2nd. We ought to use every efforl by a liberal course of
policy Lo cncrease our regular force at once.
3rd. All means ought to be used to keep up the sympathies of the people in our favor in Lhc United Stales. 4th. A force ought al once to be placed on this frontier of sufficient strength lo defend iL and if possible lo take possession of Brazos Santiago with the necessary means lo defend it successfully. 5th. Officers of known energy should be at once sent out lo see the Militia are organized in form and placed in such situations as lo be brought to bear whenever a Second Campaign commenced a confidential officer ought lo be dispatched lo establish security stations and direct the establishment of depots of provisions and procure the means necessary lo transport troops recruiling &c. We have not time now. lo discuss abstract principles of Government lo advance a put down prominent men or in facL to do anything else but place the Country in a slate of defence and those who do that will have accomplished much for the Country and will at least have a clear conscience in the sight of thei~ God but if politicks are lo be discussed plans adopted and abandoned confusion and laughing introduced women and children must again suffer the bitter consequences of this course. It may be urged that it is dangerous lo liberal Government to have a strong military force I know the arguments used on such question and full well appreciate their force but despera Le cases require corresponding remedies and so far as I am concerned I had much rather when we have Leisure to do it take any chance of getting clear of the influence of our own army that risk the operation of the Military-power of Mexico upon our Civil institutions it is an evil which we must risk if we defend the Counlry we must have an army and we must trust to the same source we use already so greatly indisposed to Gods providence lo regulate in future lhe principles of our institutions. 1 should think it rather inconvenient lo have any leg amputated but if-it was in a slate of Mortification I would not long debate the inconvenience of a wooden leg just-so with our political condilion we have now to take care of Mexico and here after of our own matters. I know that difficullics have lo be encountered but a g1·cat nation has or ever will be effected without encountering them. 1 may possibly
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