After his appointment to the federal bench, Watrous became the object of severe criticism, in part because his decisions in a number of cases went against the wishes of some members of the legislature and because of his personal connections with land speculation in the state.[3] The alleged relation of Watrous to an attempt to validate forged land certificates resulted in the Texas legislature's passing a resolution in 1848 asking the judge to resign.[3]Impeachment proceedings against him began in the United States House of Representatives in January 1851 with the presentation of three petitions or memorials.[3] The main charges against him were violating Texas statutes punishing those dealing in fraudulent land certificates, misusing his judicial influence, and holding sessions of court improperly.[3] After numerous investigations the case was dropped by a vote of 111 to 97 on December 15, 1858.[3] Complaints continued to be presented to each succeeding Congress; Sam Houston, on February 3, 1859, made a scathing attack on Watrous, and United States RepresentativeAndrew J. Hamilton prosecuted the impeachment until the adjournment of Congress on March 3, 1861.[3]
Civil War
Due to Texas' secession from the Union and the American Civil War, Watrous was unable to hold court from 1861 to 1865.[3] He resumed holding court at the end of the war.[3]
Later career and death
Following his resignation from the federal bench, Watrous moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and practiced law as much as his health would permit.[3] He died on June 17, 1874.[1]
