Michael Berryman Smith, author of The Texas Terrell Project and a descendant of Texian George Whitfield Terrell pointed out this interesting 1842 letter from his antecedent to retired General Andrew Jackson at his home at The Hermitage in Tennessee.
March 10, 1842
Gen. Jackson, Sir, I send you herewith a pipe as a memento of the friendship I entertain for you personally and the respect I hear your character. It is of no value of itself, and derives its only consideration from the recollection with which the material of which it is composed, is associated, being carved out of the stone of the Alamo, that memorable spot consecrated by the blood of Travis and of Bowie of Crockett, of Bonham and many other noble hearts who yielded their lives a willing sacrifice in the cause of human liberty. Such an offering, although valueless in itself, I know will not fail to be prised [sic] by one who has ever shown a willingness to pledge his fortune peril his life, and stake his reputation, in the same great cause in which these gallant spirits fell
The letter was written during one of the several incursions of Mexican troops into the Republic of Texas as far as San Antonio after Texas had won its independence by both battle and treaty in 1836. The letter continued with strong criticism of the Mexican Centralists in attempts to take back Texas and described preparations for the response to the Mexican incursion by Texian troops.
Terrell, an attorney who served in the legislature of Tennessee, served Texas while part of Mexico and then the Republic in numerous positions that included Secretary of State of the newly formed Republic under David G. Burnet and Attorney General under Houston. He served terms as Indian Commissioner and charg d'affaires to France, Great Britain, and Spain. He was an avid Democrat and opponent of annexation to the USA.
The pipe shown here and here as stated in the letter was made from stone from the Alamo and is in the Hermitage Museum near Nashville, TN.
March 10, 1842
Gen. Jackson, Sir, I send you herewith a pipe as a memento of the friendship I entertain for you personally and the respect I hear your character. It is of no value of itself, and derives its only consideration from the recollection with which the material of which it is composed, is associated, being carved out of the stone of the Alamo, that memorable spot consecrated by the blood of Travis and of Bowie of Crockett, of Bonham and many other noble hearts who yielded their lives a willing sacrifice in the cause of human liberty. Such an offering, although valueless in itself, I know will not fail to be prised [sic] by one who has ever shown a willingness to pledge his fortune peril his life, and stake his reputation, in the same great cause in which these gallant spirits fell
The letter was written during one of the several incursions of Mexican troops into the Republic of Texas as far as San Antonio after Texas had won its independence by both battle and treaty in 1836. The letter continued with strong criticism of the Mexican Centralists in attempts to take back Texas and described preparations for the response to the Mexican incursion by Texian troops.
Terrell, an attorney who served in the legislature of Tennessee, served Texas while part of Mexico and then the Republic in numerous positions that included Secretary of State of the newly formed Republic under David G. Burnet and Attorney General under Houston. He served terms as Indian Commissioner and charg d'affaires to France, Great Britain, and Spain. He was an avid Democrat and opponent of annexation to the USA.
The pipe shown here and here as stated in the letter was made from stone from the Alamo and is in the Hermitage Museum near Nashville, TN.
