government may deliberate, and adopt some course that will redeem our country from a state of deplorable anarchy. Manly and bold decision alone can save us from ruin. I only require orders and they shall be obeyed. If the government now yields to the unholy dictation of speculators and marauders upon human rights, it were better that we had yielded to the despotism of a single man, whose ambition might have been satisfied by out uncondi- tional submission to his authority, and a pronouncement, for which we were asked, in favor of his power. In the present instance, the people of Texas have not even been consulted. The brave men who have been wounded in the battles of Texas, and the sick from exposure in her cause, without blankets or supplies, are left neglected in her hospitals; while the needful stores and supplies are diverted from them, without authority and by self-created officers, who do not acknowledge the only government known to Texas and the world. Within thirty hours I shall set out for the army, and repair there with all possible despatch. I pray that a confidential express may meet me at Goliad; and, if I shall have left, that it may pursue me wherever I may be. No language can express my anguish of soul. Oh, save our poor country!-send supplies to the wounded, the sick, the naked, and the hungry, for God's sake! What will the world think of the authorities of Texas? Prompt, decided, and honest independence, is all that can save them, and redeem our country. I do not fear-I will do my duty. Sam Houston, Commander-in-Chief. To Governor Smith. r Addressed:] To Governor Henry Smith, San Felipe, Texas. [1710) (JOHNSON to COUNCIL] [F. w. Johnson, San Fel!~e, to General C~>Uncil, January 6, 1836, withdra·wing his proposition for authority to proceed against Matamoros.]
426
Powered by FlippingBook