that your object in comeing to the Army was, to further the views of the President, the general measures of whose administration are considered adverse to the best interests of the Army, a11d al the same time to supersede Genl 1-1 in the command. I have endeavored so far as I could to drive them from this error, by pointing to your positive declarations in the face of the whole Army, "that the appointment was conferecl only for the emergency" which emer- gency was alone created by the request of the Commanding Genl. thrice repeated - by bringing to their recollections that the same command had been tendered you and declined at a time much more propitious for reaping laurels and the gratifications of ambition - by the whole tenor of your public life <luring which you have not only not sought office but invariably rejected it when pressed on you and too by a people who certainly possess as strong claims to intelligence and character, as Texians can boast of. There are some still incredulous to these ·and similar facts. The truth is, the President and his Cabinet have incurred such a mass of odium that they now send one of the Old Patriarch's here on the most sacred mission he would be viewed with suspicion as leagued with the Government in carrying on operations against the Army. And I believe that 'tis susceptible of demonstration that Goel in his wisdom & perfection, could not please the dissatisfied spirits of this Army. In canvassing the claims of the men who were before them, honesty, and integrity of purpose were generally accorded to Archer; 'twas offsetted however by the charge that he was windy, speculative; and if indeed opposing Austin a lit[llej immodest. The war of opinion was going on with much spirit and [vituperation] until the resolutions of the Mexican Government reached Camp. They suddenly changed mens thoughts from the muddy current of politics to that which immediately concerned their personal Salvation. And happy would it have been if this influence had created a determination on the part of our Officers to introduce and enforce that regular organization and respect for rule that would have made our little band at once respected and formidable. Genl. R preserves his popularity as a man but as a Commander is thought to possess no claims. Greens command has dwindled to perfect insignificance and himself possessing no more influence here than a raw recruit - He seems to have discovered the error of his way & has ceased his vapourings for a time. I am sorry Genl. that I have written more than you will read. I should be happy if you have leisure to receive any communication from you. Governor Smith was not considered a Candidate, his friends having declared he had
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