TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
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ington, the apparent reluctance and indifference to our real situation will be removed, and the most sanguine hopes of the frontiP.r inhabitants of the State to a great extent be realized. That additional aid is necessary for the security of the present frontier settlements of the State, and her further advancement is most true; but there is no wish to deny to the efficient and gallant officers commanding regular troops in Texas laudable and active efforts. The inadequacy of their numbers and kind, however, cannot be supplied practically to the exposed settlers without a considerable increase. The lamp of experience affords the best and less delusive light, and to it I would very respect- fully direct the attention of the Honble Congress. As the youngest member of the confederacy, Texas would seem to have a very strong hold upon the sympathies and benev- olent feelings of the government and just men of all parties- but if these are with held she must occupy stronger grounds, and claim as a right derived directly from the compact of Union, that the United States must secure her tranquility and provide for her defence-and if this principle be not true the relation is not properly understood. It is the sincere desire of the State rightly to understand and appreciate that relation, and it is be- lieved that it is one of her highest obligations to promote her own peculiar advancement in ever'lj respect, that she may be the stronger and more honorable member of the confederacy. She does not desire to raise any false issues, and will make no calls or demands on the General Government not clearly just and authorized by precedent hitherto established. It is most respectfully urged upon the Hon : Congress to con- sider the justice of the military claim referred to in the Joint Resolution of the Legislature, and to make the necessary appro- priation to meet. A special agent has been despatched to Wash- ington to explain fully the character of the claim, and the ne- cessity which gave rise to it. It 'is confidently hoped that it will meet with as little opposition and delay as possible. If the suggestions of the State Executive, drawn from ob- servation and experience are deemed worthy of consideration, I would most earnestly recommend an increase of the mounted force upon the frontier of Texas as essential to the security of the border inhabitants, and the general welfare and progressive strength of the State.
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