circumslances, over which they could exercise no moral or physical conlTol, supervened; and the govcmmcnl of Texas was compelled to violate its compromitled faith. As this subject has heen partially discussed in my lalc "Address to lhe Army," which will appear in due course, I shall discanl no further upon il at present. It was said hy a philosopher years ago that a fool could ask a question in a fcw words that would cost a wise man a volume to answer. Whether this he true in natural or moral philosophy or not; it is certainly easier, in politics, lo find faull with a measure, than to comprehend the reasons on which it is founded. But political fault-finding is a privilege lhat oughl not to be abridged, for it is better for the public weal, lo find fault erroneously, than lo approve without inquisition. An enquiring people will not be easily deprived of their just rights. Therefore I hope the people of Texas will always enquire inlo the acls of their government. But let il he clone in the spirit of Othello's imprecalion: "nolhing extenuate, nor set down aught in malice."
David G. Burnet
[Seplembcr 13, 1836]
[4201] [HULL lo RUSK!
Camp Creek Washington County Sept 13, 1836
To Brigadier Genl Thomas J. Rusk Sir
I wish lo make you acquainted with certain facts relating lo a horse of mine now in the army which was pressed from me by Genl Green by force of army when I was 25 miles distant from home leaving me on foot and depriving me of the only riding horse I own - Gent Green refused after taking the horse lo give me any acknowledgement of him-and ordered me lo leave his camp under pain of arrest which I was compelled to do by for~e. The horse is unfilled for army service being a slud and was taken from me maliciously - Can I ask Sir of you an intervention whereby I may again have my horse or be secured the amount of his value - the
467
Powered by FlippingBook