commander of that vessel, it appears to me that you are not exactly informed of the cause of the procedure. In my judgment it was necessary, because the detained vessel did not deliver the contraband lo the captor, and might therefore be brought to the nearest port to be tried according to law; at all events, the captain and crew ~hould be detained; wherefore it is apparent that there has been no arbitrary and illegal procedure on the part of the national armed vessel, as you suppose. For my part, I shall report the whole occurrence to the superior authorities, and notify the commander of the Bravo that if in the summary process nothing is elicited against the detained Americans, I shall place them immediately in full liberty. I owe this in reply to the above-mentioned note of the consul, repealing to him my respectful consideration. God and liberty!
J.M. Guerra.
To the Consul of the United States of America. (1510] [HOUSTON to BOWIE] ARMY ORDERS
Headquarters, San Felipe, December 17, 1835. Sir: In obedience to the order of his excellency Henry Smith, Governor of Texas, of this date, I have the honor to direct that, in the event you can obtain the services of a sufficient number of men for the purpose, you will forthwith proceed on the route to Matamoras, and, if possible reduce the place and retain possession until further orders. Should you not find it within your power lo attain an object so desirable as the reduction of Matamoras, you will, by all possible means, conformably to the rules of civilized warfare, annoy the troops of the central army; and reduce and keep possession of the most eligible position on the frontier, using the precaution which characterizes your mode of warefare. You will conduct the campaign. Much is referred to your discretion. Should you commence the campaign, you will, from Lime to time, keep the government advised of your operations, through the commander-in-chief of the army. Under any circumstances, the port of Capano is important.
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