The only statewide elections held in Texas in 1864 were to fill a vacancy on the Texas Supreme Court. The victory of Oran Roberts of San Augustine, a well-known secessionist (and future governor), showed that in spite of the bad news about the war, Texans felt they had little choice but to stick with the effort.
The legislature met in special session in the fall of 1864. By this time, the Confederate currency had collapsed to a value of only 2½ cents on the dollar. Even lawmakers were turned away by merchants and innkeepers when they tried to pay with paper money. Some legislators arrived in Austin with tobacco and nails to use for barter. Others were forced to camp in their wagons on the Capitol grounds.
Not surprisingly, the legislature took up the matter of finance, opting to end the use of Confederate money in Texas. This would be the major action of the session. Much time was spent debating the war, the possibilities of reunion with the United States, under what circumstances to accept a peace overture from the North, and what might happen afterwards. Some still regarded such talk as treasonous; others revisited the idea of reviving the Republic of Texas rather than ever face surrender of the cause. The session adjourned with legislators, like other Texans, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
