Previous lo this time, the general council had adopted a resolution requiring the governor to direct the removal of the headquarters of the army, and I had been ordered to Washington, for their establishment, until further orders. I had been detained, awaiting copies of the ordinances relative to the army. Their design was manifest, nor could their objects be misapprehended, though the extent to which they were carrying them was not known. Messrs. Hanks and Clements were engaged in writing letters to individuals at Bexar, urging and authorizing a campaign against Matamoras; and, that their recommendation might bear the stamp of authority, and mislead those who were unwilling to embark in an expedition not sanctioned by government, and led by private individuals, they took the liberty of signing themselves members of the military committee; thereby deceiving the volunteers, and assuming a character which they could only use or employ in the general council, in proposing business for the action of that body. They could not be altogether ignorant of the impropriety of such conduct, but doubtless could easily find a solid justification in the bullion of their patriotism and the ore of their integrity. Be their motive whatever it might, many brave and honorable men were deluded by it, and the campaign was commenced upon Matamoras, under Dr. Grant, as "acting" commander-in-chief of the volunteer army- a title and designation unknown to the world. But the general council, in their address to the people of Texas, dated January 11th, state that "they never recognized in Dr. Grant any authority whatever as an officer of the government, or army, at the time." They will not, I presume, deny that they did acknowledge a draft, or order, drawn by him, as acting commander-in-chief, amounting to seven hundred and fifty dollars. But this they will doubtless justify, on the ground that your excellency commissioned General Burleson, and, of course, the appointment of Dr. Grant, as his aide-de-camp, would authorize him to act in the absence of General Burleson. It is an established principle in all armies that a staff-officer can claim no command in the line of the army, nor exercise any command in the absence of the general, unless he holds a commission in the line. In the absence of General Burleson, the senior colonel- or, in the absence of the colonel, the major- or, in his absence, the senior captain- would have the command; but in no event can the aide, or staff-officer, unless he holds a commission in the line of the army, have any command; and his existence must cease, unless he should be continued or reappointed by the officer of the line who succeeds to the command, in the absence of his superior. When General Burleson left the army, his aide had no
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