130
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1837
one Major General who r·emained commander-in-chief until the meeting of the convention, when he was re-elected by that body, it being considered by them, that all former appointments were vacated : So soon as the constitutional congress met, they seemed to recognize the principle, inasmuch as by the 8th section of the schedule of the constitution, no other than certain civil officers were continued in office until others should be appointed or elected under the constitution. Under the new constitution a law passed the congress pro- viding for one Major General and two Brigadier Generals. The Brigadier Generals have been appointed by the advice of the senate. Congress by a secret resolution designated an in- dividual and directed the president to open a communication with him for the purpose of inducing him to accept the command of the army of Texas, thereby clearly indicating a belief on their part that all appointments were original[ly] under tne provis- ions of the constitution and congress. I have never believed since I came into office that the number of men in the field would justify me in making the appointment of Major General unless the senate were in session. The necessities of the country and her want of funds have been so great that the army has necessarily been furloughed until it has been reduced to less than a colonel's command. So far as I could render fustice to you under the sanction of congress, I have taken pleasure in directing the auditor to audit your accounts forthwith. I trust with these reasons you will be perfectly satisfied that nothing has been omitted on my part to render you ample justice. Therefore as at present advised, I would not feel authorized in giving you any orders unless it was by the advise and consent of the senate. Sam Houston. 1 Teleumph a1ul Texas Register, September 2, 1837. For biographical sketch of Thomas J. Chambers see A Bill to Give Relief to General Sidney Sherman, May 16, 1837.
To DR. ROBERT A. IRrnN 1
Dear Irion, In the hurry of business I forgot to request th_at you and Col Grayson wou'd open all my letters, and endorse them, to the proper Department.
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