WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1854
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to that rank, but I have, with the approbation of the Cabinet, confirmed the commission." See Burnet to the Senate, Exec?itive Rec01·d Book, No. 35, pp. 34-41, Texas State Library; also in W. C. Binkley (ed.) Official Cor-re- svondence of the Te:can Revolntion, 1835-1836, II p. 1086. Also see Thomas J. Green, Reply of Thomas J. G-reen to the Speech of General Sam Houston, August 1, 1854, p. 11, who says: "My unconditional commission as Brigadier- General of the first brigade of the Texas army, signed by President David G. Burnett, and countersigned by Thomas J. Rusk, then Secretary of War, on the 19th of March 1836, was tendered to me without solicitation on my part, by the unanimous vote of the cabinet." 0 See Reply to Reflections upon his Record as Sub-Indian Agent, September 9, 1850, in this volume. 10 See Houston to Charles B. Young, October 16, 1843, Volume III, 436- 437; also Houston to the House of Representatives, January 29, 1844, ibid., pp. 542-543. OPPOSING SUPERVISION OF ARMORIES BY MILITARY OFFICERS, AUGUST 3, 1854 1 From the noise prevailing in the Chamber, I have not found it possible to hear what has been said in the discussion, and, there- fore, I may repeat what has been already said. I investigated this subject some sessions since, and came to the conclusion that it was proper to place the armories under the management of civilians. I have this session had an opportunity of reviewing the report made in the House of Representatives upon it; and from all the lights contained in it, assuming that the alleged facts are true, it has only confirmed me more certainly in my former opinion that it ought to be given to civilians, and that they ought to exercise the control of it under the direction of the Secretary of War. I think it is no compliment to an officer in the line of the army or in the staff to detail him to mechanical or civil duties. His service is either necessary in the line or staff of the Army, or he is not in his proper sphere and his service is unneces- sary. Civilians are the best practical men in business of this kind as mechanics. Officers of the Army may be very scientific and skilled in it theoretically, but they have not that practical knowledge- [Mr. Butler: What is the duty of an ordnance officer?] It is to take care of the arms when prepared, and see that they are kept in order; that they are constructed of good material, and are fit for efficient service when they are to be used. That is the business of an ordnance officer. [Mr. Brodhead. While on this subject, I wish to put a question to my friend from Texas. If we adopt the provision which comes
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