12/04/2025
On December 2, 1832, Sam Houston crossed the Red River out of the Indian Territory into Texas for the first time.
A federal marshal named Elias Rector traveled with him as far south as the river to keep him company. They had been boon drinking companions. One observer said that Rector got drunk on whiskey and sobered up on wine.
At the river, Houston convinced him to trade horses since his horse was an old nag with no tail, and Texas was a place where fine horses were an important status symbol. The marshal also gave Houston his razor.
"Rector, I accept your gift," said Sam, "And mark my words, if I have luck, this razor will someday shave the chin of the president of a republic."
