Conversation so far:
What year did the presidential election begin with Sam Houston?
Victory in the Battle of San Jacinto made Sam Houston a hero to many Texans, and he won the 1836 Texas presidential election.
Who helped Sam Houston win the Presidential election of 1836?
Thomas Benton helped him in his military career and Governor McMinn helped Houston in his political career.
Who was James Pinckney Henderson?
James Pinckney Henderson was a United States and Republic of Texas lawyer, politician, soldier, and the first Governor of the State of Texas.
Anything else interesting about Sam Houston besides winning the Presidential election of 1836?
During the presidential election, the voters of Texas overwhelmingly indicated their desire for Texas to be annexed by the United States.

Question: What did he do to avoid war?
Self-contained rewrite: What did Sam Houston do to avoid war?