Early Governors' Papers

Greeneville (Tenn) 29 Ap^l 1829.

My dear friend,

Since my arrival here, I saw your resignation of the office of Chief magistrate of this State, and I need not tell you that such an item of inteligence, excited my deepest regret.- To remain silent, when my friend had deemed it proper to take such a course, at the moment at which his county was was holding out to him the flattering prospect of a renewal of his confidence, would be unpardonable, and would prove me recusant to every principle of noble and generous friendship.- The confidence I have ever reposed in you, forbids me to imagine that the course was either rash or ill advised; and I deplore I deplore the event, and regret with the utmost poignancy, the existence of causes, which may have led to this unexpected and unwelcome catastrophe, permit me to assure you to assure you in the sincerity of my heart, that the spirit of friendship unabated, and of confidence undiminished continues to animate my bosom towards you.- In retiring from the busy scene of political life, you ought to rem= =ember that you are still Houston; that although you may have misfortunes unforeseen, and therefore unprovided against visited upon you, yet that these things should not be permitted to drink up your spirits, or to prostrate him whose enemies coud not in the days of prosperity find the means to destroy- Go where you will,- let whatever destiny await you which an inscrutable providence may appoint, I shall still remember with the highest feelings of friendship our mutual and unqualified attachment.

May heaven preserve you. A Howard

Sam: Houston, Late Governor of Tennessee