(2475) [HOUSTON to RUSK]
Camp near Mill Creek 29th March, 1836
General Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of War
Sir: On my arrival on the Brazos, had I consu]ted the wishes of all, I shou]d have been Jike the ass between two stacks of hay. Many wished me to go below, others above. I consulted none-I held no councils of war. If I err, the b]ame is mine. I find Colonel Hockley, of my staff, a sage counsellor and true friend. My staff are all worthy, and merit well of me. There was on yesterday, as I understood, much discontent in the lines, because I would not fall down the river. If it should be wise for me to do so, I can cross over at any time, and fall down to greater advantage and safety. I apprehend, in consequence of my falling back, that the enemy may change their route to Matagorda. I ordered all the men residing on the coast, and those arriving from the United States at, or south of Velasco, to remain and fortify at some safe point; and, on yesterday, I sent Colonel Harcourt, as p·rincipal engineer of the army, down to the coast, to erect fortifications at the most eligible point of defence. I place at his disposal the resources of the lower country for its defence and protection. I pray God that you would get aid, speedy aid, from the United States; or, after all inducements, we must suffer. I hope to-day to receive ninety men from the Redlands. I can not now tell my force, but will soon be able. The enemy must be crippled by the fights they have had with our men. I have ordered D. C. Barrett and E. Gritton to be arrested and held subject to the future order of the government. I do think they ought to be detained and tried as traitors and spies. For Heavens's sake, do not drop back again with the seat of government! Your removal to Harrisburg has done more to increase the panic in the country than anything else that has occurred in Texas, except the fall of the Alamo. Send fifty agents, if need be, to the United States. Wharton writes me from Nashville, that the ladies of that place have fitted out, at their own expense, no less than two hundred men.
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