Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-08-29
From the Austin Intelligencerl
GOV. HoUSToNS LETTER.
AusrIN. ,Juiv a. 1860.

j. O. Smith, Esq.
DEAR Sir: You letter making inquiry to
whether have withdrawn the use of my name in
connection with the Presidency, and declared for
Mr. Bell, has been received and hasten to reply.
Having consented to the use of my name as the
Peoples candidate for the Presidency, it is but just
to those who have put me forward that should say
the report has no foundation in truth. As have
had no agency in presenting my name to the Ameri-
can people, so leave to my feow-citizens perfect
freedom Of action. shall not weigh success against
principle, nor abandon cause from motives Of
policy. If is the wish of the people to vote for
me- they have a right to do so. If they do not de-
sire my services, it will be recollected that have
not asked their suffrages.
That parties and conventions and their candidates
to so great extent divide the public mind, is no
source of encouragement to me. In the distracted
state of our politics, | see the germ of a better
future. The day of conventions ana their chcanery,
is past The wand has fallen from the hands Of poll
.cians, and they are powerless, only as against
themselves. The country may meet a shock now
from the Of factions but healthy reaction will
follow, which will result in their complete downfall
/ have seen the rise and the fall of the convention
system If have contributed in the least to arouse
my fellow citizens to the danger of its continuance,
| am content. If convinced that my name stood as
a stumbling block in the way of the perpetuty of
the Union, that ray Of its glory was darken-
ed by my form, | would implore my fellow-ctizens
to cease to remember me.
When a stripping | obeyed the call Of my coun-
try, and gave my my blood in its defence Through
out advancing years have endeavored to serve it
faithfully have been with it in time of peril and
it is doubly dear to me, from the fact that as
life's winter gathers about me, / realize that my
posterv must soon share its fortunes, deprived of
my aid or counsel And among the most grateful
feelings that come to me now, is the recollection
that though throughout eventful life the busy
tongue Of Islander has often detracted from my fame,
a love for the Union has been implanted on my
character that none have dared to impeach my de-
votion to it II should at least be some consolation
to me- that at time when parties were in the as
tendency, raised the standard of the Constitution
and the Union in Texas, and made the first fight
upon that simple declaration of principles against
dtsunon. My only hope is that all men who sin
ccrely desire the preservation of the government
will unite together in the present contest against
sectionalism.
! have no aspirations for the Presidency, beyond
desire to be useful to nv country. Il the part
have assumed in the past has contributed to bring
before the people the question of Union or Disunon
flor such is now the issue) and to inspire deter
mination to put down disunion in the North and
South, my ambition will receive more soace than
the Presidency could afford Could be the means
now of putting an end to sectional strife of sen-
cling the agitation the slavery question, of break
ing down parties based geographical distinctions
and Of uniting my fellow citizens in support of pa
triotic electors in the different States trusting to
their love of country to give the Nation President
and Vice President who would administer the gov
eminent once again with honesty, wisdom, imparti-
atty, and with a regard for our National honor,
would be willing to close my public career and find
in retirement that happiness which those high in
station know not
While / have expressed no preference for any
Of the candidates now before the country, have at
the time experienced the hope that the people
Al.
war Of factions would cease, and that upon some
common basis they would unite and prevent the
triumph of either sectionalism disunion. Party
names or party champions should sink into insignih-
canoe when the palladium of our liberties is threat
ened The blessings we enjoy, the government
which our fathers gave us, the Constitution and the
Union should be first in the heart of every patriot
and he who fails to sacrifice all else to maintain
these, is unworthy the name of American.
| regard this contest as one in which the per-
manency Of the Union is involved. desire to see
Texas present an united front against the effort to
maintain here a sectional party; and to this end
desire to say, that it is my wish that the electors
associated with my name shall be perfectly free to
cast the ELECTORAL vote of Texas for any national
man most likely to defeat either sectionalism or
disunion.
Having ever been opposed to Abolitionism from
the North and secionalism, Disunion and the re-
opening the African slave trade from the South, l
believe the defeat of these elements should be the
desire of every patriot
cannot close this letter without acknowledging
full sense of obligations to those friends who have
expressed preference for me, upon principle over
others. Their kindness has been gratuitous, for
have not sought to influence any in favor of my ad
vancement, and their support is therefore more
highly appreciated.
l hope that in justice to my friends, those papers
which have published the report of my withdrawal
will also give this letter place in their columns.
Very truly your friend
SAM HOUSTON