(2711] [HOUSTON to KARNES]
Headquarters Camp West of Brasos 11th April, 1836
Army Orders to Captain Henry Karnes.
Capt. H. Karnes will have the Horse Guard and Cavallo-yard, and in his absence he will leave the proper directions for their safety and management. This is ordered inasmuch as the guard is relieved every day. It is hoped that the most perfect harmony will exist in all parts of the army, as it is for the common welfare of the country. The greatest attention is requested to the horses, and no meand should be omitted to preserve them. Sam Houston Commander-in-Chief. (2712) (HOUSTON to THOMAS]
Camp West of Brasos, April 11, 1836
To David Thomas, Acting Secretary of War.
Sir: I have the honor to send you a Mr. Powell, and I have given him a letter of introduction. This I did from policy. You will find him a panic-maker, and, in my opinion, a spy. I hope you will send him to Colonel Morgan, and let him be watched so closely that he can do no harm, if he should be so disposed. I assure your excellency that we must manage to keep suspicious persons safe. From them, in my opinion, and none else, we may apprehend all danger. I pray you not to think me too rigorous in these matters. I consult the secretary of war, who has a knowledge of facts, as well as myself; and my course is in accordance with his views. Major Wyley Martin wrote to me about this same man, and said his statements were "lies." For the sake of Texas, have him kept safe; and it might be best to send him to Colonel Morgan, where he can be watched without suspecting it. Lynn and Kerr ought to be well watched. I pray you be vigilant. I have ordered spies everywhere. Though Powell says Urrea (the general) is on his way to the lower country, how could Powell pass by the enemy, as he has done, unless he has some assurance of their favor? I think Powell is sent to scare us, while the enemy are pretty badly scared themselves. I hope they will soon be as much hurt. The high waters have
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