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enabled to be in preparation. I had sent an express evening before last to all the troops of Washington, and above this point to meet me here by a rapid march. On yesterday morning I ordered all the command below to unite with the main body, so as lo act promptly and efficiently when most necessary. It was impossible to guard aU river passes for one hundred miles, and at once concenlrate the force so as lo guard any one point effectually, unless where the main body might be stationed. An invading army marches with everything necessary lo conquest. I would at once have fallen back on Harrisburg, but a wish to allay the panic that prevailed, induced me to slop at the Brasos, contrary lo my views of military operations. I had assurances of reinforcements by remaining on the Brasos-of which I will say nothing at present. When I assured the department that the enemy should not pass the Brasos, I did not intend to convey the idea that either the army or myself possessed powers of ubiquil)'; but that they should not pass through my encampment. I do hope that my last envelope to his excellency the president, will show you on last envelope to his excellency the president, will show you on whom lo rely, and on whom for a while, the burden must rest. I beg leave to assure you that I will omit no opporhmity to serve the country, and to serve it for the love of it, without ambition, or ulterior views into which selfishness can enter. I have, under· the most disadvantageous circumstances, kept an army together, and where there has not been even murmuring or insubordination; but I can not perform impossibilities. These remarks are not in anger, nor are they intended to be in the least personal to you, but arise out of the pressure of difficulties which you can not appreciate, because they are unexplained lo you. Again I beg leave to assure you, that I have for you the most high and friendly consideration, and will regard with pleasure every manifestation of public confidence arising from a proper estimate of your worth. I write in much haste, pressed by business, and engaged in the contemplation of matters, I hope, not distant. Sam Houston.
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