I crossed the river yesterday and finding the bottom a scene of drunkeness & debauchery, when ladies of proud claims to decency and respectability were insulted in my presence, in compliance with your order I destroyed without reserve all the spirits I could find lo which altho' there was no actual resistance but many murmurs & threats. I was more than rewarded for these in hearing the prayers of the venerable matron sent up to heaven in my behalf for the act without being conscious that I was in hearing. I think there will be good order here among those we may be enable to enbody. The militia law is defective in requiring the persons subject to duty to be noticed, after notice is given it should be their duty to enroll themselves. In conculsion I have to say we have no information of the enemy having been near Bastrop on the West side of the Colorado. I hope I shall be discharged from this place as soon as possible as I have performed all the duty contemplated. The troops here conduct themselves with the most perfect good order .. . [To Sam Houston] [James Collingsworth]
[2638] [GAINES to CASS]
Head Quarters, Western Department, Natchitoches, Louisiana, April 8, 1836. Sir: I arrived at this place on the 4th instant, since which time I have received information from various sources, which leaves no doubt in my mind that a considerable portion of several tribes of the Indians residing within our territorial limits have gone over to the Texas side of the boundary line between the United States and Mexico. When to this fact is added the reports daily received at this place, that the army of Mexico, commanded by the President, St. Anna, in person, is rapidly approaching in this direction, through· the centre of Texas; that his plan is to put to death all he finds in arms, and all who do not yield to his dictation; that as soon as he comes to the section of country occupied by the Indians in question, on the waters of the Trinidad, or Trinity river, they will unite with him in his war of extermination; and that no boundary line, save such as that they find properly guarded with an efficient force, will be sufficient lo arrest the sanguinary career of these savages, I cannot but deem it my duty to prepare for action.
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