very unsafe to ride over that part of the country in daylight, the trip must be made at night.

Rejoicing with my family next morning at nine o'clock over the settlement of the difficulty, we discussed the propriety of returning to the Colorado, in answer to a call from the brethren to return and occupy my former field. We had exchanged locations so often during our short stay in Texas, that we decided to remain, if it was the will of God, on the Guadalupe.

Two Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries came in a few days after this, and preached in Gonzales several days. Nearly all Christians of the town appeared revived, and notwithstanding the dangers daily surrounding us, the whole community seemed pervaded with religious influences. These preachers were brothers, bearing the names of John and Phineas Foster.

About this time the following letter was written :

"GONZALES, February, 1842. "DEAR BROTHER JAMES GREER, Holly Springs, Miss:Your letter of the 10th inst. is before me. Prayerfully I have considered its contents for many consecutive days. You are correctly informed with reference to my finances. It is true that very little has been done by way of organizing churches in the republic, during these seven years of my sojourn in the wilderness. Considering the difficulties. under which we labor, we have much to encourage us, and we ought not to grow weary, but 'let patience have her perfect work.' My faith is strong in the final success of the republic, and the triumph of truth over error and superstition, that have long held sway over these beautiful valleys

and far-reaching prairies. My first impression after reading your kind letter was to return; but after mature and prayerful deliberation, my mind is made up, that duty requires me to rise or fall with Texas and the cause of my Master in her territory. With feelings of profound gratitude for your very liberal propositions, I must decline accepting, believing it is the mind of the Lord.

P

RESIDENT Lamar's administration closed in November, 1841, and after a most exciting canvass

Sam. Houston was the second time chosen as president of the Republic, by an overwhelming majority. Colonel Edward Burleson was elected vice-president. 1842 was upon us, with the "Hero of San Jacinto" to lead us through the dark days of poverty and war that awaited us. The war-dogs of Santa Anna were howling furiously in Mexico, reporting themselves in full outfit, and determined to quell the rebellion in Texas and plant the Mexican flag on the Sabine. Scenes of blood must yet be passed over before we could in peace worship beneath our vine and figtree.

General Houston's policy was much opposed to that adopted under the former administration. He condemned the Santa Fe expedition on the grounds that it was impossible for Texas to hold such a large territory against so many enemies; and that the recklessness of such expeditions must inevitably injure Texas in her efforts to secure sympathy and aid from other governments. He opposed any effort to exterminate the Indians, by following them into their territory, as utterly fruitless, and favored the establishment of trading-posts along our frontier. He insisted on ' a retrenchment of expenditures,-deferring the payment of

the debt to some remote period; and the issuing of ex chequer bills, with reduction of taxes. These things inspired the people with fresh confidence, and gained for the republic respect among some of the nations of the Old World.

General Houston was personally opposed to the policy of annexation to the United States; but he foresaw that this tide of immigration from the old States, which he had all the time encouraged, would by an overwhelming majority favor it; and, instead of throwing obstructions in the way, favored annexation himself. I can speak advisedly here in consequence of an interview about this time with President Houston on a boat running between Houston and Galveston. On that trip he told me that in consequence of the rejection of the hand of Texas, tendered by the vote of 1837, and in consequence of the unmerited contempt afterwards shown, through the influence of chicken-hearted politicians cast, he intended" to turn coquette for a while, and court England and France, right before the eyes of the old lover, the United States;" and that, under the influence of a little jealousy, he thought more liberal arrangements could be made at the marriage feast. His engine of ingenuity was soon fired up, and in a subsequent conversation with him he informed me that as soon as the smoke of jealousy began to rise, the dastardly chicken-hearted politicians became more pliant.

On Saturday before the first Sunday in March, the little church at Gonzales met in conference, and offered an opportunity for the reception of members. Two letters were received, and my son James presented himself, aged seventeen years, as a candidate for baptism. This was the first application for baptism on the Guadalupe, and there was a

spirit of rejoicing manifest. Ten o'clock Sunday morning was appointed as the hour to administer the ordinance. Many of our appointments in life, under the general providence of God, are disappointed. It was so in this in

stance.

On the fifth day of March, 1842, a Mexican force, supposed to be about a thousand strong, approached San Antonio, and demanded a surrender. The Texan force evacuated the place, and retired up the valley of the Guadalupe, sending expressmen ahead to notify the citizens.

The messenger reached us late Saturday evening, and, after a little consultation, it was decided that families, flocks and herds must start east, early Monday morning. Everything of course was thrown into confusion. Sunday morning's sun arose, and instead of shining upon our people on their way to the baptism, furnished them light by which to make their preparation to retreat before the invading Mexicans. My little blacksmith shop was very soon surrounded with wagons, needing repairs for the journey. More wagon wheels were repaired on that Sunday than ever I witnessed at one little shop on any day before or since. Wagons were loaded on Sunday night, and Monday morning a boy from every family that had one was detailed to go out on horseback and drive in all the stock of every description for miles around. The bleating and lowing of the herd reminded us of the roving shepherd patriarchs. By one o'clock Monday everything was in motion for the Colorado valley.

What provisions we could haul were brought with us; but these were soon consumed; and as the state of the country would not allow us to move back, some returned in a short time to work out the crops, and others engaged