who, say, that whenever the people of Texas, should organize a Govt. upon such a basis, as lo secure lo them an honorable employment, with a reasonable prospect of reward, for the noble daring & many sacrifices of a soldiers life, they would quil the land of their birth & forlhwi th enler into the ranks of their brethern in Texas- Could you ask of these young men lo resign Lhe bright prospect before them, in a land of Law, Liberty & the smiles of beauty (ever dear Lo a Soldiers heart) and march fowd. without the slightest assurance of any acknowledgemenl of their merit? Remember Lheir Education, and that lo join you, they must first Resign, their Commissions in the U S. army- The first, nearly disqualifies, at least for some time for any other service, & having forfieled all rank in one Govt. entirely sellled, they thus may be thrown inlo another altogether uncertain in its stability; and their reward a cold reception & untimely grave; or what would be esteemed much worse, by brave & honorable Soldier, the neglect of merit. Let me call lo your consideration the especial qualifications of these young men! They are all Civil, Military and Topi. Engineers-In war you need them to project your fortifcations on Lhe Coast and elswhere, and Lo work your Artillery efficiently-In peace, they may survey your Harbour, Coasl, Rail ways, Rivers & Canals-In short you wish them & must have them lo organize & direct your army, and protect your coast, and place your country in thal attitude, that it will be dangerous to invade it - The Agent selected by you & furnished with the requisite blank Commissions and other instructions, can in a few weeks, have a Brigade Lhus officered (al least from the rank of Captain lo that of Coln) recruited as Emigrants in the U states, by Lhe several officers themselves, and ready to Lake the field, whenever the enemy invades our Territory- MighL I not say, that so far as dollars and cents are concerned, Lhal a great saving may be made by Lhis policy, by offensive opperations, and thus cripple the enemy by carrying Lhe war inLo Lheir own country, and make Lhem pay the cost, & save our own firesides of Lhe scourge-I do nol pretend Lo the gift of Prophecey, bul lilllc doubt Lhe fulfilment of the last suggestion, if suiLable & timely preperalion be made Lo repel Lhc first onset. With these remarks, allow me lo name lo the following
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