servant. From the prisoners we learn many interesting facts. Santa Anna himself is just below us, and within the sound of the drum-has, we understand, only 500 men. We arc parading our forces for the purpose of marching upon him. He has a reinforcement of about 1,000 men upon the Brazos, about forty miles from here. A few hours more will decide the fate of our army: and what an astonishing fact it is, that, al the very moment when the fate of your wives, your children, your homes, your country, and all that is dear lo a freeman, are suspended upon the issue of one batlle, not one-forth of the people [men) of Texas are in the army! Are you Americans? are you freemen? If you are, prove your blood and birth by rallying at once to you country's standard! Your general is at the head of a brave and chivalrous band, and throws himself, sword in hand, into the breach, lo save his country, and vindicate her rights. Enthusiasm prevails in the army; but I look around and see that many, very many, whom I anticipated would be first in the field, are not here. Rise up at once, concentrate, and march to the field! a vigorous effort and the country is safe! A different course disgraces and ruins you; and what is life worth with the loss of liberty? May I never survive it! · Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of War. April 19, 1836. We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest, and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: none is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard, and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be freemen, that your children may bless their fathers' names! Colonel Rusk is with me, and I am rejoiced at it. The country will be the gainer, and myself the beneficiary. Liberty and our country! Sam Houston, Commander-in-Chief
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