to mortify me individually, and, if possible to compel me to do some act which would enable them lo pursue the same measures toward me, which they have illegally done toward your excellency, and thereby remove another obstacle to the accomplishment of their plans. In their attempts lo embarrass me, they were reckless of all prejudice which might result to the public service from their lawless course. While the council was passing resultions affecting the army of Texas, and transferring to J. W. Fannin, jr. and F. W. Johnson the whole control of the army and resources of Texas, they could order them to be furnished with copies of the several resolutions passed by that body, but did not think proper even to notify the major general of the army of their adoption; nor have they yet caused him to be furnished with the acts of the council relative to the army. True it is, that they passed a resolution to that effect, but it never was complied with. Their object must have been lo conceal, and not to promulgate their acts. "They have loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil." I do not consider the council as a constitutional body, nor their acts lawful. They have no quorum agreeably to the organic law, and therefore I am compelled to regard all their acts as void. They body has been composed of seventeen members, and I perceive that the act of "suspension," passed against your excel- lency, was by only ten members present; the president pro tern. having no vote. Only ten members remain, when less than twelve members could not form a quorum agreeably to the organic law, which required two thirds of the whole body. I am not prepared to violate either my duty or my oath, by yielding obedience to an act manifestly unlawful, as it is, in my opinion, prejudicial to the welfare of Texas. The lieutenant- governor and several members of the council, I believe to be patriotic and just men; but there have been, and when I left San Felipe there were others, in that body, on whoe honesty and integrity the foregoing facts will be the best commen- tary. They must also abide the judgment of the people. Sam Houston Commander-in-Chief of the Army
196
Powered by FlippingBook