WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1858
465
remained in that pof;ition until the circumstances of his family required his attention, when he resigned his place. He was sub- i:;equently called to the office of Secretary of State, which he declined, owing to the same causes. He remained in private life until the close of 1837, when he was elected to the Legislature, and during that session he was advanced to the chief justiceship of the Republic. He adorned that position until 1840, when he again resigned office, and retired in the walks of private life and to the pursuit of his profession. Difficulties, however, soon arose in relation to Indian troubles, in which he was always conspicuous, the most efficient in conflict, the foremost in council, a leader in danger, an adviser with wisdom at all times. In 1843, a provisional force was raised by action of the Legislature, when he was again elected major general. His action under this appointment, how- ever, was rendered unnecessary on account of the proclaiming of an armistice and suspension of hostilities, which continued, though partially interrupted, to be sure, until the time of annexation. On the consummation of that event, sir, he was unanimously elected by the Legislature of Texas a member of this body; he was thrice re-elected, I believe, ere his death. Senators, you all know the position he held here. You know the relations in which you stood to him. You know his high conservative principles. You know his manly and staunch advocacy of the compromise of 1850. You know how faithfully he adhered to every principle that was conservative. You will recollect that he was elected at the close of the last session temporarily to the Chair by a vote of the body-the very height of distinction for a Senator. In the full enjoyment of these high honors and privileges he was taken from us. His fame is national, not sectional. His name belongs to history; it is hardly a theme for the eulogist. He stood conspicuous in everything that was good and great. He was a man whose influence was felt throughout the nation; nor was the wound unfelt that inflicted his death. Sir, we may say of him, and it is but a just tribute to his worth, that as a soldier he was gallant, his chivalry spotless, his honor clear; as a statesman he was wise, considerative, and patriotic; as a friend, he had all the high qualities that ennoble the heart; as a father he was affectionate almost to infirmity; as a husband, he was manly, noble, and erect; as a man, he had all the qualities that adorn human nature; and if he had infirm- ities, they were few in proportion to those which fall to the lot of man. He will be remembered here; he will be remembered throughout the nation; he will be unforgotten in Texas whilst
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