WRITINGS OF S..\l\[ HOUSTON, 1856
394
To AsHBEL SMITH 1
Huntsville, 20th October, 1856. My Dear Smith, I would have been happy to have seen you, as your letter suggests, and I hope it is not too late yet for me to have that pleasure, previous to my departure for Washington City! There are many things that I wish to hear, such as you can tell me, and many that I will be happy to relate to you. Times are out of joint, and a skillful surgeon will be required to replace them, and make the system sound again. I am satisfied the modern Democracy (with but a small amount of Jacksonism) with the Pierce Dynasty, must go to the wall. I foresaw, & fore- told it when the Nebraska Bill was on its passage. The Bill became a Law, and the country was thrown into politi- cal chaos. This was to be expected, when "madness ruled the hour." I hope that Fremont will not be elected, but if unfortu- nately such should be our doom, I cannot perceive what worse he can do, than Pierce has done. Fremont has only to for/eit his pledges, as Pierce did, and do 'much bette1· for the country than the present administration has done! He may continue or allay agitation on the subject of slavery, but Mr. Pierce has placed it out of his power to renew it, by assuming that responsibility; with the aid of Douglas, the Prince of Demagogues. Others well disposed were dupes to the power and patronage of one, and the corruption of the other. The evil is come, & I would like to talk with you about the remedy. Write to me and let me know when I may expect to see you. When we meet I will be careful to dwell on facts about which there will be no ground for controversy. 2 Mrs. Houston & Sam join in best regards to you. Truly Thine Houston. Smith. lAshbcl Smith Papers, The University of Texas Library. ~Ashbel Smith did not agree with Houston concerning the Know Nothing party.
To THOMAS JEFFERSON RUSK 1
Huntsville, 8th Nov. 1856. My Dear General, I thank you for your letter, and regret that it will not be in my power to go with you to Washington, though I would be delighted to do so. Mrs. Houston enjoys so little health
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