316
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1851
on the power of precedent. He died in 1887 at his home in Galveston, and during the great storm of 1900 his elegant home was swept away and most of the members of his family were lost. Branch T. Masterson's home was also destroyed, and Mrs. Masterson lost hei· life in the great disaster. See James D. Lynch, Benck and Bar of Texas, 367-381; Norman G. Kittrell, Govenu:n-s Who Have Been and Other Public Men of Texas, 26-28; S. G. Griffin, History of Galveston (1931), 225-226.
To JOHN H. HousToN 1
Copy
Huntsville, 11th Oct. 1851 Dear Jack. I send you a synopsis of my speech. I will not lay down my platform until I can do so before the nation, and when it will be fit, and "nice." Intrenos. I am told [that] Donelson and Armstrong do not intend to do me fafr. Well, if it is so, you may rely upon it, I don't care one straw. I hope it is not so, for the sake of old association. You need not say anything about the matter, but look out!! There has been a good deal of matter about "Douglas" in the Union, and only one piece about me, and they had to make a long apology about that. It was done because it was requested by a friend! No such apology was added to the other pieces, touching other men. I never was a favorite with the Types of the Union! See now, if they will publish my speech, and my letter to Ritchie. If they don't get them in the Intelli- gencer and the Penna papers. Jack, if I live, this winter, I will make "old Tamniany" ring!! I write to you more freely, than to any one else, so you see, I don't make much fuss nor ·commit myself even to "C. H. Donaldson." Give our affectionate love to Cousin & all the family. Send it to Mary and her Lord. Salute Jo Lewis with our best regards. Tell all friends "Howda!" Thine Every truly Sam Houston Jno. H. Houston P.S. I say make "old Tammany ring," because if I live I am to go on there in January, and accept my election, as a member of the order! Foote, Douglas and others have had their day, and mine is to come ! Should I live! You can write to me before I leave here. Thine Houston. 1From the collection of Mrs. Madge W. Hearne. This was evidently the copy that Houston kept for his own files.
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