never cross the Brazos until Houston is beaten in a fair field fight, all that arc east of the Brazos are secure the enemy is yet lingering near the Colorado making but slow progress in their movements. It is only necessary for Texas to make one bold movement to compel by defeat him if they longer delay his numbers will increase he will become more bold & daring. Texans have you no friends? Will not the finger of scorn be pointed at you should you leave the country without an effort to retain it? What will the world think of your boasted declaration of Indcpenclcncc, when you flee at the sight of the first enemy that makes his appearance? Would it not be better-more honorable to die like the brave heroes who fell in the Alamo, than to save your lives by a disgraceful flight? Will you not turn out and fight for your houses & firesides-for the prospects of your families? Have you not spirit enough to avenge the savage butchery of your friend and fellow citizens? I have no doubt but your sympathies are awakened, that all true patriots-all who desire to be considered citizens of the country will attend to the call that is here made, and fly instantly to the Standard of the country. Too long have you delayed already. and the cause has suffered. Many brave soldiers who have magnanimously left his home and country to aid your cause, have been sacrificed through your supineness already. The time has arrived that every man must do his duty. He will defend the soil that he expects to reside on. He must fight for the privileges if he expeets to enjoy them. Therefore I David G. Burnet President of the Republic of Texas by and with the advice and consent of the cabinet and by virtue of the authority vested in me &, by virtue of my authority as commauder in chief of all the Nation of Texas, and of all who are subject to duty as such-do Issue this very Proclamation, that every able bodied man subject by the laws of the country-to Malitia duty, shall forth with ready arms, cquiped as the law directs at the head Quarters of the commander in chief of the army of Texas and report himself for duty, all those who refuse to obey this order will be taken up and treated as deserters, and punished accordingly- Shall forfeit his right of citizenship & all his lands in the Republic, and from hence forth treated as an alien and foreignor. Every name of those who defend the country shall be recorded, and those whose names are not on the list will be considered as abandoning his country.
341
Powered by FlippingBook