beric\'cd famili<'s. You will therefore be pleased to render to .Mrs. Harrison a free passage in the Koscuisl,i, or in the event of her departure, in the Flash. The Government will cheerfully reimburse you any reasonable expense in this behalf.
Your Obedient Scrva11t, David G. Burnet. President of the Republic
Oakland, 4 April, 1836
[2566) [CARSON to BURNET]
State Dept. Liberty Ap. 4th 1836
My Dear President.
I lay on the opposite bank of the River last night. I have issued orders to two different persons (one for Trinity and one for Neches) to press boats &c to aid the people in crossing. The panic has reached this place, and the·people are all leaving Trinity from the opposite side and preparations are making by many on this. The river is rising rapidly and I fear by to night will be impassable for any kind of a carriage, the slue on this side is belly deep. There must be three hundred [illegible) not the number of [illegible] Destmction pervades the whole country. I must speak plainly. The relations existing between us; the responsibilities resting on us makes it my duty. Never 'til I reached Trinity did I despond, I will not yet say dispair. If Houston has retreated or been whipped nothing can sav~ the people from themselves their own conduct has brought this upon them. If Houston retreats the flying people must be covered in their escape. He must be advised of the state of the water, & the impossibility of the people's crossing. If under the providence of Almighty God he has whipt them, the panic can be allayed & the people will return and drive out the enemy out of the country but should it be otherwise . . . I will take a few moments to reflect and wrilt: again. I forbeai lo make sugge:;tions as to yours on the movements of the Army. I state facts as they exist here, nothing can stop the people unles8 Houston is successful. After a conversation with Judg1~ Hardin we have concluded to keep the prisoners (the two Smiths) in consequence of high water &c till the J udgc hears from you. I confess I ncvrr
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