ponents, for men to sustain his pro tem. situation. I have been assured that Judge Terrell will not accept the Secretaryship of State, as it was made without his consent or knowledge.
"The day was when it was reputable to hold a place in the Cabinet. Those days are gone by, and days must pass ere we shall see those times again.
"We are to adjourn on Thursday next, so say both Houses of Congress. God knows, we are doing no good by staying here. Congress meets too often, and does too much. The printing of Congress would break any nation, and when it is done, the country has paid for a beautiful batch of law-suits! I hope to pass by you in a few days, and will call if it is in my power.
"Thine truly,
"Sam Houston."Col. Anthony Butler."
But this chapter must not close without placing in history the opinion of one of the most able and distinguished men who has served Texas in any capacity—of Mirabeau B. Lamar and David G. Burnet. Hon. Ashbel Smith says in his "Reminiscences of the Texas Republic":
"The age of chivalry could never have shown a more knightly paladin, a more princely troubadour than Mirabeau B. Lamar. He knew not the emotion of personal fear, the stern simplicity of his love of justice was never marred by a selfish motive. David G. Burnet united the perfidium ingenium of the Scotch character, with the unbending sternness of principle of an old covenanter. Old John Knox would have hugged such a character with grim delight. It does not detract from the virtues of these gentlemen that neither of them possessed eminent administrative ability, nor in a high degree that knowledge of human nature, and tact in managing men, which inferior men often acquire; nor that political wisdom and statesmanship accorded to but few, but still indispensable in moulding, forming institutions, and in conducting public affairs during periods of transition and danger."
Ill-health, overwork, and a sensitive nature, induced President Lamar to ask for leave of absence during the last year of his term. Vice-President D. G. Burnet, formerly President ad interim, acted as President during his absence, and to the close of his term.
