Sam Houston And the American Southwest
The book, San Houston: and the American Southwest, written by Randolph B. Campbell traces the life of Samuel Houston from his relations with the Cherokee Indians in his younger years to the end of his days in public office. The book begins by stating that even in his younger years, Sam Houston had an interest in adventure and excitement. At one point in his life, Sam ran away from home to live with the Cherokee Indians. Sam Houston returned home at the request of his mother and gave in to the temptation of alcohol. The book goes on to state that in order to relieve some of debt he had acquired in purchasing gifts for his Cherokee friends, Sam opened up a schoolhouse in Maryville where he taught at age 19. By November of that same year of 1812 Samuel Houston enrolled in the local academy rather than enlist in the army. The next year at 20 years old on March 24, 1813, Sam enlisted in the United States Army to begin his military career where he soon came to fall under the command of General Andrew Jackson.