. You had confidence in men, perhaps you have yet. But if you will allow me to Divine anything, I will assure you that you have no friendship to expect from "The Gentlemen of Washington." Whi!st it was probable that you could or wou'd throw anything in the scale of either champion, hope of that in- fluence & advantage, wou'd readily induce the friendship of either. Your are now before the eyes of the nation. You have nothing to fear, but everything to expect. The hopes of men in Washing- ton will be frost biten by the bare mention of your name! Then can it be expected that every effort will not be used to Guard against, the rule of Justice & Truth? They will strike like the wounded viper,-fall victims of their own poison, rather than see Integ1~ity, (the great enemy of corruption) triumph. In calculating the result of the next election; I reflect thus. You have been your countrys Great Centinel; at a time when her warchmen, had been caught slumbering on post- Her capital had been reduced to ashes. You have been her faithful guardian; her well tried servant! This admited will not the nation look to you again? Will it not regard your interests, when they are connected with your countrys welfare. There will be no caucus

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