true, I deplore it, and can only attribute the ill luck to his attempting to retreat in daylight in the face of a superior force. He is an ill-fated man. Do all you can. The troops are in fine spirits, but how this news will affect them I know not. Our spies have taken two of the enemy to-day, but I have not yet had time to examine them. I will in a few moments. 24th. I have examined the spies, and they represent the enemy much weaker than all former reports. They say Sesma has not more than seven hundred men, and one says six hundred. I truly hope you will appoint Major Lewis agent for the Cherokees, and do it directly. Why do you keep more than a sergeant's or lieutenant's guard at Washington? Men are flocking to camp, and I expect, in a day or two, to receive two hundred volunteers and regulars. Forty-eight muskets and a supply of ammunition came opportunely last night. In a few days my force will be highly respectable. I am writing in the open air. I have no tent, and am not looking out for the luxuries of life. I am only looking out to be useful lo my country and the cause qf liberty. Do devise some plan to send back the rascals who have gone from the army and service of the country with guns. Oh, why did the cabinet leave Washington? I wish you would send A. M'Laughlin to the United States. Write to the board and ratify the treaty. We must act now, and with great promptness. The country must be saved. Oh, curse the consternation which has seized the people! I must make many appointments for the present-- all special I will refer to you. I am so busy, I must close. My God bless you! This morning I hear of men from the mouth of the river; they are on the march-- you will hear from us. Sam Houston. (2402] [HOUSTON to WHITE]
Camp at Beason's Ferry March 23, 1836.
To Captain B. J. White
Sir: If men can be obtained, you are ordered to repair to Coxe's point, or Dimit's landing and remove or secure the supplies at those places. You are ordered to use and command all the
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