State of Texas to be a free and independent sovereignty. It was then noticeable that nearly every member wore upon his breast a star with five points, an emblem of Texas independence. The convention soon afterward adjourned for dinner, and in passing out of the capitol grounds the members saw posted on the gate the following printed proclamation of Governor Houston

Proclamation by the Governor of the State of Texas.

Whereas, By virtue of an Act of the Legislature of the State of Texas, an election was ordered to be held on the 23d of February, A. D. 1861, at which the people of Texas were called upon to vote in favor of or against Secession from the government of the United States, and,

Whereas, said election was held, and returns thereof, received on the 2d day of March, have been opened and counted as required by law, and it appearing that a majority of those votes, as well as a majority of those received since that period, are in favor of Secession,

Now therefore, I, Sam Houston, Governor of the State of Texas, do hereby issue my proclamation declaring that a large majority of votes returned and counted of said election are in favor of Secession of the State of Texas from the United States of America.

Given under my hand and the seal of the State of Texas, at Austin this 4th day of March, 1861.

By the Governor, Sam Houston.