WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1859
373
_ To BERIAH GRAHAM 1
Huntsville, 30th Aug. 1859. Dear Sir, Your claims are before me from various sources, and I will consider them, and if in my power, J: will be happy to confer a situation upon you. Such as will be agreeable. Truly Thine, Sam Houston [Rubric] [Addressed on yellow envelop] : Dr. Graham, Palestine, Texas; Free. Sam Houston. [The postmark is dim, but can be read]; Huntsville, Texas, Aug. 31. 1 From Mrs. Margaret John's Collection of Houston Papers. An expert philatelist who has seen the original letter says that to a collector this letter would be considered of unusual value, on account of these characteristics: the clear autograph and rubric, the postmark, and the fact that Houston used his franking privilege in sending the letter. Beriah Graham was born in Stokes County, North Carolina in 1804. In 1806 his parents moved to Russelville, Kentucky, where the boy was reared and educated. He grachated in medicine, first from Tranylvania University, Lexington, Kentucky; then from the St. Louis Medical College. He married Lilly Boggs of St. Louis, and practiced medicine in St. Louis for a number of years. In 1845 he moved to Texas, settling first at Palestine, but later he moved to Austin. In 1859, Houston appointed him superintendent of the Insane Asylum. He subsequently held this office by appointment of Governors Hamilton and Pease. E. J. Davis appointed him Treasurer of the State in 1872. He was a Mason of high rank from early manhood. He died at Austin, August 25, 1879. . See Frank Brown, "Annals of Travis County and the City of Austin," (MS.), Chapter XI, 58.
To WASHINGTON D. MILLER 1
Huntsville, 30th Aug. 1859. My Dear Miller, The report is that I am elected by 8. or 10. thousand votes. Will you be my private Secretary? I will keep the place vacant until I can hear from you. I have only time to say that my family send love to you. Sam is as large as you- nea'rly. Mrs. H. is not very well. I thank you for your last letter. Tis said that Hamilton and Clark are elected. I am on my way to Cedar Point on a visit. Salute your kindred and write forthwith. Ever Thine, Houston [Rubric] [Addressed] Hon. W. D. Miller. 1 Mille1· Pave1·s; Texas State Library. For some biographical data on W. D. Miller, see The W1-itings, II, 389.
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