Nashville 3d June 1825 My dear cousin, Your highly valued favor of the 16th Ult has just been received, and my reply to it is to me much pleasure. I correct an error into which you have been led with great pleasure. There was no difficulty in my way in So. Carolina, but my own situation at home. I had not provided a House for the reception of madam, when I wou'd bring her home. I had no relations in 200 miles of this place where she cou'd stay at. It wou'd have been unpleasant and unsuitable, for her to have staid alone at a Farm or Boarding house, during this summer, and when in south carolina I was assured that W Grundy wou'd pole against me for congress; and owing to this circumstance I was induced to think [2] that I wou'd be engaged from home in the District this summer, and cou'd not be with madam, and that among strangers and alone, her situation wou'd be unpleasant! Furthermore I had been assured that personal difficulties awaited me at home, and was asked by my friends to come home and look to matters, and if I was single, when these things were made known to me, to come home in a single situation. All but my personal difficulties were submitted to the family, and I left there with a promise to return next fall, by the 1st of November. I intend to do so, let what may, take place - I was employ'd in a suit, in Marlboro, and am to be there by the court on the 1st Monday in November. The fee is one thousand dollars - It is a will case, in which Tennessee, & So Carolina are jointly interested! I will not run for Governor this time, but presume I will return to [3] Congress. I have serious opposition, and do not doubt my election. W Grundy will not be out this canvass. My personal affairs must be settled in my own way, or not at all! I like your suggestions respecting politicks - I accord with you in all of them! I will present you to the General & all his family, in the meantime let me assure you that you are [a great] favorite with all the family! And [possess] there [sic] best regard. Tell your dear ----- that your friend Houston salutes her with his warmest regard, and will be happy to meet her of my own name. Give my regard to W Pleasontons family, and to Mrs. Watson's. Comply with my request in all things, and write to me soon. also fully - commend me affectionately, to all our friends! Thine forever Sam Houston Jno H. Houston esq. [Address:] Jno. H. Houston esq. Washington City C. District [Docket]: 3rd June, 1825 Hon. Saml Houston Nashville Ten.