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Anna answerable for the movement of the Mexican forces operating against Texas. But should this be the cause of the suspended movements of the !Vlexican Army, it is certainly a cause that cannot long be relied on..Mexico may very soon order the new Commander to prosecute the War regardless of the fate of Santa Anna, as they have already reprimanded their General Filisola for retiring from Texas al Lhe request of Santa Anna, after the battle of San Jacinto; and they have decreed that any act of Santa Anna while a prisoner of war shall be null and void. Besides the death of Santa Anna by sickness, accident, or otherwise, or his escape will he the signal for vigorous operations on the parl of the Mexicans, and that the Indians will co-operate with them I have no doubt. Hence it is that I have deemed it necessary and proper to have the Dragoons, and the Six Companies of the Infantry hold in readiness for action upon the Nacogdoches frontier. Should the Indians or any other force altempl to disturb the inhabitants,- The disputed Territory here will be the principal theatre of War. The want of an effective force here "~II endanger the whole of the beautiful and immensely valuable cotton growing region of Red River, from Alexandria to the great raft, and from thence to Fort Townes.- The first mentioned settlement is one the destruction of which would involve in vain hundreds of worthy and excellent families, with Millions of dollars worth of property.- The prospect of the plunder of which would tend powerfuUy to excite the cupidity of many men who have pretensions to civilization,- and tempt them to assume the Garb and character of Savages, and accompany the real Indians on such a crusade, under the pretence of liberating the---- as suggested by Santa Anna.- but in reality to kill and plunder their owners.- You ask me the very appropriate question whether the troops are lo be called to the frontier before the commencement of hostilities? I answer in the language of a letter which l some time past addressed lo the Secretary of War.- "I think it is our duty to afford the frontier inhabitants that sort of protection guaranteed by the Constitution of the United Stales- the whole people including the Pioneer, his widow, or orphan, inhabitant of the frontier Camp, or Cabin, as well as the Wealthy citizens of Lhe great emporiums of Politics and of fashion- that Protection the work of which should commence before the work of destruction
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