e~fe_ct ~f any ~tep t~ken by_ Texas ~awards the person of her d1stmgmshed prisoner m anywise at variance with the laws of war, or of humanity, or that magninimnity which has hitherto marked her conduct towards him. . If ! was at liberty to make a suggestion to the high public functionaries of Texas and Mexico within or near Mexico, it would be to enter into an arrangement with the President Santa Anna provided the immediate commander of the Mexican forces on the borders of Texas will guarantee the measure having for its basis the Independence of Texas. I should take great pleasure in affording every facility in my power not forbidden by existing treaties, or the law of Nations to accomplish such an arrangement, instructed as I am to maintain the rights and perform the duties of a friendly neutral and more especially as such an arrangement between Mexico and Texas would contribute to give immediate tranquility and future Security to the whole of this important frontier.- Such an arrangement would of course be subject to the disapproval or approval of Mexico. But it .would have the immediate good effect of enabling Texas to take time to fetch her breath, and look arround her for a few months at · least, and if the treaty were opposed by Mexico, much blood and treasure would be saved to both Countries. It would relieve Texas from the Expense and risk of holding the prisoners in confinement, and it would preserve public opinion and public sympathy in favour of Texas throughout the world, wherever freedom and true notions of self-Government, have any foothold. And in offering these suggestions I would add to the high public functionaries of Texas, that at this all important-crisis, whenever the most effective of her friends, are anxiously seeking for evidence of the fact that Texas [ illegible l adopted to the purposes of maintaining her rightful stand among the nations of earth, let it not be said, or suspected the Commander in Chief of the Army of Texas, who has achieved so much for the honor and glory of his Country, in his Command of the Army, should be found unable to command himself in whatever is necessary and proper to preserve harmony with the high civil authorities of the republic, and I would say the same in effect to the civil authorities urging the propriety of perfect harmony on their part towards the military authorities of the republic. T G l S 1- 1 With great respect your friend o. en am ouston (Signed) E P. Gaines True Copy
Wm G. Cooke apt lnsp. Gen) Army of Texas
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