The Texas legislature elected Houston to the U.S. Senate on 21 February 1846. He drew a two-year term upon entering the Senate but was elected to a full term in December 1847. As sectional animosity over slavery increased, Houston took what would become an unalterable stance against extremism and in defense of the Union. Houston's moderate views on slavery supported his determination to preserve the Union.

HOUSTON, Samuel,  (father of Andrew Jackson Houston and cousin of David Hubbard), a Representative from Tennessee and a Senator from Texas; born at Timber Ridge Church, near Lexington, Va., March 2, 1793; moved about 1808 with his widowed mother to Blount County, Tenn.; attended Maryville Academy (now Maryville College), Maryville, Tenn.; employed as a clerk in a store in Kingston, Tenn.; enlisted as a private in the United States Infantry 1813; served under General Andrew Jackson in the Creek War, rose to lieutenant, and resigned from the Army in 1818; studied law,

Columbia, S. C. City, capital of the state, and seat of justice of Richland co. 73 miles N. E. from Augusta, and 120 miles N. N. W. from Charleston.  Situated on the E.

Columbia, Pa., Lancaster co. On the E. bank of the Susquehanna River. 30 miles S. E. from Harrisburg. It is connected with Havre de Grace, at the mouth of the Susquehanna, by a canal, and with Philadelphia by railroad.  A bridge here crosses the Susquehanna, a mile and 390 feet in length, resting on stone piers.  An aqueduct supplies the place with water for domestic and other purposes. The trade with Philadelphia and Baltimore is large in lumber, coal, iron, &c.