to Galveston with his family.[33]  General Huston was in Houston by Saturday, August 19, and on the following Monday evening addressed a large gathering of citizens in the Senate chamber. "We did not hear his speech," declared the editor of the Telegraph, "but we understand from those who were present, that it was received with great applause, . . . and that his views with regard to the present and future military operations of the country were very interesting."[34]  Huston then set out on a tour of the country to campaign for the post of major general of the militia to succeed Thomas J. Rusk. At Washington-on-the-Brazos he declared in a public speech that he had abandoned for the present all idea of offensive operation against Mexico, and stated that if he were elected, he would devote his whole attention to the protection of the frontier and would endeavor to bring to a speedy termination the country's Indian difficulties.[35]

Having made his campaign in Texas, Huston went to Mississippi, where his return to Texas was delayed by repeated attacks of the ague and fever. By early December, however, his health had so improved that he wrote Lamar he expected to start for Texas before January 1. When he did come, he would proceed immediately to Washington, to await the orders of the government, believing, as he said, by the incomplete election returns he had seen reported, that he had been elected major general. "I shall be prepared for action," he declared, "and contemplate spending most of my time on the frontier." He hoped that Congress, then in session, would enact such legislation in respect to the militia as would "render that arm of defence prompt and efficient."[36]

Colonel Ross,[37]  a Virginian and late aide to General Felix Huston,