“I would lay down my life to defend any one of the States from aggression, which endangered peace or threatened its institutions. I could do more for the union, but I wish to do more; for the destruction of the union would be the destruction of all the States. A stab in the heart is worse then a cut in a limb, for this may be healed.”
More from Sam Houston
“I beseech those whose piety will permit them reverently to petition, that they will pray…”
“I have ever been opposed to banks, - opposed to internal improvements by the general…”
“Fellow citizens, in the name of your rights and liberties, which I believe have been…”
“This feeling has been impressed my heart by the instruction and example of the great man…”