WRITINGS OF SAl\I HOUSTON, 1856
362
such measures which has involved us in our present calamitous and perilous situation. Hence the effort has been made to incor- porate them with, and render them part of the ancient platform of the time-honored Democracy, supposing, as no doubt they did, that the talismanic name of Democracy would unite the American people in the support of heresies as absurd as they are dangerous to the well-being of the country. But, my dear sir, I will not attempt to go into detail further. I hope that Texas, when she comes to the polls in November next, will make a united rally for the American ticket, and that its triumph will be complete. I hope the friends of our Union and · true Democratic principles will 1·ally around the sentiment of Gen. Jackson, and show their reverence for his memory and great services to the nation, expressed in his letter to Dr. Coleman, "that it is time that we should become a little more American- ized."-Since the day on which the warning was given our coun- try has been progressing; and from developments which have taken place, it seems to me that the exigencies of the country impress upon us the necessity of feeling fully alive to our nation- ality, by evincing respect for his wise counsel. The days once were when my admonitions and advice were offered to them. They will remember what my course among them has ever been-they know with what intense interest I have sought to secure their peace and advance their prosperity. My devotion to them is not lessened at this moment-it can never abate so long as all I treasure upon earth remains in the bosom of that community. Whatever estimate they may think proper to place upon my opin- ions is with them. To the aged and middle aged I would speak as to brethren-to the young men and the youth I would speak as a father-and beseech them to take the course best calculated to restore harmony to our distracted counti:y, and promote the general good. Thine truly, Sam Houston. To Hon. John Hancock, Austin, Texas. 1Buchanan's Political Record, pp. 8-10. John Hancock (October 24, 1824- July 19, 1893), Texas Congressman and lawyer, was born in Jackson Count~, Alabama, near the town of Bellefonte. He was the youngest of three sons of John Allen, and Sarah (Ryan) Hancock who had immigrated to Ala- bama from Virginia in 1819. John Hancock attended the public schools of his neighborhood, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. In 1840 he made a visit to Texas where an older brother, George Hancock, had already settled. Upon finishing his university course, and being admit~d to the bar in 1846, he decided to make his home in Texas, too, and so m
Powered by FlippingBook