management, I would suppose, ought to be sufficient to teach us a lesson. That fortress, the reduction of which has cost us so much, is now stripped, and left with only seventy naked men, destitute of clothing, provisions, ammunition, and every comfort, and the country pillaged by impressments, and on the last advices, threatened by a large invading Mexican army, who, hearing of the weakened situation of that garrison, had determined to re-take it. For these predatory expeditions, means can be raised on the faith and credit of the government, but not one dollar for honest purposes-not even provisions to feed the weary soldier. These things are brought about by intriguing, designing men, who seek not to promote, but undermine, trammel, and finally ruin the country, aided by the improvident acts of a corrupt Council. Whal I have done, be it considered good or bad, has been done for the best of reasons, and from the purest motives. I frankly acknowledge, that I knowingly and wilfully set the match; I have raised the storm; I have thrown myself into the breach; and whatever the consequences may be to me as an individual, I honestly own to you, it is a sacrifice I have willingly made at the shrine of the public good. The agitated state of the country renders it neccessary that I should exercise the powers delegated to me in the 4th section of the organic law; and I now call upon you, fellow-citizens, as the militia of the country, to aid and assist in carrying it into effect. I only ask at your hands, as your executive officer, to see justice administered to me and to yourselves. The speculating, intriguing conspirators, must be punished, or your interests will be ruined. All officers of the army and navy belonging to Texas, or marshalled within its limits, are hereby notified that they will be held strictly amenable to the laws; and al all times, when circumstances require it, to carry into effect the 4th section of the organic law, in conformity with its provisions. The proper officers of this government will fit out oxpeditions whenever they deem it expedient to do so. But that this government will not be amenable, or countenance any predatory expedition calculated to embarrass its circumstances, or compromit its honor.
Henry Smith Governor.
San Felipe de Austin, January 22, 1836.
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