WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860
103
endorsed his views that he had expressed at the time of the con- troversy. He admitted that he had got into bad company at that time. Honorable A. M. Gentry was then introduced. Mr. Gentry pro- claimed himself a Union Democrat, and said that he had nom- inated Houston twelve months ago in the market house. He had been to Baltimore, but not as a delegate. He did not participate in the action of that body, but merely looked in on them to see what they were doing. He had heard that it was a Union move- ment, but soon discovered that it was composed principally of broken down party hacks, who were trying to resuscitate the Whig party. He was only in the convention for about a half hour, and told them that Houston would not accept a nomination at their hands, but that if they would recommend him, the people would ratify their action. Mr. Gentry said that Sam Houston was the only man who could beat Lincoln in New York. Andrew Jackson Donelson had admitted to him that Houston could beat Bell by 5,000 votes in Tennessee. In Mississippi, Georgia, wherever copperas-colored breeches are worn, the enthusiasm for the hero of San Jacinto is immense. Colonel John H. Manley then made a few remarks, prefaced by a confession that all the prominence which he had ever obtained was due solely to the fact of his having attached himself to Sam's coat tail. He said that he didn't intend to make a speech then; but that there was to be a grand rally in the market house next Saturday night. He expected that he would have something to say there, and that he would say it loud. Colonel Daly, who said that he was not an orator, but only a "plain blunt soldier,'' then made a brief speech, after which a very youthful stripling from New Jersey began a few remarks. which the crowd did not seem much inclined to listen to. Jersey would not -be choked off, however, and after some time succeeded in gaining the attention of the crowd, who, in conclusion, gave three cheers for the Jersey blue. 1 Houston Telegraph, July 14, 1860; The Texas Repiiblican, July 14, 1860.
To CYRUS H. RANDOLPH 1 Executive Department, Austin, July 17th, 1860.
Hon. C. H. Randolph, State Treasurer. Sir: Your letter of the 16th is to hand. You desire a per- sonal interview in order that the object of my letter of the 9th may be "best accomplished." Having entire confidence in your
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