Note from Sam Houston

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George Washington Baines

"I allude to plain old fashioned honesty of paying what they subscribe.They ought to know that paper currency will not pass in Heaven. It must be the coin which is only issued from an honest heart. Cotton fields and cotton bols will find no market in Paradise."
Sam Houston
23 November 1857
Huntsville, Texas

From a letter written to "Brother Baines" from Sam Houston. George Washington Baines, Sr a maternal great-grandfather of U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson (1963–1969), was a Baptist clergyman in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas who served briefly as natural science professor and President of Baylor University at its first location in Independence in Washington County, Texas.

Sam Houston was writing to his friend, Brother Baines, encouraging him when the congregation was not forthcoming with donations to support the minister and his church. His words ring true today, don't they?

George Washington Baines also had problems with "Hardshell" Baptists who took over one of his churches in Arkansas before his move to Texas. Seems there is always someone who believes that their way is the only way to God...even in the 1850's.

I spotted this letter on the wall of the Austin home of Lucy Johnson, she had the letter, plus a transcription framed on her wall. I understand that the original is in the Johnson City Ranch.

George Washington Baines is buried in Salado, Texas, and his home is open to the public.

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