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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1832-1853
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To AN INVITATION COMMITTEE 1
:Marion, Ala., Sept. 2nd, 1845 Gentlemen:-Your kind and polite note of this date, just received, is gratifying to my feelings in the highest degree. Knowing you, or most of you, as I do, personally, and asso- ciated as my recollections are with you, and your immediate section of the United States, you have a right to make the request which you do, and I shall take great pleasure in addressing the people on the subjects named in your note, at any place you may select, on Saturday, 13th inst. With considerations of very great respect, Your obt. servt. Sam Houston. 1 Alabama State Review, September 17, 1845; Texas National Register, October 9, 1845. The speech that Houston promised to make has not been found in complete text. The committee sending the invitation, asked for Houston's opinion concerning the annexation of Texas to the United States. The invitation was signed by S. A. Townes, J. T. Bailey, J. H. Myatt, A. B. Moore, John P. Graham, Thomas Chilton, J. N. Walthall, J. F. Cocke, J. C. Harrell, C. A. Woodruff, James Phelan, Lauren Upson. Both papers cited as sources for Houston's letter above, give the following account of his speech: General Sam Houston addressed the People of this county, on Saturday last, upon "Annexation and our relations with Mexico." He gave a succinct narration of the leading events connected with the history of Texas, and particularly with annexation. He vindicated with warmth Texas from the charge of "Land Robbery," tracing with the finger of a master that event from its beginning to its glorious termination on the Plains of San Jacinto. The leading incidents in annexation next were presented, among which was the fact that all negotiations between the United States and Texas had taken place during his administration. This, it seems to us, should relieve General Houston from all suspicion of having been opposed to annexation. As a public speaker, General Houston would rank high anywhere. To a faultless form he adds large experience, and an inti.mate knowledge of men, a fine manly voice, and a manner which is eloquence itself. Nature intended him for distinction among his fellows. He appears to be about fifty years of age, but moves with the firm elastic tread and erect carriage of the young Indian chief. He looks to be in much better health than when he was here in 1840. We have never been classed among the admirers of General Houston, and he is personally to us a stranger-and we have here recorded simply the impression made upon our mind by his ability as a speaker, and his appearance as a man, · General Houston addresses the citizens of Greensboro today, by invitation, and accepts the compliment of a dinner which has been tendered him.
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