WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
423
Judge Lipscomb,3 also, on the same subject. I look for Hender- son, Anderson;& and others, here tomorrow. Things, I doubt not will go off pretty well, and there will be a large assembly of the sovereigns. The subject on which Henderson wrote, I will not let go un- attended to if I see him. However, I have this to say in relation to it-he is mistaken. If any one is to be preferred by my friends in a contest for the Presidency, I am sure they will concentrate most readily upon the man who has sustained my administration by his exertions and capacity. This must be the case when, if they were not to do so, they would have to take one who had incurred no responsibility, and would be at liberty either to adopt my line of policy, or to abandon it if it might suit him, or his advisers, and no charge of inconsistency could be laid to his charge. Moreover, I cannot perceive what he has done that would authorize the pretermittal of your claims, which I regard as equal to any man's, for the station. Maintain your position unmoved. Firmness of purpose always adds a moral influence and weight to design. Henderson is honest and noble, but he is not a good calculator. He is in the habit of drawing conclusions, more from objects with which he is thrown in contact, than from generalized views of affairs. This is a matter which can only be compassed by enlarged calculation, and one which wi11 involve many things incidental to your position, and connected with the very premises he assumes. You can weather the storm, in my candid opinion, and I can see no reason why my friends cannot rally upon you, as you will most directly represent the principles which they advocate. Your policy will be known and manifest, whilst that of any other candidate will be equivocal, to say the least of it, and you will "have borne the burden in the heat of the day." Make no move adverse to being a candidate until we meet. I hope to return to this place by the 25th inst., and will hope to meet letters at this place from you, and many of my friends. Tell me all the news. I have prospects of a successful trip, and hope to leave these good people, and place all others at peace in Texas. As you would suppose, the worthy citizens here greet me kindly, and on tomorrow, I will try and make them a decent talk. Salute Madam and "big Captain Sam;" also the young gentle- man in the office. As to big matters, Mexico, &c., keep them
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