al that station, unless they should gel supplies; and now all the resources of Texas are placed in the hands of agents unknown to the government in its formation, and existing by the mere will of the council; and will leave all other objects, necessary for the defence of the country, neglected, for the want of means, until the meeting of the convention in March next. It was my wish, if it had been possible, to avoid for the present the expression of any opinion which might be suppressed in the present crisis. Bul since 1 reported to your excellency, having had leisure lo peruse all the documents of a conlerversial nature growing out of the relative duties of yourself and the general council to the people of Texas, a resolution of the council, requiring of me an act of insubordination and disobedience to your orders, demands of me that I should inquire into the nature of that authority which would stimulate me to an acl of treason, or an attempt to subvert the government which I have sworn to support. The only constitution which Texas has is the "organic law." Then any violation of that law, which would destroy the basis of government, must be treason. Has treason been committed? If so, by whom, and for what purpose? The history of the last few weeks will be the best answer that can be rendered. · After the capitulation of Bexar, it was understood al headquarters that there was much discontent with the troops then at that point, and that it might be necessary lo employ them in some active enterprise, or the force would dissolve. With this information was suggested the expediency of an allack on Matamoras. For the purpose of improving whatever advantages might have been gained at Bexar, I applied to your excellency for orders, which I obtained, directing the adoption of such measures as might be deemed best for the protection of the frontier and the reduction of Matamoras. This order was dated 17th of December; and on the same date I wrote lo Colonel James Bowie, directing him, in the event he could obtain a sufficient number of volunteers for the purpose, to make a descent on Matamoras; and, if his force would not justify that measure, he was directed lo occupy the most advanced post, so as to check the enemy, and by all means to place himself in a situation lo command Copano. Colonel Bowie did not receive the order: having left Goliad for Bexar, he was not apprized ?f it until his arrival at San Felipe, about the first of January mslanl. My reason for ordering Colonel Bowie on the service was, his familiar acquaintance with the country, as well as the nature of the population through which the troops must pass, as also their resources; and lo this I freely add that there is no man on whos<' fore~ast, prudence, and valor, I place a higher estimate than Colonel Bowie. 189
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