Houston was a bright guy. He opposed Texas' entry into the Confederacy claiming that "Let me tell you what is coming. After the sacrifice of countless millions of treasure and hundreds of thousands of lives, you may win Southern independence if God be not against you, but I doubt it." Reminding his listeners of the opponents' capabilities, 'they are not a fiery people as you for they live in colder climates. But when they move they move with the speed and persevearance of a mighty avalanche'.