295
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1861
1 0ran Roberts, "Texas," in C. E. Evans, Confederate il'lilitary History, XI, p. 34; Alfred M. Williams, Sam H01<ston and the War of Independence i1i Texas, 351-352. Colonel Charles Adolphus Waite (1798-May 7, 1866) was born in New York, and died there in 1866. He distinguished himself for gallant service in the Mexican War. See Fran::is B. Heitman, Historical Register and Dic- tionm·y of the United States Army, I, 993. SPEECH AT BRENHAM, MARCH 31, 1861 1 Fellow-Citizens: It was not my purpose or desire to address you today upon the great issues now confronting our common country, but old soldier comrades who fought with me at San Jacinto, and other dear friends, insist that I shall explain the reason why I refuse to take the oath of allegiance to the Con- federate Government, and why I have been deposed from the Governorship of our beloved State. The earnest solicitations of my old soldier comrades outweigh my desire to remain silent until the whirlwind of passion and popular clamor have sub- sided and the voice of reason can be fairly heard. I shall, therefore, speak my honest sentiments and convictions and I now submit to you the reasons why I could not take the oath of allegiance to the so-called Confederate Government, and thereby violate the oath of allegiance I took to the Federal Gov- ernment when I entered upon the duties of the Chief Magis- tracy of Texas. It has always been the invariable rule of my life never to form an opinion or verdict upon any great public question until I have first carefully and impartially heard and considered all the evidence and facts upon both sides, and when I have thus formed my verdict, no fear of popular condemnation can induce me to modify or change such verdict. I have never permitted popular clamor, passion, prejudice nor selfish ambi- tion to induce me to change an opinion or verdict which my conscience and judgment has once formed and tells me is right. My only desire is to be right, and for this reason I can not nor _will not sacrifice what my conscience and judgment tells me is right. I love the plaudits of my fellow citizens, but will never sacrifice the principle of right and justice for public favor or commendation. The Vox Populi is not always the voice of God, for when demagogues and selfish political leaders succeed in arousing public prejudice and stilling the voice of reason, then on every hand can be heard the popular cry of "Crucify him, crucify him."
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