(2980) I IIOLISTON ADDHESSI
II rad Q11arl<'rs, San .I acin lo, !\'lay 5, 18;~6. COMRADF.S: Circumstances conm·c:l<'d with 1111' ballle of the 21st render our sqwralion, for tlw prcsc11l, unavoidable. I nec·d not t\xprcss lo you the many painful sPnsalions which that necessity inflicts upon me. I am sola1:1•cl, however, by the hope that we shall soon be reunited in the great cause ol' Liberty. llrigadier-Gctwral Rusk is appointed Lu command the army for the present. 1 confid<' in his valor, his patriotism, his wisdom. His conduct in the halllc of San Jacinto was sufficient lo ensure yom confid1•11c1~ and regard. The enemy, though rclreati11g, arc still within the limits of Texas; their situation being known lo you, you cannot be taken by surprise. Discipline and subordination will lender you invincible. Your valor and heroism hav<' proved you unrivalled. Let nol eon temp for Lhl' 1~1wmy throw you off your guard. Vigilance is the first duty of a soldit~r, and glciry the proudest reward of hi~ toils. You have patiently cndun~d privations, hardships, and. dirficultics 111wppallcd; you hav<' 1~11cou11lcr<'d odds of lwo to one of the enemy against you, an<l borne yourselves, in the onset and co11flict of hatllc, in a manner unknown in the annals of modern warfare. Whilt• an enemy lo your independence remains in Texas the work is incomplete; but when lilJt'rly is firmly established by your patience and your valor, it will lw fame enough lo say, "I was a member of the army of San J acinlo." In laking leave of my bravt' comrades in arms, I can nol suppwss the expression of that prick which I so justly feel in having had the honor to comman<l tlw111 in person, nor will I withhold the tribute• of my warnu~sl admiration and gratilu<l1• for the promptness with which my orders w1~rc cxt'cutcd, and union main laincd through the army. A I part i11~ my !wart embraces you with gratitude and affection. SAM HOUSTON, Comm:mdcr-in-Chicf.
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