273
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1844
you are betraying a confidence, and ministering to the malignity of my enemies, without attaining any useful purpose." 'When the army was approaching San Jacinto, Mr. Perry asked leave to pass the Buffalo Bayou with the spies at Harrisburg which was granted by the General. He did not ride with the spies but took himself off, and rode in the direction of the enemy at New Washington. The Spies-Captains Karnes and Secrist, in riding down the Bayou, discovered a man at a considerable distance from them, as if he was from the enemy! It was Mr. Perry, and upon his approach they discovered that he had exchanged his musket for a scopet; and had exchanged his horse which he had when he left them. These circumstances were so suspicious, that they brought him into camp, & reported the facts, when he was disarmed and placed under guard; the spies remarked to the General, "Had we not thought, General, that you would have had him shot, we would never have troubled you with him, for we are satisfied that he is a TRAITOR, and has been with the enemy." Perry remained under guard until the moment of the Battle, when the General ordered his arms to be restored and bade "him to act in such a manner as will redeem your reputation." These facts seem to prove that the General had some "moral courage," and defied all efforts, or even Treason of his enemies. Soon after the action was fought, the Reverend Mr. Perry wrote a most slanderous letter to New York about the General which gave rise to the false and ridiculous story that the General was compelled to fight the Battle of San Jacinto. Houston fought that battle in opposition to the Council of War. Only two out of the seven field officers were in favor of fighting that day. General Houston gave no opinion, but dismissed the council, and, without the knowledge even of the Council, led the troops to action. The letter of Mr. Perry to Mr. Potter may be published for his edifi- cation, and the further illustration of his military and divine character. It is proper to remark, that after Mr. Perry's various honorable evidences of integrity, he was received into the special favor of the Government Ad Interim; and from Mr. Burnet, then President, and Col. Potter, he received the appointment of Colonel in the Texas Army, and was assigned to command the Port of Velasco, without troops-so soon as General Houston was in- augurated, Mr. Perry was made scarce, with many other Gentle- men, who had been similarly rewarded for thefr exertions to aid the cabinet in slandering Genl. Houston!
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