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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1862
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~Lincoln's messenger to Houston was Frederick West Lander (December 17, 1821-March 2, 1862), a transcontinental explorer, soldier, poet. For sketch of his life, see Dictionary of American Biography, X, 568-569.
1862 To WILLIAMSON S. OLDHAM 1
Independence, Texas, April 5, 1862.·
Hon. William S. Oldham, My dear Sir, In hopes that my letter may reach you before you leave Richmond, I take pleasure in addressing you, as a Senator from Texas. I have not as yet, written to any other Senator, or Member. The subject on which I address you, I doubt not that you will properly appreciate. My son Sam volunteered for during the war, in Captain Ashbel Smith's Company, in the regiment com- manded by Colonel Moore. He was absent from home on bu~i- ness when the company was partly raised, and organized. The offices were all filled, and no reorganization took place after the company was completed. Sam is 18 years of age, 6 feet high, and rather a well-made and good looking boy. He was two sessions at Colonel Allen's Military School at Bas- trop, and previous to that, he had been at Baylor University. He is a very good scholar, his habits are good, and he is ardently devoted to the cause in which he is engaged, as well as to the life of a soldier. He was offered a situation of Brevet Lieutenant, if he would consent to be transferred and be stationed in Galveston, but he preferred the glory of an active, and immediate campaign. If you can procure for him a Lieutenancy, or any promotion that you may think proper, you will confer upon me an enduring obligation, and I trust and believe, he will never disgrace his patron. I will be happy to hear from you in reply to this. I doubt not, but that all the Representatives from this State will cheerfully cooperate with you in obtaining the situation desired for my son. I will not close this communication, without assuring you that I was gratified at your election to the senate, and so far as I understand your senatorial action, I entirely approve it. Your advocacy of free trade, I regard not only as a statesmanlike measure, but indespensable to the wants and conditions of the Country, and I most heartily wish for you success. It has been a
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