the troops at Béxar the munitions of war necessary for their defence." Even though the necessary powder and lead were available in the arsenal at Austin there were no means to pay for its transportation.[26]  A few days later Congress upon urging of the Executive, made provision for transporting certain necessary items to San Antonio.[27]

In the midst of this crisis, Lamar on December 12 asked for and was granted a leave of absence by Congress to go to the United States for treatment for an intestinal disorder. Vice President David G. Burnet then became Acting President "under the most dark and inauspicious circumstances,"[28]  and continued in that capacity until Lamar's return to the capital on March 5, 1841,[29]  after Congress had adjourned. What Lamar and Samuel A. Plummer, who was in New Orleans at the same time on personal business and recruiting activity for Texas, may have plotted in respect to a Mexican campaign has not been resolved. Lamar, no doubt, took the opportunity to explore with leading persons in New Orleans the idea of an expedition to Santa Fé, New Mexico.

Congress on December 14 called for a report on the status of the First Regiment of Infantry since its organization in January 1839, and Colonel Hugh McLeod, Adjutant and Inspector General of the Texas Army, reported on December 17 that out of 674 men recruited, 169 had deserted, of whom only 61 had been apprehended; honorable discharges had been issued to 48 and dishonorable ones to 7; 24 had died; 13 had been killed; and 3 executed by order of a General Court-Martial. Thus 465 still remained in active service.[30]  Obviously, such a