Title:
Rare Sam Houston ALS – PSA/DNA Certified Handwritten Letter Signed, NM-MT 8 Auto Grade (Metropolitan Hotel, January 31, 1858; Cert. #85797361)
Description:
Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Sam Houston, dated “Metropolitan, 31st Jan 1858,” written entirely in his hand on period paper. The letter is boldly penned in dark ink and signed “Sam Houston” at the conclusion, with a strong, well-formed autograph that has received a PSA/DNA auto grade of NM-MT 8.
The full transcription reads:
“Metropolitan
31st Jan 1858
My dear Sir,
I thank you for your kind note, and sympathies most truly in your (?) Noble bereavement. I have anticipated much pleasure in meeting Lady O’Conor, and yourself, while on my visit to (?) places. I will leave it to you to set the hour for the carraige to call at the Hotel. On Monday I must leave in the early train for Washington.
Please present my homage to Lady.
Yours truly
Sam Houston
Mr. C. O’Conor”
The letter is written from the Metropolitan Hotel in New York, a well-known political and social hub of the era, and is addressed to Charles O’Conor. Houston references an anticipated meeting and expresses courtesy toward O’Conor and his wife, reflecting a cordial personal and professional relationship.
Encapsulated and authenticated by PSA/DNA, the label reads:
“HANDWRITTEN LETTER
SAM HOUSTON
PSA/DNA CERTIFIED
AUTO GRADE NM-MT 8”
Certification number: 85797361.
Condition is excellent, with strong ink contrast, clean paper, and minimal handling wear. The signature is განსაკუთრებით bold and highly desirable for display.
Historical Context:
Sam Houston (1793–1863) was one of the most significant political and military figures in 19th-century America. He served as President of the Republic of Texas, later as U.S. Senator and Governor of Texas, and was a key leader in Texas’ independence from Mexico. By 1858, Houston was a prominent national figure navigating the increasingly tense political landscape leading up to the Civil War.
The recipient, Charles O’Conor (1804–1884), was among the most influential lawyers in the United States. Known for his constitutional expertise, he later served on the defense team for Jefferson Davis following the Civil War and was nominated for President in 1872 by the Straight-Out Democratic Party.
This correspondence reflects the interconnected world of elite political, legal, and social figures in antebellum America. Houston’s presence in New York and his meeting with O’Conor underscore the national scope of his influence beyond Texas, as well as his engagement with leading intellectual and political circles of the time.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
PSA/DNA authenticated and encapsulated handwritten letter signed with auto grade NM-MT 8 (Cert. #85797361), securely preserved in a tamper-evident archival holder.
Closing Appeal:
This beautifully preserved Sam Houston ALS offers a rare and personal glimpse into the life of a towering American figure, paired with a bold, high-grade signature. Its connection to Charles O’Conor further enhances its historical significance, making it an exceptional piece for collectors of early American, Texas, and political history.
Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.
