WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
274
where he completed a course in medicine. He came to Texas in 1837 and located in "Old Franklin," Robertson County, where he began the practice of his profession. There, too, he married Miss Matilda Slaughter. In 1841 Houston appointed him Indian Agent, whereupon he moved to Spring Hill, now in Navarro County. He was elected to the Texas Congress and served for the years 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842. In 1843 he was appointed Secretary of War by President Houston, and was reappointed to that position by President Jones in 1844. He served in that office until the annexation of Texas to the United States; afterward, he served in the Texas legislature. During all these years of political service he never gave up the practice of his profession; he never hesitated to expose himself to the many dangers of frontier life in order to serve the people, both as physician and as political servant. In 1·eturn for his self abnegation he was justly JJopular with the masses. He died at Spring Hill, Navarro County, and his body lies buried there. See Z. T. Fulmore, The History and Geogrrt7J/ty of Texas as Told in County Names, 78-79; E. W. Winkler (ed.), Secret Journals of the Senate, Republic of Texas, 18.'J0-1845, 276-277, 285-287; Lamm· PaJJe,·s, II, 433, III, 304, IV, Pt. 1, 23, V, 171, 235.
To COLONEL H. N. POTTER 1
Dear Colo. If you can send my book by Mr. Conn and walk up yourself, I will show you something on the Indian Subject that you have not seen, and I am anxious that you do so. If you can come spend an hour with me I will show you some important facts which you cannot otherwise obtain. You will be welcome to the Book, until the debate has closed and every aid in my power, if I have any, which you desire. I would not want the book if I could refer to the page and act without it. The fact was anterior to the pledge, made the Indians by the Constitution. I hear well of your speech and am happy. Call up as soon as you can for an hour. Thine Truly
Sam Houston [Rubric] P. S. You may be as private as you please about I have given Mr. Conn his orders about secrecy.
8th Jany /43 calling up - Thine
Houston
Present.
[ Endorsed] : Colo H. N. Potter Mr. Conn
1Geo,·gc TV. G1·ove1· Pavers, Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas. H. N. Potter was a representative from Galveston County lo the Seventh Congress.
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