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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1863
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welfare of your family, it may yet be necessary to do so. At all events I hope to have the pleasure of being much with you and your dear little family. I begin to hope that our national affairs are assuming a more pleasant aspect than they have done for some time past, and that the dawn of peace is coming upon us. I need not write to you about politics as you wrote to me on a former occasion that you had eschewed them. For my own part I cannot for the life of me keep from thinking about them; though without any design of ever mingling in them again. Yesterday, my friend, concluded my seventieth year; and now if I am not wise, I may at least claim to have experience, which is said to be nature's great teacher. Mrs. Houston has been quite unwell but is now recovering, and the day I hope is not distant when I shall have the pleasure of greeting you in Houston. Present our affectionate love to sister Laura and to little Mary, and to yourself a share of it. You see I have to use Miss Maggie as my amanuensis. Nannie is at school at Independence and did intend to have gone to the great concert at Houston on the 22nd, but was prevented in consequence of bad weather. I can give you no news from here. What has become of Pendle- ton? Do write to me and let me know and also the health of your family & any other news that you may have. As ever thine truly, HOUSTON. P.S. Sam still suffers some from his wounds, and has occasional attacks resulting from exposure in the army. H. Maj. E.W. Cave. 1 The original letter is in the possession of Mr. R. W. Wortham, Paris, Texas. This copy is made through the courtesy of Mr. L. W. Kemp, Houston, Texas. SPEECH AT HOUSTON, MARCH 18, 1863 1 Ladies, and Fellow-Citizens: With feelings of pleasure and friendly greeting, I once again stand before an assemblage of my countrymen. As I behold this large assemblage, who, from their homes and daily toil, have come to greet once again, the man who so often has known their kindness and affection, I can but feel that even yet, I hold a place in their high regard. This manifestation of it is the highest compliment that can be paid the citizen and the patriot. As you have gathered here to listen to
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