will be done us by the Government. We will thank you if at an early day you will ravor us with your views & what are the prospects before us, & in what manner we can direct to you so lhal our letters may reach the seal of Government. We are very respectfuUy Your Excclly. Mo Obt.
Anthy. Dey G WCurtis
13558) [GAINES to BRADFORD]
Heacl quarters, western department, Camp Sabine, June 28, 1836. My Dear General: The cavalry of Mexico are flying to the rescue of their president. A letter received by express from gen. T. J. Rusk, dated "Head quarters, army of Texas, Guadaloupe Victoria, J 8th June~ 1836," informs me thal the enemy were then rapidly advancing towards his position from Matamoros-that their motto wa·s, "extermination to the Sabine, or death," and that the mollo of the Texas army was, "Liberty or death." These mottos laken in connexion with the bloody scenes of the Alamo, Goliad and San Jacinto, indicate hard fighting. But the above intelligence was preceded by an account of Indian hostilities on the Navisota, 120 miles west of Nacogdoches. These facts, added to others hiLhcrlo published, of devicled indications of hoslilitics on the part of the many tribes or Indians near and upon the disputed territory, have prompted me to request of your excellenl governor Cannon, a regiment of mounted gunmen to join me as speedily as possible, by companies, or in a body, as it may be deemed most convenient. I have also desired a similar corps from the governor of Kentucky, another from the governor or Mississippi, and another from gov. While of Louisiana. If you come, come quickly; and say so lo aU my youug friends near you. I am resolved, in case the Mexicans or Tcxians employ the Indians against the people of either side of the im.igi11ary line, to inflict on the offenders summary and severe punishment. E. P. Gaines [ToGcn. A. 13. Bradford, Tennessee Volunteers]
301
Powered by FlippingBook