The sun., 1893-10-01
Nv.

Nv.
1t was toward the close OF 1882 that Houston
went to Texas with a commission from Presi-
dent Jackson to arrange treaties with the
Comanches and other wild tribes for tho pro.
lection OF American settlers on the border.
The biographer deems 1t probable that there
was also a secret understanding that he was
to examine the condition OF the country. with
the view OF ascertainnG the power Of the peo
pie to throw Off the authority OF Mexico. and
their disposition In regard to annexation to
the United States. Tho existence OF such an
understanding may be inferred from letter to
Jackson printed in this volume. In which Hous-
ton declares that Texas would undoubtedly
separate from the Mexican Confederacy. and.
unless annexed to the United States. would be-
come an English province. He informs Jackson
OF his purpose to accept tho invitation OF tho
citizens Of NacoGdoches. the principal town
In eastern Texas. to take up his residence
among them. This he did. and soon after-
ward on tho outbreak OF the struggle for inde-
pendence. he was elected Commander In. Chief
OF tho forces in eastern Texas and at once en-
gagged in organizing and forwarding volun-
teers He took part in the organization OF a
civil governmen ent for Texas at San Felipe. and 1t
was with reference to his appearance on this
occasion. when he still wore his Indian dress Of
a blanket and buckskin. that Jackson Is re-
ported to have said that he thanked God that
there was one man. at least. In Texas whom
the Almighty had the making OF. and not the
tailor" 1t was due to speech made by
Houston that the Convention at San Feline.
instead OF declaring absolute independence
Issued manifesto intended to conciliate the
Liberal party in Mexico. as we'll as to correct
the i'm preston current In the United States
that the revolt OF the Texans WAS 4 tlibuster
movement originating in a conspiracy OF slave
holders. Under the provisional Government
esta blished by this Convention Stephen s.
Austin was made a Com missioner to the United
States. and sam Houston was made Com
mander-in- Chief Houston proceeded to draw
up o plan for the organization Of the army.
and he had the active assistance Of the Cover,
nor, but the Council delayed passing the
necessary ordinances for recruiting service.
and tho quarrel which presently broke out
brought about a state OF anarchy in Texas,
paralyzed Houston's efforts and prevented the
creation OF any adequate force to resist Santa
Anna's expected invasion. Then came the
capture OF San Antonio by the forces of Santa
Anna. and tho siege OF the fortress OF
the Alamo. where $500 Mericans were
held at bay by 145 Texans until
all OF the latter lost their lives. 1t s said that
the loss OF the Mexicans In this affair was be-
tween 300 and 500 killed. 1t Is certain that
the cost of taking tho Alamo ought to have
taught Santa Anna that the subsection OF the
Texan colonists was an impossible task. By
the new Convention. which met on March l,
1875. a declaration of independence was
adopted. and Houston was unanimously re-
elected Commander in Chief He now expert
enced less difficulty In collecting soldiers
owing to the outburst OF wrath and indigna- |
ton caused by the fall OF the Alamo and the |
subsequent massacre at Goliad. whore 800 |
prisoners OF war were murdered in cold blood |
by the Mexicans. 1t was Houston who COM |
manded at San Jacinto. whore $50 Msxicans |
we're killed and 2OS wounded out OF total OF |
between 300 and !. 400 engaged. The num-
Der OF Texans In this battle. which achieved
heir independence. was only 743. All the
arms. baggage, and camp equipage OF tho
Mexicans fell into the hands of the victors.
md Santa Anna himself. the President OF the
Mexican republic. was made u prisoner
The first words Of Santa Anna whom he was
brought into Houston's tent were. That man
nay consider himself born to no common les
my who has conquered the Napoleon OF the
Vest. 1t now remains for him to be generous
o the vanqushed." Houston replied: You
hould have remembered that at tho Alamo"
md went on to inform him that he had no au-
hority to treat for his release or for terms Of
,eace. but that the matter must be refcrre to
he Government OF Texas. A treaty was uit-
nately made. providing for cessation OF hos
ilities and an interchange OF prisoners
nd supplemented with a secret agree
nent that Santa Anna should procure
he acknowledgment OF the indepon-
ence OF Texas. But for the protest.
owever. which Houston sont from Now Or
cans. whittier he had boon carried for tho
ure OF wound. this agreement would not
ave been fulfilled the Texans clamoring for
he execution OF Santa Anna. whom they Justly
eld responsible for the slaughter of the
iamo and the massacre at Goliad, 1t WAS
Iresean that Santa Anna. as soon a5 he re-
lrned to Mexico. would repudiate the agree-
lent and. as IL matter OF fact. the Mexican
Congress- had previously passed decree that
II treaties and conventions subscribed by
anita Anna while he was prisoner would be
ull and void.
v.
At the general election hold on July 23 1895
Or President and Congress to take the place
the provisional Government, Houston was
hosen Chief Magistrate by very large ma
'rity. and. In the subsequent October. took
OF the Office he administered the
Secutiye functions with remarkable sagacity.
was due to him that Santa Anna was eyentu-
lly released and sent under an escort to Wash