[2801] [HOUSTON to RAGUET]
Camp at Harrisburg, April 19, 1836. Sir: This morning we are in preparation to meet Santa Anna. It is the only chance of saving Texas. From time to time I have looked for reinforcements in vain. The Convention adjourning to Harrisburg struck panic throughout the country. Texas could have started at least four thousand men. We will only have about seven hundred to march with, besides the campguard. We go to conquer. It is: wisdom growning out of necessity to meet the enemy now; every consideration enforces it. No previous occasion would justify it. The troops are in fine spirits, and now is the time for action. Adjutant General Wharton, Inspector General Hockley, Aidede-Camp Horton, Aides-de-Camp W. H. Patton, Collinsworth; Volunteer Aides Perry, Perry; Major Cook, assistant inspector-general will be with me. We shall use our best efforts to fight the enemy to such advantages as will insure victory, though the odds are greatly against us. I leave the result inthe hands of as wise God, and rely upon his providence. · My country will do justice to those who serve her. The rights for which we fight will be secured and Texas free. Sam Houston, Commander, &c P. S. Colonel Rusk is in the field. To Col. Henry Raguet [Addressed:] To Colonel Henry Raguel Nacogdoches Texas [2802] [HOUSTON and RUSK to PUBLIC] War Department, Head-Quarters of the Army, Harrisburg, April 19, 1836. TO THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS-Fellow Citizens: Let me make one more appeal to you to turn out, and rally to the standard of your country. The army reached here yesterday late in the day. Our Scouts arrested three of the Mexicans-one captain, one a correo [express rider], direct from Mexico, and another, a
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