Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1872-08-21

of Texas in case of favorable report
from Elliot, and the commissioners had
encouraging assurances of procuring q
loan in that contingency. They returned
elated at their partial success, and the
intelligence was received with great Joy
in Texas.
Gen. Houston, president of the Repub-
lie, was one of the most perfect specimens
of manly beauty to be seen in the country,
He was considerably upward of six feet
feet in heighth, straight as an arrow, of
symmetrical proportions, and as gvaceful
IN his movements as a panther. He had
a finely turned head and shoulders, and
their easy play was wonderful to behold.
He affected 4 picturesque and rather
theatrical style of costume: but what in
an ordinary man would have been foppish-
ness and affectation, his great personal
advantages rendered natural, proper and
becoming. In the anticipation of the
visit of Elliot, he had ordered magnif-
cent velvet robe from New York. sort
of regal garment that set off his masculine
attraction in a splendid manner, but which
would have brought ridicule and derision
upon almost any other man. 1t Is well
known that Houston, although perfectly
temperate IN the latter part of his life,
was at one time addicted so intemperance.
He was not q habitual drinker. but oc.
casionally INDUCED to a fearful excess !;
and when Elliot arrived in Houston, then
the capital of Texas, he vas in the midst
of one Of his worst drunken orgies In
fact, he was lying in the gutter in state
of helpless intoXication But Hamilton
and Barnby were equal to the emergency.
They received the envoy with becoming
respect, conducting him to the hotel with
becoming ceremony. He was then inform
ed that the president, General Houston,
had been unexpectedly called TO Washing
ton, about q hun Ired miles up the country,
on indispensable business, but would be
back in day or two. Awaiting his return,
they would show the envoy what was to
be seen at the capital, and endeavor to
make him comfortable. Meantime the
General was taken to the house of a
friend, bathed, cleansed and fumigated
and as be had wonderful powers OF recu-
peration, he appeared renovated and re-
treshed IN less than twenty-fOur hours, and
1onning his gorgeous velvet robe, gave
audience TO the British envoy, looking ike
a monarch of the lower empire. The ef-
feet was electrical
Elliot was carried away by the affabil-
t. and dignity Of the president He
,ould hardly express the admiration with
which he was inspired Why, gentle
nen, said he, addressing the commission
srs. Il have never seen man Of such
majestic, presence. He puts
me at his ease at once. His description
# the country was eloquent and express
ye, carrying conviction in every word.
should consider myself faithless TO my
luty if 1 did not recommend the immedi-
tie recognition Of your independence, and /
can assure you all the money you want
IS soon as my report Is presented.
And he performed al he had promised.
Texas was acknowledged as an independ-
mt nation, and borrowed half a million
terling, and thus the question was settled
.Ever>eIy 70 the prctensions of Mexico.
Suppose Elliot had stumbled upon
Houston as he lay in the gutter?