274
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1859
These depositions were returned in March, 1857. In that of La Vega the deponent denies ever having signed any such paper as the power; and in that of Castenado, the custodian of the archives, the deponent swears that the alleged power of attor- ney was- "Signed only by the alcalde, Don Juan Gonzales and Don Jose Maria de Aguirre, and not by Don Rafael Aguirre or Don Tomas de la Vega, or the assisting witnesses, wherefore the said document can be of no effect; and that in verification of all that he has stated, he refers to the original documents, which exist in the archives under his charge." This was the first public declaration made from Saltillo of the forgery of the document. Now, suddenly the case assumes a serious and startling aspect, and strikes dismay and terror into the ranks of the conspirators. Orders had been left at the court of New Orleans, that immediately on the receipt of the deposi- tions of La Vega and Castenado there, that copies should be sent to Galveston. Tbere can be no doubt, however, that the parties claiming under the· power of attorney and represented there, knew very well what the import of these depositions would be. Is it, indeed, to be supposed that they, with a prop- erty worth $300,000 at stake, which depended on this very muniment of title, should have neglected wholly, and for so long a time, to examine the archives at Saltillo, and inquire what was of record there? The storm had burst, and the conspirators, in dismay, are compelled to face the loud denunciations of their guilt. Now they have to meet the brunt of the battle. The day of discovery and retribution has come; and collecting together, serving their ranks, and summoning all their resources, they prepare· desper- ately to resist the judgment that has overtaken them. Now it is that Judge Watrous is observed to call to his aid all of his confederates. Now it is that the whole corps drama- tique is summoned on the stage for the grand catastrophe. Now it is that the judge calls upon his confederates to stand by him, and to redeem the prices of his favor to them by the most unscrupulous of means, and most desperate of services. Thus it is observed that the first step of the startled plotters is to gather around the judge, and attempt to protect the great head and front of the conspiracy. It is observed that in attempt- iiig the desperate defense they hesitate at nothing. It is observed that in seeking to cover the judge they expose themselves to
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