ALS, one page, lightly-lined both sides, 8.25 x 10.75, June 14, 1851. Letter to J. W. Brashear. In full: “I thank you for your message which you sent me requesting me to take a ride in your stage. Mrs. H. and myself did intend to go down about this time but changed our design to visit Independence at the Convention but there was not stage on last Thursday so we did not go. We may go to Houston after the 24th inst. and be there on the 4th of July if it suits. We must contrive to take Master Sam and two young ladies who wish to go with Mrs. H. when she goes down. If this can be arranged we may go. There are no good private carriages here to procure and the weather is too hot to ride on horseback for ladies. I have been invited to go to Dallas…I think it is too far this hot season. I write in haste as the mail is about closing. What is the cost of the Passg. As my friend, call on rice & Nichol, and get a bundle left there by Judge Johnson of Galveston, and send it to me by your driver to the care of Roger Perkins of this place. The bundle contains vests and must be kept dry and safe. Write to me soon. Salute your Lady & family for me.” Under his signature, Houston adds a short postscript reading: “Tell me all the news! We hear you have cholera in Houston. Have you? Houston.” In very good condition, with intersecting mailing folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered mild toning, a couple small separations along folds, some light wrinkling, and text from opposing sides slightly showing through.
The great state of Texas had only been that - a state - for five years when Houston, former president of the Republic of Texas and namesake of the City of Houston, penned this letter. Following the annexation of Texas, Houston was elected to the United States Senate. The Lone Star State references in this letter are amazing, with mention of a potential visit to the city that bears his name, as well as the Big D (though he confesses it may be too hot), and Galveston…a virtual “Who’s Who” of historic Texas town names. And of course, there is the Independence Day celebration, something to which residents of the relatively new state must still have been growing accustomed. The question raised about cholera did indeed prove to be problematic, as an epidemic of the disease spread across Texas in 1851 and 1852.
Spectacular in every regard, this letter is an exceptional example of the thoughts and ruggedly florid penmanship of a man whose name is firmly branded into Texan lore. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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