5. Articles in "Texas Almanac "of 1859, viz.: (i) "Compendium of Early History of Texas." (2) Gen. Sam Houston. (3) Life of Stephen F. Austin. (4) Life of Gen. Edward Burleson. (5) Dr. N. D. Labadie's " San Jacinto Campaign and Texan Revolution."
6. Col. Alexander Horton's "Sketch of War of '36," Eastern Texan, San Augustine, Aug. i, 1857.
7. Letters of W. S. Taylor, Esq., and Gen. Sidney Sherman's Correspondence
8. Correspondence of W. M. Gilleland and R. J. Calder, Esqrs.
9. Correspondence of W. H. Dangerfield, Secretary of the Treasury, and Minister to France.
10. Rev. H. S. Thrall's "History of Texas."
11. Yoakum's "History of Texas."
12. Gen. Waddy Thompson's "Recollections of Mexico."
13. A large mass of letters, pamphlets, and newspapers.
I have been aided by the kind counsels of many gentlemen; especially by the Hon. Ashbel Smith, who prepared the very able chapter on the Finances of Texas during Houston's Presidencies and the Rev. Geo. W. Samson, D.D., now of New York City, who furnished the chapters on Houston's Congressional Career. Dr. Samson has furnished the main points of speeches which are not placed among the State papers; it would require a dozen volumes to publish every document. Major Moses Austin Bryan has aided me in important verbal statements. Prof. C. H. Wedemeyer and my son, Royston Campbell Crane, also have given very valuable aid. C. Edwards Lester, having written "Houston and his Republic," utider the same roof in Washington City with Gen. Houston, and Mrs. Houston having informed me that Gen. H. had told her that Lester's book was the only reliable account of him then written, I have taken his statements without question, and often used his language, although consulting and comparing all varied statements with his points of fact. While I have had the countenance and aid of all Gen. Houston's children, I am especially indebted to his son-in-law, W. L. Williams, Esq., and his lady, Mrs. Maggie Houston Williams, and also to Temple Houston, Esq. I am largely indebted to my lifelong friend. Dr. Samson, already alluded to, for assistance in this work indispensable to its success.
The truth, without fear, favor, or affection, has been the only aim in the preparation of this work. Little reference has been made to the Santa Fé Expedition. Gen. Houston's relation to it was mainly to save it from disaster. Let the people of Texas read this volume with the earnest desire to obtain a satisfactory history of the life, times, and labors of Sam Houston; which it is believed these pages will afford to the candid reader.
Baylor University, Independence, Texas, Jan. 26, 1884.
