To secede from the Union and set up another government would cause war. I advise you - remain in the Union. For, if you go to war with the United States, you will never conquer her, as she has the money and the men. If she does not whip you with guns, powder, and steel, she will starve you to death.: - Sam Houston

Sam Houston warned Texans that -

they would have to defend the coasts as well as inland cities

Houston knew the South would win the war, but as great costs to Texas

falling cotton prices would hurt the war effort

the North was determined to keep the Union together and win