PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BUON.AP.ARTE LAM.AR 59 of the companies; I would advise a purchase, by the government, of one quarter league of Land at each point, on which to erect efficient Block-Houses, with convenient Barracks, for the accommodation of the officers and men. The troops would, for their amusement, and com- fort inclose and cultivate, a sufficient number of acres, in vegetables, and corn, so as to render them after the first year, independent for those articles. This small armament, would give effectual protection to our Settle- ments, between the Trinidad, and Nueces Rivers:- And what is much more important, in a prospective view:- This protection given, would very greatly facilitate the settlement of the fertile lands, bordering on the upper waters, of the two mentioned; and intermediate Rivers. Subjoined, is an estimate of the cost of arming, as proposed the two hundred and fifty troops- • And first; The five long Brass three pounders, mounted and delivered ready for service; at one thousand each $5000- 00 Second; Two hundred and sixty six guns, at twenty five dollars each Third; same number of pistols, at ten dollars each
6650- 00 2660- 00 14310- 00
Total
The pay of officers, men, and supply of Horses, the same as other mounted companies.----- Independent, of this being the most efficient armament, in waring with the wild prairie Indians; I regard it as the best force (in proportion to number;) that could be employed, in the event of a second Mexican invasion; Or the invasion of Mexico by this Republic. The care, and celerity of their movements, (the carriages being light, and drawn by four horses, each mounted, by a well armd. dragoon, and sustained by forty six, well armd. troopers) would enable them, at all times, des- perately to annoy the vanguard, of a well organized army; And at will, to drive in their scouting parties. And as the chances of battle, should always be calculated with doubt, as to issue; and that the chances of occasional defeat should be antici- pated; in such an event, this force, forms the most efficient reserve corps, known to me. Our discomforted forces, pursued as they would be, by the enemies cavalry; could be quickly met by the corps reserved, enabled to rally and form in the rear; while this corps, would open on the advance cavalry a fire so rapid and deadly; as nine times out of [ ten J to turn the tide of success; after a proclamation [of] victory, by the enemy.
The above hints, are most Respectfully submited, by Your Friend & Svt.
B. T. Archer [rubric]
Genl. :M:. B. Lamar [Addressed] Private To His Exel. Pr. ~I. B. Lamar Houston- Texas-
[Endorsed]
B. T. Archer Aug. 7. /39
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