i t ! i. r
our enemy appear on the coast with a superior force,-its situation will, at all times, protect it from surprise from without, or by land. That it will afford a sure and safe retreat, not only for our army, if absolutely necessary, but to our women and children,-and from my limited knowledge of the country, I should suppose that some convenient situation upon Buffalo Bayou, or the Trinity, accessible to Steam Boats, would be a proper place for a fortification of a minor character, such as may secure our military stores, provisions and Government from a sudden movement of the enemy. In such a situation, the Government would be in a convenient distance of the Army, Navy and N. Orleans. To counteract any superior force the enemy may bring upon the coast, I further recommend that the Government take early measures to arm, and bring into Galveston Bay, a Steam Battery, drawing not more than 6 ft. water, carrying heavy metal and strong sides, with paddles in her stern and bow, constructed for running down her enemy. A simple and not costly machine of this character, would be a powerful engine and do more to keep your harbors clear than many small cruisers; for then our enemies would always he in dread of a calm. Let us even suppose the enemy may force our fleet and commerce into Galveston Bay,-you will have open a good and short rou le to Atakapas in Louisiana, where you can reach Steam Navigation to New Orleans. There is another reason for offering this suggestion; That in the present doubtful state of the Indian Policy, they may cut off your communication with the United States, via the Red River, It is evident that Capano is too far in advance of our present settlements and army and too near the reach of the enemy, for our U.S. magazines and friends to land at; when they rendezvous upon Galveston Bay, they may move as circumstances may require, upon the right or upon the left, to the settlements or the coast, or in front where our main army is at present. 2nd When it shall become necessary to a successful and honorable termination of the war, we will pursue the enemy to the Rio Grande,-that the Government turn the trade of that river into the Brazos Bay at pt. Isabel by a short canal and fortify that Inlet. This position will opperate upon the vitals of the rich enemy of that great river, as the Delta of the Nile,-the Orleans of the Mississippi; the very lock and key of the immense treasure of that vast country. But a glance at our map will convince a sceptic of
I '·
284
Powered by FlippingBook