WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1859
219
myself to the rule of what is called, in olden phrase "petticoat Government." I do not know that you will understand the phrase, as I do not recollect that I ever used it in your presence, nor did I ever hear you use it. No matter. It is that I can do pretty much as you wish, and nurse the children, &c., &c., &c. You will, I am sure, agree that the last part of the business, I am proficient in. Thus, my Dear, you can fancy my desire to exchange my present position for the one I anticipate. You are not [two or three lines torn from the bottom of the page] of the future. If we are spurned, I anticipate in our rude home (for rude it must be for a while) more pleasure in one month than we have experienced for years since our union. I can, and if spared, I will throw off the cares of politics, for I cannot control them! Night after night, I resolve that I will retire at 10 o'clock, and as often as night comes, I find myself immersed in business at 12 o'clock, and as often at 2 A.M. Now, Dearest, though my health is perfect and friends [the rest of the letter-about three or four lines-is torn off, evidently for the signature.]
1 From Mrs. Margaret John's Collection of Houston Materials.
To MRs. HousToN 1
Washington, 21st Jany., 1859. My Dear Love, It is raining finely this morning, after three days of beautiful weather, and now we may look for rain, snow and sleet. On yesterday our Niece, Sally Houston, arrived with her uncle, Mr. Ball. She is a smart girl & I suppose performs perfectly on the Piano, and sings like a thrush. I have heard her play one song, but you know that I am no judge, and if I hear her sing another, it will be accidental, for I have no time for music. I learn that the Ladies went to the concert and heard an unpro- nounceable Lady perform on the Piano & sing. I think it was "Piccoilamini." As I do not go into such crowds I can tell you nothing more about her or the concert. I send you, my Dear, a Poem, which you will agree throws most poetry in the shade. I wish you would get Sam's opinion on its merits, for they are rare. I am in my seat in the Senate, and tho' the Senate has not met, the' time approaches fast when it will meet and cut off my letter. Today, I am to dine with the Presi- dent, & I assure you it is not a pleasant duty, as it will place me in stays, as well as cause me to loose my ••cream," and' eat meats,
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