Maryland Congressman Asks Sam Houston For Speech Opposing Kansas-Nebraska Act

SAM HOUSTON (March 2, 1793 – July 26, 1863) was an American soldier and politician. His victory at the Battle of San Jacinto secured independence of Texas from Mexico. He was also the only governor within a future Confederate state to oppose secession and to refuse the oath of allegiance to the Confederacy, which led to his being removed from office by the Texas secession convention.

Houston was active in the War of 1812 and in 1827 was elected Governor of Tennessee as a Jacksonian.  In 1832, he moved to Coahuila y Tejas, then a Mexican state, and became a leader of the Texas Revolution.  Houston became a key figure in Texas and was elected as the first and third President of the Republic of Texas.  He supported annexation by the United States and became a U.S. Senator upon achieving it in 1845 and finally a governor of the State of Texas in 1859.

The Kansas Nebraska Bill, authored by Sen. Stephen Douglas, was designed to move the issue of slavery to individual territories to ease tensions between the north and south.  Houston felt the bill would jeopardize the rights of American Indians and was s direct violation of the 1820 Missouri Compromise.  He made a renowned speech stating his opposition (research included).

MARTIN FRANKLIN CONWAY (November 19, 1827-February 15, 1882) was a Congressman from Maryland, consul to France, abolitionist and advocate of the Free-State Movement in Kansas.

One-page, ALS, 4 ¼ x 7 ¼, March 9, 18_, Conway writes to Houston: “Will you be kind enough to furnish me with a copy of your speech on the Kansas and Nebraska Bill; also a copy of the Congressional Directory. By doing so, you will confer a favor on a friend and admirer.

“Respectfully,

“M.J. Conway

“Hon. Sam Houston, U.S.S.”

Toning and some damage to upper right, not affecting text.

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