Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/119

 to the line of the United States. Indemnity for all losses sustained by Texas during the war. Commissioners to be appointed for ascertaining the fact—one Mexican, one Texan, and one American. The guarantee to be obtained from the United States for the fulfillment of the stipulation on the part of the contending parties. Gen. Santa Anna to be retained as a hostage, with such other officers as the Government may think proper, until they are recognized or ratified by the Mexican Government. Immediate restoration of Texan or Mexican citizens, or those friendly to the cause of Texas, who may have been retained, with their property. Instantaneous withdrawal of all the Mexican troops from the limits of Texas. All property in Texas to be restored, and not molested by the troops or marauders in falling back. Cessation of all hostilities by sea and land. A guarantee for the safety and restoration of Mexican prisoners, so soon as the conditions shall be complied with. Agents to be sent to the United States to obtain the mediation of that Government in the affairs of Mexico and Texas."

From all quarters where the news of the victory had gone volunteers rushed forward. Many brave men, when Houston needed their help, coming by forced marches, failed to reach his camp in time. On account of his wound, the General was helpless, and even if he survived, it was generally believed that he would not be fit for service for many months. In accordance with his desire, and as no other man would have been acceptable. Gen. Rusk was appointed by the Cabinet Brigadier-General to succeed him in the command. Mirabeau B. Lamar was appointed Secretary of War, to fill the vacancy in the Cabinet.

With no intention to preserve unpleasant reminiscences, it is just to state some facts which tortured the feelings, at this time, of the wounded and enfeebled hero.

A Texan soldier in pursuit of the enemy, having captured the noble black stallion ridden by Almonte in battle, presented the horse to the General. The soldiers, when Houston sent him to parade, and to be sold for the benefit of the army, with one voice led him to the General, begged that he would retain him, "hoping that the General would be able to ride him very quickly." But he was not allowed to keep the horse.

As there was no medicine in the camp, no comforts for a wounded man, it was necessary to visit New Orleans to secure such medical aid as would save his life. The steamboat was ready to sail for Galveston, with the Cabinet and Santa Anna and suite on board. Houston applied to the Cabinet for a passage. The application was sternly refused, and it seemed that the Commander-in-Chief was about to be left to die—in sight of the field of San Jacinto. Hearing of the circumstance, the captain of the steamboat declared that his boat should not leave the shore unless it carried Gen. Houston. He took his hands with him, and brought the wounded soldier aboard. A few of his staff accompanied him, but when his