Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-04-24
INDIANA STATE SENTINEL.
From the Hartford Timss.l

wears of are. He is native of Rockbridge County,
Virginia. His ancestors were Highland Scots and
fought for liberty by the side OF John Knox His
father took an active part in the American Revolu-
ton He born in Ireland, Gen. Houston's grand
father having emigrated from Scotland to Ireland
Ia personal appearance Gen. Houston is one OF the
noblest Of men. He would be singled out from a
congregation Of five thousand account OF his lo-
ty figure admirable proportions and the marked Inn
eamentS of his features IN which intellect, hrmneSS
and goodness of heart are most happily blended.
Gen. HOustOn'S father died In 1907, leaving no
property; and the enviably conspicuous pc sitlon
which Sam Houston now holds in this Republic has
been attained by his own eXertiOns, and upon bis
own merits. He is truly selfmade man. He spent
several years of his youth the forests, among the In
dams pursuing such studies congenial to bis
taste At the age Of Is years, he left tae Wild sons OF
the forest and for a few years kept school IN Ten
nessee, with unusual success In 1913 he enlisted III
the army as a common soldier. He was derlded
for entering the ranks, when he replied, wha have
your craven souls to say about the ranks! would
much sooner honor the ranks than disgrace an APP
pointment." His mother, tall and matrOaly wO-
man, consented tiat he should enter the army, and
as ne about to depart, she came TO the door OF
her cottage and handed him musket, saying, there,
my son. take this musket and never disgrace 1t; for
remember, had rather all my sons should fill one
honorable grave, than that one of them should turn
his back to his life. Go, and remember too that
while the door of my cottage is open TO brave men,
it is sternly shut against towards
He did not remain long in ''the ranks His COM
handing form and ample qualifications secured for
him a rapid promotion.
At the battle of the Horse Shoe he Ensign,
under Gen Jackson lie was among the very first to
scale the breast works of the willy Indians, and to
plunge into their cOyerS II here that he rushed
up to the strongest deienceS OF the enemy, calling
upon his comrades to follow; but none dared TO ac-
company him. and alone he faced the savage foe, re-
ceiving two rifle balls in his shoulder, and barbed
arrow so deeply embedded in his thigh that it requi
red the full strength of to eXtrcae IT. 1t was
here that he rushed into the most dangerous parts OF
the battle ground against the express orders OF Cen
Jackson; and here too though dsobeying that great
mans orders he won his lasting regard and love
The night set in upon the ruin OF the Creek warriors
and their nation; but to HOuStOn though he had won
imperishabIe aurels ii a night of pain. lie was
left upon the ground amid The terrible confusion that
prevailed, as il was supposed in dying state. But
life Of thrilling adventure still awaited him.
He was afterwards promoted to a Lieuenaney, but
finally resigned and went Nashville to study law
at the age Of %. In one-thrd the time usually al
loted to the studies Of the law student, he COM
pletely fitted himself that be passed searching eX
animation with great credit 10 himself. He common
ced the practice OF law, after appointed TO
the cfice of Adiutant General Of Tennessee and in
the same year District Attorney. He rose rapidly
at the bar. His rare good sense and penetrating &C
MUS gave him great advantage, and he was signay
successful.
In 1921 he was elected Major General of Tennes-
see, and in 1923 he was elected to Congress from
that State. His course was approved by his consi-
tuents, and he returned a second term by al
most unanimous vote. In 1927 he elected Gov
ernOr Of Tennessee by a majority of twelve thou
sand. So great his popularity that he did not
have a single opponent in the Legislature.
In 1929, when he at the height of his popular
lily, and more generally beloved than any other man
in the State, he married amiable young lady.
The cOnneX0n proved unfortunate. In the course Of
few weeks separation took place; but there no
abuse the part of either. Both deemed it for the
best to separate. Both agreed to part in kindness
and upon friendly terms. The circumstance created
a flame of excitement. The cause was unknown,
and still is. We heard Gen. Houston once say, cit
will n,Uer be known except to God and ourselves"
Gen. Houston assailed, and in the excitement
was charged with abusing hiswife. The lady soon
put that right however, and her nearest friends
afterwards the warmest friends of the General. He
refused 10 explain or defend himself in relation to
the separation declaring that il private affair
with which the public had nothing to do But he
signed his executive Office, retired to the forests and
withhe red man spent three years, studying the vol
Ofa choice library which he carried with HIM He
was welcomed by the great Chief OF the CherC KEGS,
who declared when he received Houston at hi. wig
wan: eve in trouble, and the Great Spirit has
sent YOU to Us to give us counsel and take trouble
away from Us" The red man has no better friend
thar Houston, and they love him a father
When Houston passed through Tennessee after his
three years sOourn with the Indians he was enthusi
astcally greeted by the people and urged to
his residence there. Designing demagOgueS had at
tempted to crush him. and had brought powerful in-
huences 10 bear against him. But be met them bold
10 and came out Of all those contests unscatched,
with character unsullied.
We next End Houston in Texas, true to the in
slncts OF his life, the friend OF iberty-the uncom
promising enemy Of tyrants. Our readers are better
acquainted with his eyenful life In Texas, than they
probably were of bis earlier history, and we will not
extend this article by giving the particulars of his
rapid rise 10 distinction upon that field OF his fame
and glory.
There was no place too high or too responsible for
Houston to I'll in Texas, and he has betrayed
the trusts which his fellow citizens who looked upon
him the father Of their Liberties, pleased TO
place in his hands. They know hm-they yenerate
him.
Houston Is now a Senator from Texas. Calm and
thoughtful, no excitement dsconcerts him--nO mere
stroke Of political policy influences him. His mis-
sion IS to do right, and act Tor The best good OF his
fellow men. Severe was bis beautifully written
Duke 10 Calhoun. Calm and faithful is his recent let
ter upon the ianatical movements in South Carolina.
Firm and sincere is his opposition to the spirit of ia
naticlsm; there Is no stronger friend Of the Union
than he
1t was no longer ago than Monday, Feb 9th that
he accepted invitation from the National Temper
ance Society and delivered 4 most eloquent address
al Tripler Hall, in New York. Those who heard
that address, declare that the newspaper reports Of il
convey but a faint idea of its true merits elo
quent production, convincing argument When
be had finished t. the committee of invitation waited
upon him. and presented him with package Of So
Bank notes. "No. gentlemen said he 81 do not
want your noney-gise It to the cause in which you
are engaged; my object is to promote that cause not
to get pay for my services in its behalf.'
They acquainted with the part he took in the
terrible battle Of San Jacinto which has scarcely
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