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owe it to ourselves, so lo cover the border settlements, as to challenge the predatory visitations of the foe. By doing this, we shall multiply our friends, and make a salutary impression on our enemy. The force sent to occupy and fortify that point, ought to have provided, a good supply of provisions-for I am assured that none can be gotten there-ought to be furnished with suitable tools for entrenching and fortifying-spades, mattocks, pick axes, and falling axes-a small stock of iron and steel, a Blacksmith and set of tools; a Gunsmith and tools, and a Waggon maker To enable us to have cannon mounted whenever wanted, without delay, guns repaired, at the instant, and on the spot; and any iron work made promptly, which the service may require. This will give active employment-will place them in view of the enemy, stimulate to active operations, and show that we seek, rather than avoid him. Let this be done, and the first line of the enemy's picquets will soon be compelled to retire on the second; and both, in a short time, may be driven beyond the Rio Grande.' This will give entire protection to our southern frontier-give us access lo abundant supplies of beef, mules, and horses, on which to subsist, pack supplies, mount our rangers, and with which to work our crops. It would not then be in the power of the enemy to spread alarm throughout our whole population, inspired by the probability or even the possiblity of being surprised by the presence of an army within our borders, without sufficient time allowed, and notice given, to rally and receive the enemey. A hundred men, well mounted, armed, and equiped, could greatly annoy and retard his movements, gain time for those not in the service, to enter it, embody, and chose their position. In this way, the resources of a large force might be dissipated away, before it could be brought to bear on that of Texas, in a general engagement, and might thus be compelled to make a precipitate, and flying retreat. And, if, in connexion with these preparations, a three gun battery were thrown up at the Copano, and another at Corpus Christi, and both garrisoned with only a small force, ~he whole southwestern frontier of Texas, would be placed, even without the occupation _of Matamoros, in as good a condition, perhaps,_ Lo hold the enemy in check, till a regular force can be brought mto the
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