The Personal Correspondence of Sam Houston, 1848-1852

Volume III of Sam Houston’s personal correspondence continues the projected four-volume series of previously unpublished personal letters to and from Sam Houston. This volume begins in the fall of 1848 as Houston returns to Washington for the Second Session of the Thirtieth Congress after the close of the Mexican War. His first focus was on settling the Texas boundary and other problems relating to the welfare of his state. Once these were solved he seriously considered resigning his senate seat. However, he sensed the coming Civil War and seemed to feel that he should do all in his power to prevent it.

Houston’s letters reflect the political activities as he struggled to maintain a strong Union stand against the radicals who favored secession. Intriguing new information comes to light on the plot to distract Houston, and perhaps get him out of the Senate, with an attack on Margaret’s character through their ward Virginia Thorne, resulting in Margaret’s indictment in 1850 on charges of assault and battery. His letters concerning the presidential election of 1852 are particularly interesting, as they are filled with colorful observations of the Washington social scene, as well as his thoughts concerning his own possible candidacy.

Madge Thornall Roberts is the author of the award-winning Star of Destiny:The Private Life of Sam and Margaret Houston and editor of The Personal Correspondence of Sam Houston, Volume I: 18391845, andThe Personal Correspondence of Sam Houston, Volume II: 18461848. She contributed to the research and design of The Wall of History,” a permanent exhibit on the grounds of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas.