WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1832-1853
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the least to the reputation and memory of these gallant men, I beg of the audience to believe me, when I say, I do it only as a means of attempting a vindication of my own character and reputation, against the cruel and unrelenting misrepresentations and slanders published to the world during the last ten years by a violent and unscrupulous press. It has been alleged with great vindictiveness and vehemence, that I am responsible for the massacre of Travis and his men at the Alamo, and of Fannin and his men at Goliad. That I, as commander-in-chief of the army, actuated by feelings of personal revenge, refused to reinforce Fannin and Travis, when I had the power so to do-accusations as cruel and malicious as they are false. I never had aught but tears to shed over the sad and tragic fate of those brave men and their companions. I am proud of the brilliant and enduring page of history that they, with their blood, have writ. When the consultation convention appointed me Commander- in-Chief of the Army, I felt it to be my duty to accept the great and responsible position. It is a well known fact to most of you, that I did not take command of the soldiers in the field move- ments in person during the existence of the Government organ- ized by the consultation convention. I was desirous not to do any act calculated to wound the pride and aspirations of those gallant men who had displayed such heroic bravery in previous victories and successful contests.- It is with painful emotion that I am compelled to allude to the subject that public policy has heretofore deterred me from mentioning. Soon after I was appointed to the command of your military forces Colonel F. W. Johnson presented for my inspection a reso- lution passed by the Council empowering him and Colonel J. W. Fannin to raise and control, in the capacity of agents for the Government, an army to attack and capture Matamoras, and empowering a certain Dr. Grant to act as commander-in-chief. At the first sight of the order I saw that it was an attempt to supersede me in the command of the army, and that the motive that inspired the campaign was spoils for private gain. The insult and mortification intended for me I pocketed for the good of my country. But I opposed the intended campaign with all my power, because I believed that an attempt to capture so large a city by so few men would result in a military disaster and the destruction of the participants.
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