of San Jacinto, should "conceive that great injury has been done them," by the newly formed government in which I have the honor to preside. But I derive much consolation from the belief, that that conception will be discharged from your minds, and those of the army whom you represent, when even a succinct narrative of plain facts shall be presented to you and to them. It_ ,~U n_ot be cont~overted~ I presume, that when the present admm1strat1on came mto office,. the country '"as destitute of almost every thing necessary to sustain an army in the field. It is equally true that Texas was without fonds at home or credit abroad, and you, gentlemen, will recollect that the army was already retreating before the enemy. That the news of the fall of the Alamo, had spread dismay through the land, and that citizens were flying in all directions before the approaching desolation. These, gentlemen, are facts which run through every one's recollection, and which arc painfully impressed upon my memory. In this destitute and deplorable condition was the country when I and my associates in the government, consented to discharge the arduous duties, to assume the tremendous responsibilities and lo encounter the inevitable calumnies, incident to the administration of public affairs. Our first efforts were directed to an increase of the physical forces of the country, be drafts at home and enlistments from abroad; and the very first opportunity that presented itself, was seized upon with avidity and not without a considerable sacrifice too, to augment the fiscal resources of the country and provide the means of sustaining the army, the then only hope of Texas. But our efforts were not as successful as they were zealous. The credit of Texas was sunk, the gloom that overshadowed the land, had spread with still deeper intensity over the minds of our friends in the United States, and capitalists there withdrew their confidence and their contributions. Orders were sent for provisions, for clothing and for munitions of war; but the appointed agent replied in urgent demands for protection against responsibilities already incurred on account of Texas. Notwithstanding these discouragements some supplies were obtained by captures on sea, and by the generous exertions of friends in the United States. And here gentlemen, I must remark that you have been betrayed by misinformation, I doubt not, into an imputation on your government and your fellow citizens which facts do not warrant. You say you "were permitted to remain on Buffalo bayou, eating beef without bread while those who had ignobly fled before the enemy were rioting in the abundance of the public stores." I very
503
Powered by FlippingBook