Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/42

 Clay was Speaker, and orators and statesmen, completed or nascent, were the law-makers of the memorable period of the candidacy for the Presidency of John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and Wm. Henry Crawford.

The first term of Sam. Houston in Congress was amid exciting events, but his course was so faultless, so acceptable to his constituents, that they showed the warmth of their approval by returning him a second time by a nearly unanimous vote. His second term raised him still higher in the esteem of the people of Tennessee. Their confidence knew no bounds. Few men have risen so rapidly in popularity. In 1827 he was elected Governor of the State by a majority of over 12,000. His career as Governor was popular. The duties of the oflfce were discharged with stern^ fidelity to the Constitution, and in earnest sympathy with the people and their interests. But an event occurred in the zenith of his popularity, when no man except General Jackson exercised greater influence over the popular sentiment and affections, which suddenly threw a shadow over his character, and terminated his political career in Tennessee.

In January, 1829, he was married to a young lady of reputable connections and gentle character. Her kindred were personal and political friends of Gen. Houston, and had zealously supported him in his political canvasses. The whole country was taken by surprise when, about three months after the marriage, a separation took place. No publication, either from Gen. Houston or the lady, has ever furnished the reason for this remarkable proceeding. Unfounded reports, born of bitter malignity, were scattered through Tennessee, and the popular feeling was so completely inflamed that, in this strange excitement, the State was divided into two hostile parties. His name was denounced; impertinent disturbers of the peace, curiosity-hunting busybodies, whom human laws rarely reach, yet criminals against the peace and dignity of society, and the laws of God and man, did not hesitate to charge him with every species of crime ever committed by man. He offered no denial of these allegations, and to his dying day ever spoke of the young lady in terms of unqualified respect and great kindness. He never authorized any explanation of this singular event, but was wont to say, as a reply to all inquiry, as has been published, "This is a painful, but it is a private affair. I do not recognize the right of the public to interfere in it, and I shall treat the public as though it had never happened. And remember, that whatever may be said by the lady or her friends it is no part of the conduct of a gallant or generous man to take up arms against a woman. If my character can not stand the shock, let me lose it. The storm will soon sweep by, and time will be my vindicator." Over fifty years have elapsed since this strange event oc-