WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1856
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reason that I do not endorse the platform, nor did I know that Mr. Fillmore was a member of the Party, or that he is one. He has never lent this name, his voice, or his pen to the advocacy of the American principles. 'Tis said that he was initiated pri- vately in his office and that he is a member. I will support no man who skulks the responsibility, or that maintains the position of a Bat, that he may be Bird or Beast, as victory may incline. My rule is to entertain no principle, that I am afraid, or ashamed to avow; or afraid to advocate! · I would not have written so long a letter, were it not that I am distressed, because you are unhappy about a matter, which should cost neither of us a thought. The platform was shown to me before it left here, and I told the gentlemen, that I would not endorse it. Now, I ·hope, Dear Lady, you will not reproach yourself, with any thing, nor ever think of it again. Nothing that has been done, would I recall, if it were in my power to do so. That the Ticket will carry any State but Kentucky in the South there is not the least hope. I see by the Union a few days since that Albert Pike, has repudiated the Ticket, as well as the action at Philadelphia! Poor Donelson called on me as he returned home, and I told him kindly & calmly, that I would not speak in behalf of the Ticket, because I could not endorse the platform. He re- quested me not to do any thing against it. I replied that I would not. I could have added that dead Ducks need no killing! About the 23rd of April I have to visit my Dear Wife Maggie, & the brats, so you see, by Heaven's blessing, I have abundant resources of happiness. I would not exchange one soul-thrilling }dss of hers for all the Sceptres and nominations in the world. And just think of the Addendas, no less than six little Houstons to dandle on my knees, & kiss them and call them dear Children. Is not · this worth more than all the honors, now a days, with all their cares and corruptions? Will you be pleased, Lady, to write to me, that you are cheerful, & I will be happy. Greet all our friends with my kindest regards. Thy devoted Friend, Sam Houston. Excuse haste! Mrs. Ana S. Stephens, New York. 1Qriginal in possession of Mr. J. M. Winterbotham, Galveston, Texas; The University of Texas Library has a -photostat copy ·presented by the Rosen- beJ·g Library. .
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