Chapter 6 Summary and Analysis

Houston arrived in New Orleans and his ankle was operated on. Remaining committed to Texas, he returned as soon as he could, arriving in early July. David Burnet's government had been chaotic. Burnet signed two peace treaties with Santa Anna at Velasco, a public one calling for an end to hostilities, and a second secret one agreeing to release Santa Anna back to Mexico eventually. Santa Anna remained imprisoned, with many calling for his head because of his part in the Alamo and the massacre at Goliad.

Meanwhile, the army was falling apart. Burnet brought up again the idea of a Matamoros expedition, in order to placate the more bloodthirsty elements in the army, but cool-headed Houston prevailed and urged against the expedition. An election was announced, with Stephen Austin and former governor Henry Smith running for president of Texas. Houston...