380
TEXA
STATE LmR.\RY
first army that turns its face to the East will awaken a war, which will move onward and onward over the broad prairies of the Vv est, knowing no termination until it reaches the walls of Iexico, where we shall plant the standard of the Single Star and send forth our ·decrees in the voice of our artillery_ Such, Gentlemen, are my lrnmb]e views of thi embarrassing ques- tion, submitted "·ith a little more prolixity than I had promised or intended. If aught that I haYe aid, however, -can have any influence upon the decision of the Cabinet, I shall not regret the labour bestowed or the time consumed; but if otherwi c, I can only promise to yield a cheerful acquiescence to whatever course may be determined upon by a majority of our body. Harmony in our council i indispensable at this.crisis to the maintenance of official confidence and the preserva- tion of public tranquility; but as unanimity of sentiment on this occasion is not to be had, I can do nothing further to avoid the evils· of di ention, than to co-operate with the Cabinet in the execution of its final decision; which I shall do the more readily, becau c I have so many reasons to know that whatever is ordered will be aimed for the best. That my feelings and opinions may.not be misapprehended, I beg leave, by way of recapitulation to state, that toward the common oldiers among our Mexican prisoners, I cherish no malice or resent- ment, looking upon tlie most of them in the light of unwilling in- struments in the hands of tyranny; nei.ther can I perceive in the conduct of the officers any particular acts "·hich miirht not be con- sidered as legitimate in a soldier devoted to his profession, or in a patriot enlisted in the cause of his Country. These, after an exchange of prisoners, I would retain in the custody of the government until tbe conclusion of the war; but viewing General Santa Anna, 11lto- gether in a different attitude, I would adopt the cour e in reference to him which I have already urged. ITis crimes being sanguinary, I would read his punishment from the Code of DRACO. With the highest confidence in the integrity and patriotism of the Cabinet, I have the honor, Gentlemen To ubscribe my elf Yonr Obt. Scr~,t. Mirabeau B Lamar, Secretary of War.
1836 May 12, A. WOLL TO T. J. RUSK, [FORT DE. 'Dl 11
Comman<lancy of the 1 fcxican .Army in Texas 5
At six oclock thi. morning- I rccci,·ed _you rfavor 11ndc1· date of the 12th of the 11rcs nt month in nnswer to mine date of the !lth. The eontent. contninrd therein rau.c,ed me grrnt surprise mingled with incliA"naticn whirh I <lo not pretend to ronccnl, that you should order "Copy,_ ln no. 501.
Powered by FlippingBook