Sam Houston and Mirabeau Lamar

This book is a rhetorical study of the writings of Republic of Texas presidents Sam Houston and Mirabeau Lamar which analyzes the frames applied in the writings of the two leaders to define Native Americans. Presenting their individual writings as a dialogue and an argument, it considers the points at which Houston and Lamar’s rhetorical depictions overlapped and diverged, and explores the range and overall social impact of each president’s portrayal of Native Americans. It prompts readers to consider the implications of such rhetorical framing both historically and through the modern day in application to a wide array of social groups.