whatever is ordered will be aimed for the best. That my feelings and opinions may not be misapprehended, I beg leave, by way of recapitulation to state, that toward the common soldiers among our Mexican prisoners, I cherish no malice or resentment, looking upon the most of them in the light of unwilling instruments in the hands of tyranny; neither can I perceive in the conduct of the officers any particular acts which might not be considered as legitimate in a soldier devoted to his profession, or in a patriot enlisted in the cause of his Country. These, after an exchange of prisoners, I would retain the custody of the government until the conclusion of the war; but viewing General Santa Anna, altogether in a different attitude, I would adopt the course in reference to him which I have already urged. His crimes being sanguinary, I could read his punishment from the Code of DRACO. With the highest confidence in the integrity and patriotism of the Cabinet, I have the honor,
Gentlemen To subscribe myself Your Obt. Servt. Mirabeau B Lamar, Secretary of War.
[3036) [POTTER to BURNET]
[Port of Galveston May 12, 1836]
[Dear Sir]
I learn from anthentic information that Mr. Leving, the officer who fell into their (the Mexican) hands from the Invincible, was butchered by Thompson and that about twenty others, taken at San Patricio, were to be executed the next day. This information seems to me to demand a revival of the question, already debated with much feeling in the cabinet, as to the proper mode of dealing with our prisoners. It is my clear conviction, heretofore expressed in cabinet council, that Santa Anna and all his officers should be hung, and the privates condemned to servitude for life. [Robert Potter] ['.f o President Burnet]
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