[2583] [HOUSTON to BAKER] Headquarters of the Army, Camp West of Brasos, April 5, 1836. To Captain Mosely Baker: Sir: I have heard with extreme regret, complaints from various sources, of the destruction and waste of goods, stores, and public property, at San Felipe, and under your command. They may, perhaps, have been exaggerated; but every means in your power should have been used to preserve and protect the stores, until such were ordered to be destroyed; as it was totally impossible to send back the wagons across Mill creek. Captains Kimbrough and Bryant have been ordered to cooperate with you; and the utmost harmony of action, subordination, and discipline, must be observed. The safety of the country requires it, and the commanding general orders a rigid adherence to it.
Sam Houston.
[2584] [HOUSTON to INGRAM]
Head Quarters of the Army- West of Brazos-5th April 1836
To Major Ira Ingram Sir
You will proceed immediately to the Eastern section of Texas and promulgate the enclosed order, from thence you will visit the United States of America-and use your best exertions to raise men and forward troops for the service of the Army of Texas.-You will direct that the troops now on their way or to be raised to be marched by way of the Sabine and Fort Jesup, or by sea as you may judge most expedient. The most direct rout from which the troops may be marched will be chosen, as a short and decisive campaign is contemplated.-The Headright Bounty &c will be communicated to you by Honl. Th. J. Rusk Sec. of War-The panic now existing in the Country has been mainly caused by the unfortunate discomforture of the Command of Col. Fannin when on his march to join the main army.-This from various causes, couldnot be prevented, the notice of the movement and the attack of the Enemy having been recd. at Hd. Quarters and almost simultaneously, and the movements of the enemy giving every
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