small matter. I think it one of some importance. They have ordered me to the frontier. I think I ought to have a respectable force of troops. They think not, and are diminishing my force here perhaps not intentionally. I have not two hundred men whose service I can command three weeks. I hear from the Cabinet once a month, and the people in New Orleans know more about the [ illegible J if any to place the country in a state of defence than 1 do these things I say not in unkindness to any of the members of the Cabinet. I have no enemy nor ill feeling toward any prominent man in Texas. I am willing to be the humblest instrument to be freely used in placing this country in a slate o-f defence but J am unwilling to be a mere automation in a weak vacilating show calculated to injure the country and have therefore concluded to resign-unless steps are taken to defend the Country
Tho. J. Rusk
[To David C. Burnet J
(3391] [SMITH to LAMAR]
Point Pleasant 11th June 1836
Col. Lamar Dr Sir
I have been looking for you al my house for several days with some pleasure how is it that you have not come. I have no inducements to offer you but a good welcome which you know you would receive from all the family. All l can do to promote your comfort while you are willing to remain with us will be done. Come then and stay a while with us before you go to the U. S. I may have something to tell you that may not be disagreeable to you. Indeed I have much to say to you on matters of some consequence to me. ln the meantime I will possess you with aU the Texas information I possess. l expect to start to the army shortly & return home if possible. Come & see me.
Your Obt srvl Benj. F. Smith
[Addressed:] Col. M. B. Lamar Brazoria By Shelby Smith
125
Powered by FlippingBook