Chambers County

In The Confederacy

ANCESTRAL STORIES, LETTERS AND BIOGRAPHIES

"My Boy Is Gone From Me" - Letter from Margaret Lea Houston

Margaret Lea was a beautiful schoolgirl with violet eyes. She first laid eyes on General Houston when he went to New Orleans to celebrate his victory at San Jacinto. They met later in Spring Hill, Alabama and were married on May 9, 1840. Houston was strongly opposed to secession and was deposed as Governor of Texas. Sam Houston, Jr. the eldest of seven children enlisted as a private in the 2nd Texas.

Cedar Point
March 17th, 1862
My beloved Mother,
Since Gen'l Houston's return, I have had no spirit to write to any of you, on account of my deep affliction from my dear boy being sent to Missouri. My heart seems almost broken...I left nothing undone that was in my power, to prevent his going, but my weakness gave him an opportunity of displaying traits of character that made his father's heart swell with pride...When I first heard the news, I thought I would lie down and die, but it is strange how life will cling to such a poor emaciated frame as mine. I want one of the girls to write a letter for you and just give me your words. Reprove me as sharply as you please. It will do me good. I deserve it all. I find now that I had really enshrined an idol in my heart. I did not love him more than the rest of my children, but he absorbed all my anxiety, all my hopes and fear...I believe it is a settled thing now, that Galveston is not to be attacked. I am teaching the little ones at home. They are all learning very well. Beg my Christian friends all to pray for Sam. Tell Bro. Ross, when the sun is setting, it is my custom to pray for those who are near and dear to me, and I want him and his wife to meet me at that time at a throne of grace, and plead for my poor boy. Gen'l Houston and the children unit with me in love to all the kindred and friends.
Ever thy affectionate daughter
M. L. Houston

After the death of her husband on July 26, 1863, Mrs. Houston moved with her children to Independence, Texas. During a yellowfever epidemic in 1867 she volunteered as a nurse, was stricken and died. Her grave is in Independence.