367
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1852
belief, that he was to command them, and if he were to leave the command for any cause, it would be grounds for discontent. He then suggested that the committees of vigilance and safety of Nacogdoches and San Augustine had appointed me General of all the troops east of the Trinity, therefore, there could be no reasonable objection, to my assuming the command. I did then assure him, that I would not, under any circumstances, in any way, interfere with the command, unless it should be to carry out his orders as General, while I remained with the army. The only condition or request that he made, was that in assuming command, I would retain Col W D C Hall, as Adjutant General. This, of course, could form no objection with me, as I had already kindly 1·egarded Col Hall. It was determined not to attack Bexar, and that the members of the Consultation, should return to San Felipe de Austin, and organize a Government of some sort. Previous to our returning I had frequent conversations, with the General, as to what course, the Consultation should pursue. In all these matters we were agreed. We were both opposed to an unconditional declaration of Independence, and in favor, of a Provisional Government. When that was adopted by the Consultation, it was necessary to elect a Provisional Governor. The names of Genl Austin and Henry Smith Esqr were presented to the convention, when I gave my cordial support to Genl Austin, which produced a coolness with some of my friends. A number of the members of the Consultation remained with the army, who were friendly to Genl Austin, and the consequence was that he was not elected. It was soon resolved by the Consultation, that commissioners should be sent to the U States, to obtain aid for Texas. In selecting the Gentlemen for the Mission another attempt was made to defeat Austin, but it failed and he was elected as one of the commissioners. In giving my sincere and honest support to Genl. Austin for Governor, as well as Com- missioner, I was not influenced alone by my request for him as a man, but said and believed, "that his presence in the U States, and his identity with T'exas, would have more influence, in her behalf than all the men in Texas united." Gen! Austin and the other commissioners visited the U.S., and of course, personal intercourse ceased between us, until we met at Columbia, in the fall of 1836. In the meantime the Presidential election had taken place, and of this I will give you a narrative of facts: After the capture of Genl Santa Anna, I was compelled to go to New Orleans in
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