Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1855-03-09
Benton,s Opinion of Sam Honsron.

BentOn,s Opinion of Sam Houston.
Given in the U. 8. Senate, upon the Question
of Recognizing the Independence Of Texas
Of the individuals who have purchased
lasting renown 10 this young war, it would
be impossible in this place to speak. in de-
! tail, and invidious 20 discriminate; but there
is one among them whose position form an
exception, and whose early association with
myself jusIi6es aud claims the tribute Of
particular attention. speak Of him whose
romantic victory has given to the Jacinto%
that immortality in grave and serious histo-
ry which the diskos Of Apollo has given to
it the fabulous pages Of heather mythoIo-
gy. General Houston was born in the State
Of Virginia, county Of Siockbridge; he was
appointed an ensign 10 the army Of the u
8. during the late war with Great Britain,
and served in the Greek campaign under
the banner Of Jackson.
q was the lieutenant-colonel Of the reg
iment TO which he belonged. and the first
field officer to whom he reported. then
marked in him the same soldierly and gen.
tlemanly qualities which since distinguished
his eventful career-frank, generous, brave;
ready to do, or to suffer, whatever the obi
cations of civil or military duty imposed
and always prompt to answer the call of
honor, patriotism ans, friendship Sincere
ly do rejoice in this victory. 1t is victo-
~ without alloy. and without parallel, ex-
cept at New Orleans.
at is a victory which the civilization Of
the age, and the honor of the human race,
required him TO gain; for the nineteenth
century is not the age IN which a reputa
tion Of the Goliad matn could be endured
Nobly has he answered the requisiIion;
fresh and luxuriant are the laurels which
adorn his brow.
at is rot within the scope of my present
purpose 10 speak Of military events and to
celebrate the exploits of that vanguard Of
the Anglo Saxons who are now on the con-
fines Of The ancient empire of The Montezu-
mas; but that combat CT the San Jacinto, it
must forever remain in the catalogue Of
military miracles. Seven hundred and fif-
ty citizens, miscellaneously armed with RI
fes. muskets, belt pistols and knives under
leader who had never seen service except
as a subaltern, march % attack near double
their numbers-march in open day across
prairie TO attack upwards of I've hun
died veterans, the elite Of an invading army
of seven thousand, posted in a wood. their
flank secured, front intrenched; and COM
manded BY general trained in civil wars,
victorious in numberless battles; and chief
of an empire of which no man becomes |
chief but conqueror.
ain twenty minutes the position is forced. |
The combat becomes carnage. The
Howery prairie is stained with blood; the
byacinth is no longer blue, but scarlet Six
hundred Mexicans are dead; six hundred
more are prisoners. half wounded. The
President General himself prisoner; the
camp and baggage al taken, and the loss
of the victors six killed and twenty wound
ed. Such are the results, and which no
European can believe but those who saw
Jackson at New Orleans. Houston is the
pupil Of jackson; aud he is the first self
made General since the time Of Mark An
tony and the King Antigonus, who has ia
ken the general of the army and the head
Of the government captive in battle Diff,
ferent from Antony, be has spared the life
Of his captive, though forfeited by every law
human and divine"
'Hyacilth; hyacinihuS; hauknthosi water