WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
130 ·
The present aspect of political affairs is well calculated to fill with alarm every true patriot's breast. The two grand .geographi- cal divisions of the Union are arrayed against one the other, and both equally intent upon disrupting the Union and breaking up the government. ·rn such a crisis it is well that we should refer to the teachings of the fathers of the Republic. Those greater lights of the political heavens, Jefferson, Jackson, Webster and Clay, have passed away, but their precepts and ex- amples remain with us yet, constituting the main pillars in the temple of our freedom. Their lives were devoted to the great work of perpetuating the Union and strengthening the constitu- tion. With proper regard for these administrations can the conservative masses of the Country be expected to fallow in the lead of demagogues, who unmindful of the teachings of the past, and deaf to the pleading appeals of the future, would fire the mind of disunion, and immolate upon the alter of a worse than maddened fanaticism the very spirit of liberty. These gentlemen are indebted to the Union for the very protection and manifest blessings they enjoy, and yet they would apply the paracidal torch to the most perfect structure of human liberty ever revealed to the world. We cannot recur too often to the responsibility we owe to the Union, and as patriots we should esteem it our first duty to frown down any attempt by sectional leaders to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, and more especially should every patriot in the land unite to rebuke anµ put down the spirit of sectionalism and disunion which designing men have fostered and nurtured to promote their own selfish and ambitious ends. Witnessing the tendency of sectional political parties, I have withdrawn from the contest, in support of a Union ticket of all parties to defeat Lincoln. Your. friend, Sam Houston. 1Governors' Letters (1860}; also Executive Records, 1859-1861, pp. 218- 219, Texas State Library.
TO CHARLES LOVENSKIOLD 1 Executive Department, Austin, September 3, 1860.
Mr. G. Lovenskiold Sir: A charge has been filed in this Department to the effect that the State arms that were furnished to you for the use of your company, were previously to the election, transferred from your
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