most of the cities, towns and villages of the State. This was done, not by any concert nor upon the advice of the political leaders, but by the spontaneous uprising of the people against what was styled the "Black Republican administration of the Federal government." Then it was that the discussions at the capital and elsewhere became more exciting. Governor Houston and A. J. Hamilton, member of Congress, and many others, made violent speeches against State action, and equally vigorous speeches were made for immediate secession. The most intense excitement prevailed throughout the whole State upon hearing that other States had called conventions. About the 21st of November, 1860, a number of gentlemen assembled in the office of the attorney-general, George Flournoy, for consultation upon the condition of the people whose desire for prompt State action had so far been repressed by the chief executive. Having lost all hope that the legislature would be called together, they determined to make a call for a convention as citizens of the State, and at once fixed the date for the election of delegates on the 8th of January, 1861, and for the convention to meet at Austin on the 28th; and provided for the delegates to be double the number of the representatives in the legislature, omitting the senators, by which there would be 180 delegates. Those signing the call were more than sixty citizens, from Travis and 27 other counties, most of whom were prominent men. The call was published and gladly responded to in all parts of the State. The question then before the people was regarded as above mere politics, and such as required all persons to speak out their opinions. The judges of the supreme and district courts upon being called on gave full expression of their views, which generally were in favor of the immediate action of the State in its sovereign capacity.
On the 17th of December, Governor Houston issued his proclamation for a special session of the legislature to convene on the 21st of January, 1861, which would be
