Houston v1

WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1836

361

Bexar is unknown. The country must and shall be defended. The patriots of Texas are appealecl to in behalf of their bleecling country. 1 Yoakum, History of Texas, II, 470-471. Henry Stuart Foote, Texas and Texans, II, 265-266. Alfred M. Williams, Sam Houston and the Texas Revolution, 157-158. SECOND COMMISSION AS COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE TEXAS ARMY 1 Friday Morning 9 o'clock, March 4th 1836. The Convention met pursuant to adjournment and was called to order by the President, among other things transacted, Mr. Collinsworth introduced the following resolution, to wit, Whereas we are now in a state of revolution, and threatened by a large invading army from the Central Government of Mexico; and, whereas, our present situation and the emergency of the present crisis, renders it indispensibly necessary that, we should have an army in the field and, whereas, it is also necessary that there should be one superior head or commander in chief, and due degrees of subordination defined, established and strictly observed; therefore, Be it resolved, that Genera!' Sam Houston be appointed Major General, to be commander in chief of the land forces of the Texian Army both Regulars, Volunteers, and Militia while in actual service; and endowed with all the rights, privil- eges and powers due to a Commander in Chief in the United States of America, and that he forthwith .proceed to take com- mand, establish head quarters and organize the army accordingly. And that General Sarni. Houston retain such command until the Election of a chief Magistrate, and to continue in such office until suspended by order of the government, " de facto" under the general organization, agreable to the Constitution, and always amenable to the laws and civil authorities of the Country. Which was read approved and adopted in Convention at Washington on the 4th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty Six, and the Second day of the Independence of Texas Richard Ellis prest. Test. H. S. Kemble Secretary of the Convention [ Endorsed] : Commission of Sam Houston Comr in Chief 4 Mar 1836.