to usurp the gubernatorial chair, and set up for themselves.
In the meantime, Col. Fanning was ordered by the Council, himself not entirely approving the measure, as he often told me, and without the concurrence of t.he Govc1·1101· and Commander in chief, to collect a force to be organized at Copano, on his way to San Putritia, the place of rendezvous for :Matamoras. "~bile these movements were in progress, F. Johnson, who had loitered behind after the taking of San Anto- nio, bP.at up for volunteers for the contemplated expe- dition. The soldiers, ever anxious to be on the move, volunteered to the number of one or two hundred. Johnson having put his men under the command of Grant and Morris, with instructions to repair to La Bahia, himself proceeded to the seat of government to obtain authority for his undertaking. The Gov- ernor, it being antecedent to his arrest, refused him a commission. Gen. Houston, at this juncture, believing that his presence might have some effect to stay the hand that was raised for the destruction of his country, took leave of San Felippe for La Bahia, which place he reached in time to take command of the troops of Grant and 1'forris, on their way to the place of rendezvous. A.t Refugio tlwy made a halt to await the arrival of Col.
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