Ex-Commodore Of Texas Navy Welcomes Court-Martial

The court-martial of Edwin Ward Moore, former commodore of the Texas Navy, was gaveled to order on May 20, 1844.

Although the cocky ex-commander stood accused of 22 specifications on a half dozen different offenses, he welcomed the opportunity to clear his name and to strike back at his mortal enemy, President Sam Houston. The show trial was certain to be a marathon as a quartet of judges considered six counts of “neglect of duty,” six of “disobedience of orders,” five of “contempt and defiance of country,” three of “embezzlement of public property and fraud” as well as one count each of murder and treason.

An impressive cast assembled for the highly publicized proceedings. Despite the fact that the four members of the tribunal board were presidential appointees, the accused expected a fair shake from the presiding officer. Gen. Sidney Sherman was cozy with David G. Burnet and Mirabeau Lamar, Houston critics from way back, and usually delighted in defying the president.

Serving as judge advocate or prosecutor was Thomas “Ramrod” Johnson, editor and stalwart supporter of Houston, whose nickname advertised his well-known toughness. Counsel for the defense was talented attorney James S. Mayfield, who accepted the case as much out of anti-Houston animosity than a belief in his client