Autographs
January 14, 1847 "Sam Houston" Signed Autograph Military Appointment Recommendation Endorsement for the Son of a War of 1812 Hero with Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans
SAMUEL "SAM" HOUSTON, (1793-1863). American Statesman, Politician, and Soldier, best known for his leading role in bringing Texas into the United States, 7th Governor of Texas and the Only Person in U.S. history to have been the Governor of Two Different States.
January 14, 1847-Dated, Excellent Content Autograph Endorsement on a Letter, being a Military Recommendation Signed, "Sam Houston" (as U.S. Senator), 4 pages, measuring 8" x 10", with Integral Postal Transmittal Cover, Very Fine. A wonderful, historic War of 1812 Related Content, regarding Major Henry Chotard (1787-1870), and this Letters writer. Circular Date Stamped from "Natches / Dec 19" to: The Honble Samuel Houston / Washington City, 10 Cent Stamped Postage, manuscript cancelled in brown ink. Transmittal folds, older paper reinforcements along 3rd page fold lines only partially touching the docket, some toning. Lot Includes a 5.25" x 8" greeting card from the "Sam Houston Hotel" showing an etching of an older Sam Houston.
This historic content Endorsement is Handwritten by Sam Houston on the final page of this Letter to Houston, written by (Major) Henry Chotard, dated January 14, 1846, in which Chotard requests Houston's help in getting his son a Military Commission to the Dragoons or Infantry. Here, Henry Chotard writes about his son, in part: "I can recommend him as particularly well fitted for the corps of Dragoons, being an exceedingly bold and skillful horseman. - believe me, dear Sir, - Sincerely and respectfully your's - (Signed) Henry Chotard." On the 4th and final page, used as the Integral Postal Cover, using the left side panel Sam Houston writes, in full:
"Major H. Chotard, - Was in the 44th Regt U.S. Infantry in 1813-4. Was aid to Genl Jackson at N. Orleans, and was one of the most brave, and accomplished officers of his day. (Attention to the) Hon. Secy of War --- (Signed) Sam Houston -14th Janry 1847".
Sam Houston joined the U.S. Army to fight against Britain in the War of 1812. While serving under Andrew Jackson in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend on March 26, 1814, Houston suffered three near-fatal wounds, and would carry fragments of the musket ball that lodged in his right shoulder until his death. His wounds healed slowly, and by the time he returned to duty Jackson's forces had won a decisive victory in the Battle of New Orleans. Impressed by Houston's valor, Andrew Jackson became a protector and father figure, arranging personally for Houston to serve on his staff in Nashville. Houston resigned from the army in 1818 to launch his law career, but Jackson helped him become general of the Tennessee militia, a post Old Hickory himself had once held.
The "Henry Chotard Collection" is located at the Louisiana State Museum Historical Center. Chotard was a Major commanding a company of soldiers during the Battle of New Orleans. The collection houses an order to Chotard to take command of New Orleans, a letter requesting likenesses of those who accompanied Andrew Jackson to Judge Dominic Hall's court (1857), and a notice of Chotard's death, muster roll, and a "descriptive list" for Chotard's company. The William & Mary Libraries Special Collections Manuscript Archive also contains Henry Chotard material. This Collection is open for research. Letter, Adjutant General's office, New Orleans to Louisiana Gov. W. C. C. Claiborne, by H. Chotard, Ass' t Adj. General., 1814 December 16th is also available for research.
Chotard was aide-de-camp to Major General Jackson and Assistant Adjutant General
In his report of the Battle of New Orleans, December 23rd, Andrew Jackson wrote: "Colonels Butler and Piatt and Major Chotard, by their intrepidity, saved the artillery."
"Major Henry Chotard, a gallant Mississippian of the Third U.S. Infantry, Adjutant-General on the staff of General Jackson, was wounded by a shell in the British bombardment of the Chalmette plantation buildings January 8 1815."
Major Henry Chotard was born March 3rd, 1787 in Santo Domingo. Died July 7th, 1870 in Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi.
Chotard, a native of Brittany, France, who was an officer under the governor of the island of St. Domingo, and on that island was married to Miss Henrietta Lofont, a daughter of the governor. He sent his children to France to be educated, but during the insurrection on the island he also returned to his native land, and came soon after to America, making a permanent settlement in Adams County, Miss., about the year 1805. He wife had died while on the voyage from St. Domingo to France, and after coming to this country he was married in Georgia to a Mrs. (Williams) Willis, and made a settlement on a plantation on the Liberty road in this county on which he made his home until his death, August 8, 1810. His first marriage resulted in the birth of two children: Henry E. and Amenaide. The latter was married in France and there made her home throughout life, but the son Henry, came hither in 1808 and at once entered the army as lieutenant, and took an active part in the Creek war.
Later he became a soldier in the war of 1812, and while serving on General Jackson's staff on the battlefield of New Orleans was, for gallant conduct, promoted to the rank of major. At that time was serving as adjutant general, and while stationed at Baton Rouge, was married, in 1819 to Miss Frances Minor, a daughter of Maj. Stephen Minor.
In 1821 he resigned from the army and settled permanently at Natchez and purchased a tract of land comprising several thousand acres, which became the magnificent Southern homestead, Somerset, which has been in possession of the family ever since. Every enterprise to which he turned his attention prospered far beyond his expectations, and in addition to his plantation in this county, he owned much valuable property in other parts of the state and in Louisiana.
He became a noted man throughout this section, for he was a man of strong will pwoer, great energy and large fortune, and his ample means was used liberally for the good of his fellow men and for the upbuilding of the county and state in which he had so long made his home.
He was a man among men and was considered by all to be among the highest civilians. He was called from earth in 1870, having been left a widower in 1864. His union was blessed in the birth of nine children, all of whom, with the exception of one, grew to maturity: Amenaide (widow of E.K. Chaplain of Maryland, by whom she has four children); Fannie; Henrietta; Maria, wife of Capt. F.B. Conner; Catherine, deceased wife of Horatio Eustis; Richard, deceased; John Charles, deceased; Henry, of Louisiana, and William, who died in infancy.
All these children that are living are residing on the old homestead in Adams county, with the exception of Henry, who, with his son Henry, is living on their plantation in Concordia parish, La., having lost his wife three years since. His wife was a granddaughter of Major Stephen Minor, therefore his first cousin.