Henderson to A.C. Horton, May 19, 1846

Albert Clinton Horton was the first lieutenant governor of Texas. During the Texas Revolution, he traveled to Alabama to recruit volunteers; the company became known as the Mobile Grays and were outfitted at Horton's own expense. Horton was haunted his entire career by his actions on March 19, 1836, when as leader of a small patrol in South Texas near Goliad, he found James Walker Fannin's command surrounded by hostile forces. Horton retreated, an action that saved the lives of his men, but Fannin and his entire force were massacred. Horton served in several offices, the last of which was the lieutenant governorship. A wealthy slaveholder, Horton lost most of his fortune in the Civil War.

"Early Statehood "

Henderson to Horton

Executive Department

Austin, May 19th 1846.

To

His Excellency

A.C. Horton

Sir,

I shall this day leave

the seat of Government to take

command of the Texian forces

raised under the requisition of Gen'l

Taylor, and shall move beyond the

Rio Grande into Mexico. Under

these circumstances, you are required

by the Constitution to act as Gov-

ernor of the State by virtue of your

Office of Lieutenant Governor.

I have the honor to be

Your Ob't Servant

J. Pinckney Henderson

"Early Statehood "

Henderson to A.C. Horton, May 19, 1846, Records of J. Pinckney Henderson, Texas Office of the Governor, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.