in Texas should not be active as a matter of necessity and expediency. We have 160 at Velasco some say 75 at Washington 75 at Goliad 3 or 400 to spare at Bexar in all 6 or 700 You know that they are Generally men of Good Fortune and must be active they have entered on our cause for (self Interest which with few exceptions Govern all mankind) fame or agrandisement. If you give them speedy action you may have their services. lf delayed they will necessarily become disorderly confused and an Expence without accomplishing any object will mostly disband and a Greater part return to the U. States; this will not only be an actual Loss of so many troops but will have its lnjurious effects by preventing others as all such will give a bad Report to acquit themselves for such a very unexpected cause. My own opinion is all now in Texas should be urged onward. The most efficient means possible should be used to provide supplies perhaps Flour may be soon expected. If Landed too far East it can be sent farther west according lo circumstances and the position of the Army. 1f it cannot be had Volunteer troops can be and will be of more utility in active service living on Dried Beef with Corn occasionally (Packing steel mills ,Jong) than in a settled Camp. Experience has ever proven that a ,arge number cannot & will not remain Idle; disorder disease and .rntiny is the Consequence. But shew them the way to fame and you may command them to the Canons Mouth. In the mean time your Recruiting service will be going on and by spring the few Regular troops you will be enable to Bring into the field will be of Infinite and perhapse of Indispensable service in sustaining the posts you may ocupy. My dear sir I am confident active movements should be the order of the times (vulgarly speaking moove quick and devilish) it will give satisfaction to those in the service and augment the Army by ten fold. My own opinion was Battles will be fought by Volunteer troops from the United States and that Regulars will be Raised only in time lo sustain and secure their conquests. I speak to you as a frank friend and hope you will Receive it only in that way I would like to hear your views. If you possibly have time to answer me I shall return home (lo Matagorda) in a day or two and will be found there for a short time al least there is now a Regular Mail Route to Matagorda.
Pardon my Intrusion Remain Very truly Your obt. scrvt. R.R. Royall
Gcnl Sam Houston Washington
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