The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume I

WRrflNCS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1824-1825

of War 3 has not yet determined whether the appointment will be made from the state of Tennessee or Georgia. My own opinion is that he intends to make it from Georgia. Until he has come to some determination on the· subject, all that can be done is to present the names of the applicants with a statement of their character, & qualifications- This has been done for Genl Mar- tin, and no man's character stands higher on the list than his. About March I will be able to tell which state will get the fish. You speak of the Presidency, and in reply I must say some- thing; but to speak understandingly upon the subject, no ~ne can. The members are silent as the tornb; at least those who were for Clay at first. My own confident opinion is that Jackson will succeed, and be our next President! This you will at least suppose is my honest opinion as the expression of an opinion at this time can answer no purpose! I regret to hear that you have been unsuccessful in love affairs. But have taken the best course possible to be extricated, by taking a new chase! For my single self I do not know yet the sweets of matrimony, but in March or April, next I will; unless something should take place not to be expected, or wished for! To have been married on my way here would not have answered a good purpose. My errand here is to attend to the business of my constituents, and not to spend "honey moons." Every thing in due season! You must write me that long letter on Politicks soon. Keep my path clear of all obstacles! Commend me fo your father & friends ! Take care of yourself! ! Sam Houston A. M. Hughes·• [Addressed]: A. lVI. Hughes esq · Harpeth Tennessee 1 The Historical Commission and State Library of Tennessee, Nashville, Tennessee. ~The man referred to here was probably John l\Iartin who died, October 17, 1840, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. He was buried at Fort Gibson, and was the first Chief Justice of the first Supreme Court of the Cherokee Nation. See the Al'kansas Gazette, December 2, 1840. 3 J ohn C. Calhoun was Secretary of w·ar from December, 1817-1\'larch, 1825. ·1 Hughes has not been positively identified.