The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume I

The Writings of Sam Houston, v. 1

THE WRITINGS

SAM HOUSTON 1813 -1863

EDITED BY

AMELIA W. WILLIAMS AND EUGENE c: BARKER

VOLUME I 1813-1836

AUSTIN, TEXAS THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS PR,ESS 1 9 3 8

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PREFACE

Notwithstanding Houston's remarkable public career and the numerous biographies that have been written of him, there has hitherto been no effort to publish a complete compilation of his available writings. This statement is not to ignore the consid- erable collection of documents in Yoakum, History of Texas (1855) and in Crane, Life ancl Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston (copyright date 1884). It is necessary to emphasize available, for Houston's writings are widely scattered and by no means completely available. Some are in possession of members of his family, who withhold them from publication or examina- tion. Many are in the hands of collectors who will neither sell the originals nor furnish copies. Several considerable collections are known to be for sale, but the owners decline to put a price upon them. Much additional Houston material will ultimately become available, but, in the meantime, it seems desirable to publish this compilation, which undoubtedly comprehends the great bulk of Houston's extant writings. The materials in this volume touch upon Houston's career as a lieutenant in the United States Army, as a Member of Congress from Tennessee and Governor of Tennessee, as United States Indian Agent in the Southwest, as Commander in Chief in the Texas Revolution, and as President of the Republic of Texas. Perhaps the most interesting groups of material relate to his life among the Indians and to a somewhat shadowy connection with stockholders of the Galveston Bay and Texas Land Company (of New York) who had claims to large grants of Texas lands. My own relation to this undertaking calls for some explanation. Some years ago I assigned to a graduate student, Mr. Andrew Jackson Stephens, the task of compiling a calendar of Houston's writings in the various libraries and departmental archives in Austin, and the resultant volume was accepted as a thesis for the Master of Arts degree. Subsequently, WPA funds made it possible for Miss Winnie Allen, Archivist of The University of Texas Library, to direct the transcription of a considerable part of the material listed in the Stephens calendar. Still later a sub- stantial grant from the Bureau of Research in the Social Sciences

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in The University of Texas, enabled me to undertake a compre- hensive compilation of Houston's writings for publication. Dr. Amelia Williams, whose minute knowledge of the bibliography of much of Houston's career eminently fitted her for the task, was engaged for the active prosecution of the work, and she has brought it to its present state of completion. I have assisted Miss Williams as an occasional consultant and have read critically the text and her editorial notes. My chief contribution has been made in the relatively unimportant matter of editorial technique. The search for Houston materials has extended to all the prin- cipal libraries; to all state and federal depositories which might be supposed to contain Houston documents; to a wide range of newspapers; and to many individuals possessing Houston writ- ings, among whom Colonel M. L. Crimmins, Mr. George A. Hill, Jr., and Mr. W. A. Philpott should be gratefully mentioned. Mr. E. W. Winkler and Miss Winnie Allen of the University Library and Miss Harriett Smither, Archivist of the Texas State Library, have been very helpful in locating material. We have included all available writings, no matter how often specific pieces may have been printed before, with the exception of purely formal documents, such as legal acknowledgments, deeds, and commissions issued to various officers. In one in- stance, we have included an important series of letters written to Houston. These letters were written by James Prentiss, of New York, and relate to speculation in Texas lands. Houston's letters on the same subject would be even more puzzling than they are without both sides of the correspondence. Miss Williams's editorial notes, particularly her biographical notes, are full-even copious- and add greatly to the interest and value of the work. This volume and subsequent volumes, which are edited in the same way, will contribute to a fuller and juster understanding of Houston and his work. Documents within the chronological scope of this volume which may become available after this volume is printed will be published as a supplement to the succeeding volume, and so on throughout the series. Later volumes will cover, roughly, the following periods: Volume II, 1837-1841; Volume III, 1842-1845; Volume IV, 1846-1859; Volumes V-VI, 1860-1863. Publication will be completed in 1941, or earlier. EUGENE C. BARKER. The University of Texas.

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CALENDAR

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1813-1817 To John Armstrong, Secretary of War, September 15, 1813, accepting an appointment as ensig ~-----------------·----·-······-- 1 To John Rhea, March 1, 1815, asking for Rhea's influence to retain him in the army______________·------------------------------------------------·-···--·---·-- 1 To Joseph Anderson, March 1, 1815, desiring to remain in the U. S. A1·my, he asks for Anderson's influence to that er.d_______________________ 2 To James Monroe, Secretary of War, petitioning to be retained in the U. S. Army___________________________ ------·--···--·------- -------- 3 To Captain Alexander Campbell, April 25, 1815. Personal plans con- tingent upon his remaining in the army_ __ ______ ____ 4 To John Armstrong, July 4, 1815. A report__________________________ 5 To William H. Crawford, February 16, 1816, asking for an adjustment of his rank in the army_____________________________________ 6 To Andrew Jackson, January 10, 1817, explaining the maladjustment of his 1·ank in the army____________________________________ ______ 7 An extract from Division Orders, October 28, 1817, concerning Hous- ton's appointment as sub-agent to the Cherokees_________ _ ___ 8 1818-1822 To Gene1·al Daniel Parker, March 1, 1818, tendering his resignation, and asking for his commission in the United States ArmY---······-·-- ·---·-· 8 Expense Account as sub-agent to the Cherokees in 1817, May 9, 1818_ 9 To John C. Calhoun, July 21, 1820, correcting a return._ ___ 10 To John C. Calhoun, June 4, 1822, acknowledging a balance of pay due him for service in the U. S. Army, and demanding a draft payable at Washington, Baltimore, or Philadelphia....-----·---·- ·•-·-- -- ·----·--· 10 To John C. Calhoun, July 6, 1822, refusing to accept a draft for his services, drawn on the Nashville bank----~----·---··-·---··--·----------····-·-·-·-- 12 To Andrew Jackson, August 3, 1822, notifying Jackson that the U. S. Senate had passed a resolution recommending him as the next president._ 13 1823 To A_ndrew Jackson, January 19, 1823, stating that he had learned that Crawford was not a favorite in Alabama______________________ 14 To Joseph McMinn, February 15, 1823, expressing gratitude for McMinn's friendship and kindness.._______________________________________ 16 To Joseph McMinn, March 30, 1823, congratulating him on the appoint- ment to an Indian agenCY------------···----------------·-------··-·--·-·----· 18 To Major Abram Maury, December 13, 1823, saying that Jackson's presence in Washington had greatly affected the Caucus question____ 19 1824-1825 Remarks in the U. S. House of Representatives, January 22, 1824, on Greek independence -----------·---··--····-·-------··----------------------- 21 To Andrew Jackson, July 20, 1824, asking for a statement concerning Captain Campbell's treatment of American prisoners during the Revolu- tionary War ------·-·----------·--·----·---------·-·-·--------·-----·--·----·----------·--·----- 24

PAGE To A. M. Hughes, January 22, 1825, saying that he does not know who will be appointed to the Indian agency, but that he is confident that Jack- son will be the next president__ __ _______________________________________________ 24 To his Constituents, March 3, 1825, explaining his opposition to a motion to investigate the Speaker's official character. He states that he is opposed to Congress's being made a Court to settle personal disputes_ _ 26 1826 To William J. Worth, January 24, 1826, expressing appreciation of a letter and a renewal of assurances of friendship_______________________ 28 Speech, February 2, 1826, opposing the Congress of Panama------------- 28 Speech, March 25, 1826, opposing the Massachusetts Militia Claims______ 40 Concerning expected trouble with Felix Grundy, May 27, 1826___________ 63 To Samuel L. Southard, Secretary of the Navy, April 21, 1826, recom- mending J. C. Goodrich for a position as a purser in the navy_____________ 64 To Andrew Jackson, December 13, 1826, explaining that he and other friends thought it best not to deliver Jackson's letter to Southard. He reports political matters promising ----- ---------------------- 65 Remarks, December 14, 1826, opposing the transference of the Massa- chusetts Militia Claims to the Secretary of War ·---- _______ 67 1827 To Andrew Jackson, January 5, 1827, acknowledging the receipt of two letters. He promises prompt attention to the business entrusted to him; and gives political news___ _ __ ___ ----------··----····· 69 To Andrew Jackson, January 13, 1827, enclosing a copy of a letter written by James Monroe. He says Jackson's enemies are decreasing, and expresses the opinion that Van Buren will support Jackson___________________ 71 To Andrew Jackson, January [?], 1827. He says, "I have not in my life seen a cause rising so fast as that of the people, nor one sinking faster than that of a wicked coalition." An "archy filly" would cost $400_____ 74 Remarks, February 2, 1827, on a Bill for the Relief of Willie Blount___ 75 Remarks, February 2, 1827, on Publishers of the Laws___ ____ _ 77 To Samuel L. Southard, February 15, 1827, refusing to receive a sealed letter addressed to Andrew Jackson__________ ________________________ 83 To Andrew Jackson, February 15, 1827, telling of his refusal to receive a sealed letter from Samuel L. Southard, that was addressed to Jackson, and asked that no action be taken concerning that letter until his (Hous- ton's) return home_ ____ ____ ______________ ___ 84 Speech, February 16, 1827, on the Publishers of the Laws_________________ 85 To Samuel McLemore, February 17, 1827, concerning a land contro- versy _____ ·-------- ----- ---------- ------··------------- -------- 109 To the Governor of Ohio, April 8, 1827, reporting a resolution to be presented to the General Assembly of Ohio______________________________________ 110 To Andrew Jackson, July 4, 1827, reporting having had some "spar- ring" in the House of Representatives._____________________________________ 111 Reply to a Toast at a dinner, July 13, 1827, explaining his duel with William A. White___ ·----- --·--- ______ 113 Houston's first message to the Legislature of Tennessee on October 15, 1827 - -· ·- - ----- ------- ------- - 115 To the Legislature of Tennessee, October 27, u;27_________ ___ 121

PAGE To Robert L. Caruthers, November 23, 1827, granting a commission as Solicitor [omitted]. To the Legislature of Tennessee, December 3, 182L...................·-··-··-··· 122 To the Legislature of Tennessee, December 5, 1827, transmitting in- formation concerning Mason Lee's will [no enclosures, therefore omitted]. 1828

To Carter Beverly, February 18, 1828, returning a package sent to Andrew Jackson, and stating that he "refused to be the organ of eclaircissement" of Beverly's disputes.·-······-·············--·················-······--···· To Colonel John Campbell, February 20, 1828, enclosing a letter to Chapman Johnson -··········-··-·····-·-·---······--·-·----·--- To Chapman Johnson, February 20, 1828, demanding to know upon ,vhat evidence Johnson had promulgated disreputable charges against Jackson at the battle of Horse Shoe·-···----·······-···-····---·-····--·····-- To Chapman Johnson, May 14, 1828, still asking for an explanation of Johnson's statements concerning the army under Jackson at the Horse Shoe ··-·---·----- ----····-·--··-·--·-·--·--··-·--

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125 To Joseph Kennedy, October 22, 1828, introducing his friend and cousin W. Caruthers---·······--··---········--····-··---···-·--···-·--······-···· 128 Houston's grant of land to John McLemore, November 29, 1828- [omitted]. 1829 The Commission of Captain Joseph Wright, February 9, 1829-··········-···· 129 To John Allen, April 9, 1829, concerning his separation from Eliza [Allen] Houston ··-····--·····---- ····-········-··-···-··-···-·-··---·-·-·· 130 To William Hall, April 16, 1829, resigning the office of Governor of Tennessee ______ --- -··-----------···----····-·---· 131 To Andrew Jackson, May 11, 1829, saying he is the most unhappy man alive. He offers to serve the President by keeping peace among the Indians --········-·-·-·····-···-···········--··-···---····················-··-·········-···--···· 132 To John H. Eaton, June 24, 1829, giving information concerning the Indians, and presenting the name of A. P. Chouteau as agent to estab- lish trade and make a treaty with the Indians·-····································-····-·· 134 To Matthew Arbuckle, July 8, 1829, assuring him that the great body of Cherokees are opposed to war......----·--······----··········- - · ··-···········-- 136 To John H. Eaton, July 22, 1829, reporting the pitiful condition of Mrs. McClellan of the Choctaw agency, also the abuses practised by the whites against the Indians..--•--··-·-·-··--·--·-·······--····--·-·-·-··-··· 139 Thomas H. Benton to Houston, August 15, 1829, desiring to renew their friendship, and offering to aid Houston in sny way possible·-·-··-- 140 To Andrew Jackson, September 19, 1829, refusing an appointment as missionary to the Indians, and stating that although he had thought he had lost interest in politics, his visits to Fort Gibson had renewed and increased it-········---·------·-··-·--··---·'--·-·-·---·---··-····-- 140 Houston's certificate of citizenship in the Cherokee Nation, October 21, 1829 --·-·······---··-···------····-·······--···-------···-·········-·······--- 143 To John Overton, December 28, 1829, ex_Pressing gratitude for his friendship __________________________ 144

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1830

PAGE To •Andrew Jackson [no date, probably 1830], urging the appointment of Arbuckle and himself as commissioners without pay to treat with the Pawnees and Osages ____ ________ ----------·---- 146 To John H. Houston, January 11, 1830, inviting him to dine with him at Brown's Hotel_____________ _ ··-·------·--------- 147 To General John Van Fossen, April 4, 1830, offering to share equally with him in a contract to supply Indian rations ..·--·-····--·--·---·-·········--·-·-··· 147 To Andrew Jackson, May 18, 1830, telling Jackson of a publication the citizens of Sumner County had issued with the design to injure him [Houston]. He also says he will report on Indian conditions·-·-····---·-·- 149 To William B. Lewis, May 20, 1830, enclosing an unsealed letter to John H. Eaton. He says her friends sent Mrs. Houston to Carthage to prevent her meeting him~---- ·--------····-···-·--·--- 151 To John H. Eaton, June 13, 1830, asking for the position of sutler at Fort Gibson -------··----·-··- ·-··---··-····-·-··-·-····---- 152 Tah-Lohn-Tus-Ky on the Indians, June 22, 1830. He writes of the injustice done the Indians by the Government Agents..·-·-··-·---- - 155 Tah-Lohn-Tus-Ky's second chapter on Indians, July 7, 1830.......- ·-·-··- 157 "Standing Bear" writes to the Editor of the Arkansas Gazette in defence of the Indians, August 14, 1830__····-·- - ··-- - ·-···-···-···-·-··- 164 Tah-Lohn-Tus-Ky's third chapter on Indians, September 8, 1830....-·-···· 170 To the Editor of the Arkansas Gazette, December 8, 1830, concerning Indian affairs _ _ __ - - - · ···--···············-······- 177 To Matthew Arbuckle, July 21, 1830. Houston reports the arrival of his boat load of supplies for Indian trade. He also declares himself a citizen of the Cherokee tribe and claims all the privileges that citizenship might bestow ··---- --··-·-··· _____ ··--·--·-······--··- 185 To John Van Fossen, August 22, 1830, stating that all Indian contracts were settled, that the Commissioner General would obtain supplies by contract. He also tells that he was buying large interests at Salt Springs . 187 To William Hall, December 7, 1830, in vindication of his course in resigning the gubernatorial office of Tennessee______··----------·- 188 To Andrew Jackson, December 15, 1830, recommending Nathaniel Pryor as sub-agent for the Osage Indians______ ______ 193 1831-1832 A Poem to a lady, 1831_••·-----·----·--····---·- 195 A Proclamation, July 13, 1832, concerning his traducers__··-···--- 196 To James Prentiss, March 27, 1832, concerning the titles to his land, and the amount of his indebtedness·----·--·--·-· ---··---·-······ 197 To Samuel L. Gouveneur, February 5, 1832, asking him to meet him at Brown's Hotel at nine o'clock.·----------··--·-··-·-·-·--· 199 To William Stanbery, April 3, 1832, demanding to know the author of the remarks printed in the National lntelligence1· of April 2, 1832....-- 199 To James Prentiss, April 8, 1832, saying that Santa Anna's success is not important to the interests of the land company...·--·-------·- 200 In the Stanbery Case, April 18, 1832, Houston answers questions con- cerning his treatment of William StanberY-- ---·-·-··---·--············ 201 To James Prentiss, :May 1, 1832, reporting that his trial moves slowly.. 203

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PAGE Prentiss to Houston, May 4, 1832, saying they must see each other soon, as their affairs require rapid al}d early rnovernent..·- ·····-·---·--··- 205 Houston's defense before the Congress of the United States in the Stanbery Case, May 7, 1832-·-··········-··----···-·--·-········- -···-·-··········· 207 Prentiss to Houston, May 18, 1832, congratulating him on the end of his trial -·····-····----···-·--- -···-·------····-··--·-·-··-·----·-- 225 Prentiss to Houston, May 24, 1-832, concerning their land deals, and soliciting Houston's aid in favor of DeWitt Clinton's son_ ..______ _ _ 226 A statement of lands bought of James Prentiss, June 1, 1832·-···-····- 228 The agreement made between Houston and Prentiss, June 1, 1832, concerning their land speculations.....·-- -·---··-·--···· - - - - ·· 229 John A. Wharton to Houston, June 2, 1832, expressing deep interest in his trial. At the close of the letter is a brief note from Houston to Prentiss, introducing Wharton and Branch T. A!·cher...·--··---··-······ 230 Prentiss to Houston, June 4, 1832, describing the titles to the land he had sold to Houston, and explaining his object in selling the land, the price, etc. __ _ _____ _ ----·------ ___ __ 232 To Prentiss, June 9, 1832, expressing the opinion that Texas "will not remain as it is," adventuring the "guess" that England will seek to acquire a title to it from ·the King of Spain. He adds, "There is a better way" ············---·-·-·-··-····-·····--···-----··--- ·--·-····-- 234 To Messrs. Wayne and Kerr, June 12, 1832, granting to these com- mittee-men permission to examine the correspondence between himself and John Van Fossen·---·······- ··-·--···-·---···----··········-····--·- 236 To James Prentiss, June 12, 1832, asking for news, and saying he had not sold any scrip at Washington·--··-···--···-······· - - --- - - -······ 237 Prentiss to Houston, June 13, 1832, saying that he is convinced of the expediency and practicability of their plans. He thinks he will be able to raise funds for a companion for Houston.·- ·--····-·····---······················ 237 To James Prentiss, June 16, 1832, asking what Prentiss wished to do about their land deals. He hopes his trial may "end to-day"---·-·······-·- 240 To James Prentiss, June 17, 1832, stating that the project of obtaining a grant for the navigation of the Rio Grande will take well, and asks what Prentiss thinks of the matter..--- ···--- ---- - -- 242 To James Prentiss, June 20, 1832, expressing his desire to set out for Texas as soon as possible; also states that he had agreed to pay his com- panion out of his share of the land·- ···----·----··-·-···· --- 243 Houston's examination, June 22, 1832..-·--- ··- ·····-·····-·····- ·-············- 245 To James Prentiss, June 27, 1832, stating that his friend, Samuel P. Carson, is interested in Texas lands, and asks Prentiss's permission to allow Carson to have a share of his lands·--·-··········--······- -·-··-- - 246 To James Prentiss, June 28, 1832, reporting that the result of his trial was a fine of $500 and court costs___ --- -·---- ···--······---··· 248 To the Public, July 9, 1832, discussing the injustice of the trial given him ·-··········· ______ ___ ______ _ _ __ 250 To James Prentiss, July 10, 1832, saying he would _leave for Nashville tomorrow; that he would see what could be done concerning the Left- wich grant; that John Noland had declined going with him to Texas·-··- 257

PAGE To Daniel Jackson, July 12, 1832, saying that illness had delayed his leaving for Nashville. He hopes to make collections and sales at Nash- ville so as to repay some of the money borrowed from Jackson······--········- 258 Prentiss to Houston, July 31, 1832. A scourge of cholera had made it impossible to raise the needful funds. Mason had gone on to Detroit, but had obtained e:>..iensions on grants about to expire........·- ····-·······--·- ·· 260 Prentiss to Houston, August 18, 1832; apologizes for neglect in for- warding needful instructions. Cholera is raging and business paralized:._ 261 To James Prentiss, August 18, 1832. Expresses satisfaction that Mason succeeded in extending the time of the grants. Says he is unable . to do anything in the matter of the Leftwich Grant..---·- ---··············-····- 263 To James Prentiss, September 11, 1832, explaining why Arnold with- drew his favor from Pearse; says he will leave for Texas in two days, leaving the scrip with Robert H. McEwen_·-···-·-·-···················-·-·- 264 To James Prentiss, September 15, 1832, saying he leaves all the scrip with McEwen; that "the matter of Texas" had not turned out as he had hoped and expected-- ----·----·-·------·····-············--- 266 To Henry L. Ellsworth, December 1, 1832. He describes the country about Fort Gibson, and says his first concern is to gather information concerning the Pawnee and Comanche Indians·-·--·····-··-··········-- ·-·-- 267 Applicaiion for Headright in Austin's Colony, December 24, 1832..--- 271 1833 To the Indian Commissioners at Fort Gibson, February 13, 1833, making a report of his meeting with the Comanche chiefs at Bexar.-- •- 272 To Andrew Jackson, February 13, 1833, making a report of his trip to Texas ____ ___ _ ____ ······-···-·····--·--274 To Lewis Cass, July 31, 1833, submitting his expense account for the trip to Texas_ ___ --------------····----- 276 Houston's Petition for a Divorce from Eliza Allen, November 30, 1833_ 277 1834 To Lewis Cass, March 6, 1834, offering information concerning Lieutenant George B. Abbay of Captain Boone's company.-·•··--·--- 279 Prentiss to Houston, March 8, 1834, asking for information concern- ing land conditions in Texas____________ ___ 280 Houston and Andrew S. Hughes to Lewis Cass, March 12, 1834, sug- gesting methods for searching for Lieutenant Abbay.....·-·-----·-···--·· 281 To James Prentiss, March 28, 1834, stating that he had never been employed as counsel or agent for any land company interested in Texas lands. He states his terms should any such company wish to retain him.- 283 Prentiss to Houston, April 1, 1834. Acknowledges his chagrin at not being able to employ Houston as agent for the Galveston Bay and Texas Land Company -••·••-·-·-·-·-·- ··--··- ··-····-···-···---···········-·-··········--·· 284 To James Prentiss, April 11, 1834. Assures Prentiss that the business of the land companies had not disappointed him a great deal ···-·-······-···--- 285 Prentiss to Houston, April 16, 1834. Expiains that the Galveston Bay and Texas Land Company were obligated to General Mason to such an extent as to prevent their employing other agents except through his instrumentality --·····-·-·-···-···--·····-···-····-·--··--···--·----·-287

PAGE To Andrew Jackson, April 20, 1834, asking that the fine and court costs of the Stanbery Case be remitted to him.-----··--··-·------------·-··-·--·-····--·-- 287 To James Prentiss, April 20, 1834, expressing the opinion that Texas will not be acquired by the United States, but within the year would become a sovereign state, and within three years would be free from the l\'Iexican Confederacy- -·······--····-··.···---·············-- - ····- ---···-·-·····- ·-········-- - 289 To James Prentiss, April 24, 1834. Thanks Prentiss for interest manifested in his affairs; he says there will be no hope for the United States to acquire Texas during Jackson's administration; he adds that Texas must do for herself, and that she ought to preserve her integrity to Mexico ···----·-- -----·- ··---- _____ ___ - - - 29Q 1835 The Prosecution of William Rummey, March 4, 1835----·····---·-·-·- 292 To James Prentiss, April 9, 1835, introducing James Smith.......·- ······-·· 292: To John A. Wharton, April 14, 1835. Mentions the duel between Wharton and William T. Austin··-- ·--·-·--··--·-··-······-··-·-···--·---293 Application for Headright in Burnet's Colony, April 21, 1835·-···--·--·- 296 Houston's petition in behalf of a client, April [?], 1835......·- ·-··- - - 297 To John Mora, May 6, 1835, appearing as agent for John Lesslicher vs. Anthony Nixon ···-·---··-··- ---·····-·-···----·----······--··-·--·--···- - -···-······· 298 Proclamation to Citizens of Texas, August 29, 1835.·-·····-······--·- ··-··-- 298 To Andrew Jackson, September 11, 1835, asking for aid to suppress an incursion of C1·eek Indians into Texas·-···--······-···--- -------······-·-···-· 299 To Isaac Parker, October 5, 1835, stating that war was inevitable, and that the United States will respond to the call of their brethren in Texas ··-···---····----···-----···-··----------···--·-······-·---····--302 Houston's nomination as commander-in-chief of the troops of the Nacogdoches municipality, October 6, 1835..-·-····---·-- ····--·-·-- ··--·--·- ···- 303 To the Troops of the Department of Nacogdoches, October 8, 1835, ordering company organization---········--·-··--···-···-··-·-------·-··-304 To James W. Fannin, November 13, 1835. Tells of his own election as commander in chief of the Texas army, and offers Fannin the position of Inspector General of the army·---··-·-···----- --·-······--······- -- ---- ·-- -· 305 Resolution to annul land grants [No date, evidently on or before November 13, 1835] ·-·--·- ············-·····-···-- - ··- ---·--·-·······- ·-·- --····-·--············- ··- 306 Allowance for stationary, fuel, quarters, presented to and approved by the Quartermaster General, November 14, 1835 [omitted]. To the Governor and General Council, November 20, 1835, enclosing the repor't of Ira Westover, detailing the destruction of Lipantitlan ·--··· 307 To Wyly Martin, November 24, 1835, ordering that in the event of the withdrawal of the Texas army from before Bexar, it should divide, one division going to La Bahia, the other to Gonzales·-····-·-··-·······-··-·-·---··-·--·-··-· 307 To A. Hitchinson, November 30, 1835. He w1·ites that the "ultimate aim of Texas is independence"; that 'l'exas will need 3,000 volunteers, and more will be acceptable·---··---·----··-····-·-·--·-··--······-········-········--···- ····· 309 To the President and General Council, December 3, 1835, transmitting n letter from Francis B. Wright, addressed to Stephen F. Austin and himself -··-···- ___ ------·--···-·---···--···-·---·---·····-····-·····-- 310

PAGE To Thomas Hughes, December 4, 1835, saying he would be happy to accept 3,500 volunteers by the first of March next.•-··-·························-·-··-·· 31~ To the President and General Council, December 4, 1835, insisting that appointment of army officers be made immediately, that munitions of war and supplies of the army be contracted for, and that a special agent be sent to the United States to procure outfits for the army.·-·······- 310 To the Public, December 5, 1835, stating that the report that troops were not needed in the Texas army was false, also that large quantities of provisions were needed ______ ·-·-··- - -·--···---·-·-·- ···-·-· 311 To Henry Smith, December 6, 1835, calling attention to the organic law that provided for the creation of an army, and urges that officers be appointed and a regiment of artillery be raised.- -- - ··············-·······--····-· 312 To Don Carlos Barrett, December 9, 1835, suggesting that regular soldiers should receive a twenty-four dollar bounty, and the addition of 100 acres to the present bountY---·- --- --·-·················-·······---······ 314 To Don Carlos Barrett, December 11, 1835, asking Barrett to use his influence with the Council to have a Judge Advocate General appointed for the army_ __ ----- ----- -·-·-·······-··--·····- 314 A proclamation to the Citizens of Texas, December 12, 1835, calling attention to the situation of the Texas army, and the need of an addi- tional force of 5,000 volunteers-- --- -·-················-·········-········- 315 To Don Carlos Barrett, December 15, 1835. Houston notifies Barrett that he intends to place a field officer at San Antonio with troops suffi- cient to defend the station; that he will employ an engineer to improve the fortifications; that La Bahia, Refugio, and San Patricio should be strengthened _ _ _ _ _____ _____ ·-···--······---319 To Samuel M. Williams, December 15, 1835, notifying him that he has been appointed captain of the First Regiment of Artillery in the Regu- lar Army, and ordering him to report to the recruiting office1· at Matagorda - -----···-····--·--···-·-····-- ···-···-----·--320 To Henry Smith, December 17, 1835, acknowledging Smith's order for the establishment of headquarters at Washington. He complains of unjust criticism and hindrance in his work·-···--·-····--···--·--···-·-·---- 321 To Andrew Jackson, December 17, 1835, enclosing a proclamation..- ••·- 322 To James Bowie, December 17, 1835, ordering him to capture and hold Matamoras. He advises of the importance of Copano, and the need for caution ·-··-··-·-·-····-----··-···--·----·-·-···---·-·········-··-·····--·---··--322 To Austin, Archer, and Wharton, December 19, 1835, recommending Charles E. Hawkins for the Texas navy...·--·- -·----- -··---··---·-··-· 323 To William P. Smith, and John W. Moody, December 25, 1835, and May 9, 1837. Appoints Smith surgeon for the post at San Felipe; and two years later (on same page) orders Moody to audit Smith's account...- 324 To Henry Smith, December 26, 1835, a report that he found at San Felipe Captain Peyton S. Wyatt with less than 56 men, from Hunts- ville, Alabama, Captain Amon B. King with 18 men from Paducah, Ken- tucky, all armed; also that the troops at Bexar _were quiet, but without discipline . --------·--·---··-··-·-·-··-·····-·-···--·····-···-------·-········--325 To the Volunteers from the United States, December 27, 1835, advising them to come to Texas by sea, and land at Copano, Coxes Point, or Matagorda -·-----·-·--··--·····--- -·-·---·-··------326

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PAGE To James Powers, December 28, 1835, urging him to show great con- sideration and aid to Captain Wyatt and two detachments of volunteers en the way to Copano to relieve Captain Allen...·----------·---- 326 To Don Carlos Barrett, December 30, 1835, saying he wishes Captain George W. Poe to be sent to San Felipe and Velasco, and asking that Wallace (Benjamin C.) be sent to him···---··--··-·--····----··-·················· 327 To Henry Smith, December 30, 1835. He encloses the muster rolls of Wyatt's and King's companies, and asks to be allowed to remain at Wash- ington where he is needed......·-·-·--···--··---··-·--····-·· --- 328 Army Orders to Captain J. M. Allen, December 30, 1835·---··············-·· 330 1836 To Don Carlos Barrett, January 2, 1836, stressing "Union and har- mony" and saying that dissention will wreck Texas_··-···--··----·--···· 330- To Henry Smith, January 6, 1836, urging that the Government not yield to the dictation of speculators...·--····-··-··--········· - - --····- 332 To Henry Smith, January 8, 1836. He tells that he has heard that Johnson and Fannin had been appointed to lead the Matamoras expedi- tion. He asks Smith for a copy of Austin's letter concerning the New Confederacy --····-·-·-----····----·········---·-·--·----··--------- 334 Expense account due Martin & Clow & Company, January 8, 1836......_ 334 To J. W. Robinson, January 11, 1836, asking that Robinson attend to the election of certain cavalry officers..·-·····-··-··----- ·-·-··-·-··· 335 Speech at Goliad, January 16, or 16, 1836, to discourage soldiers from the Matamoras expedition_············-·······-··········----·--····-···--·---····· 337 To Henry Smith, January 17, 1836, enclosing a letter from J. C. Neill. He says that Bowie will leave immediately for Bexar with 30 men, that he himself will go to Refugio with 209 men__······---··- - -·----····-····· 339 To Henry Smith, January 17, 1836, asking that Hugh Love be appointed to raise a corps of 300 Indians-········-······----·--·-··-······-- ··- ··---·- 342 To William G. Cooke, January 17, 1836, acknowledging the tender of his services and of his company's for three months·-··---······-··-··---···· 342 To Robert C. Morris, January 20, 1836, asking for an interview at Captain Westover's ·-··-- -··-····-·-····-········ ---·--····-·-··-····--·- 343 To Henry Smith, January 30, 1836, reporting conditions in the army, and saying that since the Council had superseded him and given his authority to Fannin and Grant, he would go and make the treaty with the Indians --·······--···----···-··········-··--··---·-·--····--·-···············-········ 344 To the Bowl, February 5, 1836, saying he had heard the Indians were in trouble. He advised the Bowl to have a conference with Mr. Roeg, Political Chief of Nacogdochcs..·-·- - ···········-·····---··-···-·-····-···--- 355 To Henry Smith, February 29, 1836, reporting the treaty made with the Cherokees ···········-··················-················-························-···-··-················ 356 To the People of Texas, March 2, 1836, urging that they rally to the aid of the army and oppose the Mexicans along the frontier.........- ...······- ·· 360 Houston's second commission as Commander in Chief of the Texas army, M~rch 4, 1836...... ---·-··---·--··--·--·---·-··--····----··--· 361 To Sterling C. Robertson, March 5, 1836, authorizing him to raise troops for the Texas armY-·--··-·---·--·-········--·-·····-···················-········ 362

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PAGE To James W. Fannin, March 11, 1836, ordering him to fall back to Victorin, and urging the importance of prompt action .............·-----·-·-·- ----··-··· 362 To James W. Fannin, March 11, 1836, giving a report of the fall of the Alamo -----·----·----·--·-··-·--··--····-----------·---..·------·--·-·--·-- 365 To Philip Dimmit, March 12, 1836, ordering him to bring his command to headquarters, with any troops at Victoria that could be spared.-·------·- 366 To James Collinsworth, .March 13, 1836, reporting that he had changed his course of operations, that sieges could not be maintained in fortresses. He did not know where Fannin could be found by express·----·--- -------·------ 367 To William T. Austin, March 16, 1836, ordering him to the mouth of the Brazos to bring back to headquarters, seven cannon and an abundant supply of canister and grape·-····-·---·-·--·-·-··-······-····--------····----···---- 372 To James Collinsworth, .March 15, 1836, reporting the confirmation of the Alamo massacre, that Santa Anna was marching on Gonzales, his belief that Goliad was besieged, and his own intention of falling back on the Colorado ____ - - - - - - - - - - - - - --·· -···----- ------------·-·-- 373 To James W. Fannin, March 17, 1836, ordering him to take a position on the Bay of Lavaca for the protection of provisions and ammunition at Coxe's Point and Dimmit's Landing. He orders Fannin to join him on the Colorado if the position at Goliad could not be held---·-········ ·----····-- 377 To James Collinsworth, March 17, 1836, reporting his arrival at Burn- ham's with 600 men. He asks that the navy be kept busy, that agents be srnt to the U. S., and that all Texans should "fly to arms" ·····-·······-···- 378 To Thomas J. Rusk, March 23, 1836, congratulating Rusk on his being appointed Secretary of War, reporting that panic had been spread by deserters, and that he had just heard that Fannin and Ward had been surrounded ·-·-·-------- ·-·-----··-··----·--·---·-------·----380 To B. J. White, March 23, 1836, ordering him to go to Coxe's Point, or Dimmit's Landing to secure supplies and to remove all families east of the Colorado. He informs White that the enemy-1,000 strong- were only fifteen miles from his own camP------------··-···---·--·-··-·········--·· 383 To Richard R. Royal, March 24, 1836, asking that all means possible should be used to protect the country and the fleeing families, and 1·e- porting that he would make his stand on the Colorado.- --·------------------·---·· 384 To Thomas J. Rusk, March 29, 1836. Reports discontent in the lines; that he had ordered all troops on the coast to fortify a safe harbor and get aid from the United States---·---------··-··------------ 384 To William Christy, March 29, 1836. Tells Christy he tt-usts him to render all aid possible to the agents he sends to the United States for help -------·--·-----------·--··---·-··--·-··-·---··--·-·------·--386 To Thomas J. Rusk, March 31, 1836, reporting his intention of attack- ing the enemy on the Colorado_____________.____________________ 388 To the People East of the Brazos, March 31, 1836, stating the enemy force not as large as reported; a Mexican ship had been captured with many supplies, and if the men from East Texas ,vould hurry to the army the enemy would be whipped__________ ________ 390 To Captain John E. Ross, April 2, 1836, pledging that the officers and crew of the Yellow Stone would be indemnified for wages and other losses, on account of the impressment of the boat into the service of Texas _______ ___________ _ ___ 391

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