(3582J [MAMILTON to -J
[June, 1836 I Sir: The following extract from the N. York evening Star, having met with a very extended circulation, I trust I sahll stand excused for adding a hrief commentary which I feel lo be due to myself. "The following is from Hudson's correspondence, Washinglon: "l am enabled lo state, on untlouhtecl authority, that a plot is now on foot lo deprive Houston of the command of the army in Texas, and place gen. James Hamilton, of South Carolina, al its head. The proposition had been made to the Texian commissioners and is now under consideration. [f Hamilton can be placed at the head of Lhe affairs of Texas, it is said that SI 0,000,000 will soon be pledged to the cause. If is alleged Houston is not the man lo carry the plans of Texas into effect, and a strong party in the south is ready lo take hold of the struggle if l-lamillon can he elected lo the chief command." I am sure that those who know me, will believe that I am al least innocent of the charge of sanctioning any "plot," to deprive a gallant soldier of the command of an army to which he has vindicated a paramount claim by his own sword, more especially al a moment when wounded in a battle which has covered him with laurels, he is al once the object of mingled sympathy and admiration. But lam confident, sir, you will believe with even a bribe of "ten millions lo the cause of Texas," I am incapable of being made the instrument of this injustice. I may envy gen. Houston the glory of having fought with consummate bravery and conduct, one of the most decisive baltlcs in the annals of ancient of modern war-bul if T know myself, I could never "plol" or sanction any "plot" lo the prejudice of claims infinitely greater than my own. I shoulcJ not have noticed this rumor if ( did not desire to relieve myself (if there is a single man who Ldievcs the accusation lo he true), from Lhc imputation of the gross anrl offensive arrogance of "plotting" lo take the cornmancl from a succes.,:;ful general of the companions of his glory, in tlw very hour of his victory. J remain, very respectfully, your ulwclitint f-i('.rvant, J. ~h,milton
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