Sam Houston: Speech on His Refusal to Take the Oath of Loyalty to the Confederacy

Sam Houston was involved in some of the most dramatic events in American history. Aside from his successful military career, he proved to be a passionate and dedicated politician. Unlike many of his southern counterparts, he was sympathetic to Native Americans and firmly believed that secession was a mistake. A charismatic orator and eloquent writer, Houston’s writings and speeches often stirred people to action. His love of the Union and commitment to peace are evident in the Speech on His Refusal to Take the Oath of Loyalty to the Confederacy, an address he gave to the Texas Secession Convention.