Description:

Sam Houston, the romantic, pens a touching four line poem on the virtues of women

Autograph Manuscript Signed, "Sam Houston," likely as Senator, 1 page, 5.5" x 4.5", [no place, no date], a four-line poem originally inscribed in a woman's memory book. Light toning from previous matting, a few minor contemporary ink smudges, else very good to fine condition with a large, bold signature.

Apart from his reputation as the hero of San Jacinto and founder of Texas, Houston was something of a romantic. Writing in an a hostess' memory book, beneath the title "Texas" (accomplished in another hand), Houston writes in full:

"Woman is lovely to the sight

As gentle as the dews of even,

As bright as mornings earliest light

And spotless at the snows of Heaven."

Though undated, it is likely that Houston probably accomplished this poem during his years in Washington representing Texas in the U.S. Senate from 1846 to 1861. His biographer, Marquis James noted that during those years, Houston, "did not go about a great deal socially, although he was still a favorite of the type that ladies vaguely called 'interesting.'" His romanticism led one commentator to predict that if Houston ever became President, he would fill his Cabinet with women who would boss him around. (James, The Raven, 1988, p. 380).

This poem was published in Marquis James important biography, The Raven: A Biography of Sam Houston (1988), p. 380.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. Shipping and handling costs are competitive, we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx and USPS to P.O. Boxes only. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT and may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see Terms and Conditions of Sale.

January 28, 2016 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000