Stephen Austin, who had returned from New…

Stephen Austin, who had returned from New Orleans to Texas to rest at Peach Point in August, announces his candidacy for president of Texas.

Austin had felt confident he could win the election until with two weeks before the election, on August 20, Houston entered the race.

Austin wrote, "Many of the old settlers who are too blind to see or understand their interest will vote for him."

Houston carries East Texas, the Red River, and most of the soldier vote.

Austin polls 587 votes to Sam Houston's 5,119 and Henry Smith's 743 votes.

On October 28, 1836, Houston confirms Austin as secretary of state by the Texas senate.

In December of 1836, Austin is in the new capital of Columbia (now known as West Columbia) where he catches a severe cold; his condition worsens.

Doctors are called in, but cannot help him: he dies of pneumonia at noon on December 27, 1836, at the home of George B. McKinstry right outside of what is now West Columbia, Texas.