Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/252



his ejection from the Gubernatorial office Gen. Houston retired with his family to his residence at Huntsville, Walker County. With calm dignity he watched the events of the war then waging. He had no confidence in the success of the" Confederate States." He so far sympathized with the South as to allow his eldest son, as has been before remarked, to enter the Confederate army, in which he was a lieutenant, and distinguished himself in chivalrous conduct in the contests in Louisiana, and by his devotion to the land of his nativity while a prisoner of war under Federal control. Occasionally he appeared at parades, and noticed the drill of troops, and sometimes gave vent to his fund of humor at the expense of some whose chivalry consisted in words. On one occasion a captain was drilling his company, while Gen. Houston was one of the lookers-on. The captain, observing him, said to him, "General, will you drill my company a little for me?" "With great pleasure, sir," said the General. Taking his position in front of the company, he commenced: "Attention, company! Eyes right!" The order was obeyed. The General then observed, "Gentlemen, do you see anything of ?" Unanimously they replied "No." "Then, front face!" Again the order was executed, "Now, gentlemen," said the General, "do you see anything of ?" Again the reply was "No" "Then, gentlemen, eyes left!" Once more the order was carried out. "Well, now, gentlemen, do you see anything of ?" Again the company reply "No." "No," says the General, "and you will not see anything of him where there is any danger, while this war lasts." Then turning to the captain, he said:" Captain, I turn the company over to you again; they are very well drilled indeed."

But worn down with anxiety, and suffering from disease and pain, his constitution gave way in the summer of 1863, just after the fall of Vicksburg had spread dismay all over Texas. In health he stood with an erect, well-made form, a giant in strength. His hair turned prematurely gray from herculean labors. His eye was