The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 60, July 1956 - April, 1957 Page: 290
616 p. : ill. (some col.), maps, ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Southwestern Historical Quarterly
Stell's letter mirrors the esteem in which the people of Texas
held Sam Houston and at the same time their desire to be a part
of the Southern Confederacy. It also explains the problem faced
by Texas in regard to the forces of the United States Army sta-
tioned within her borders-the commanding general was regarded
"as a true patriot."
Bowery Texas 1th Feb. 1861i
My Dear Sir
Your esteemed favor of the 14th ult reached my residence during
my absence from home, while in attendance of our State Convention
as a delegate-Consequently, the apparent delay in my answer. Here-
with enclosed please receive the power signed. For your kind atten-
tion, I can attempt no other return than the simple expression of my
gratitude. When I sobed [sic] an adieu to my native state, I had not
the slightest expectation of ever again mixing in the political arena.
But being brought out by my fellow citizens, and elected without
opposition I could not find it in my heart to withhold in this perilous
period of our history. Ere this reaches you you will have learned the
result in this State. Suffice it for me to remark that our people are
determined in their course. And despite the powerful influence of
their present Chief Magistrate-One who above all others the people
of Texas have delighted to honor-Yet they have and will shake off
that magick [sic] power and present a spectacle to the world as
creditable as it is commanding. The Ordinance of Secession passed
by a vote of 166 to 7 and is referred to the people for their confirma-
tion at the ballot box on the 23rd Inst. And I doubt not, but that
sThe manuscript letter is in the Telamon Cuyler Collection, University of
Georgia Library, through whose cooperation publication is made possible.
4In answering Stell's request for the remainder of his salary for serving as
commissioner to Tennessee, Brown wrote:
"The Glorious old State of South Carolina has led the way and has seceded
from the Union. Mississippi, Florida and Alabama have followed. Georgia will fol-
low in a few days. The Convention meets day after tomorrow and we have a
decided majority for secession. We have not yet heard from the election in Louisi-
ana &g Texas. We believe you are all right down there. We must all secede as fast
as possible and then at once unite and form a more perfect Union of the slave-
holding states upon the basis of the Constitution of our Fathers.
I have seized and now occupy Fort Pulaski with State troops, till our conven-
tion acts. I regarded this a necessity, as I could not consent that it be filled with
federal troops at this critical junction of our affairs. Several other Southern Gov-
ernors I am happy to see have followed the example.
The responsibility was a grave one, but I did not hesitate to take it. I shall be
glad to hear from you all the news from your state."
Letter dated January 11, 1861, Governor's Letter Book, January 1, 1847-April 23,
1861 (MS., Georgia Department of Archives and History, Atlanta).290
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 60, July 1956 - April, 1957, periodical, 1957; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101163/m1/315/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.