WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1835
305
Union and courage can achieve every thing, while reason com- bined with intelligence, can regulate all things necessary to human happiness. Samuel Houston, General-in-Chief of devartment. 1 Anny Papers, Texas State Library. Teleg1·a.ph and Texas Register, Octo- ber 17, 1835. Ibid., April 11, 1837. Johnson-Barker, Texas and Texans, I, 317. John Henry Brown, History of Texas, I, 363-364. This copy is from the A 1·1ny Pape1·s. 2 See Gammel, "Proceedings of the General Council," L((.WS of Texas, I, 35. On November 23, 1835, the General Council decreed that every non-com- missioned officer and private, or his heirs, should, upon honorable discharge, be given 640 acres of land.
To J. W. FANNIN 1
San Felipe 13th Nov 1835
Confidential Dear Sir, On yesterday the Convention without the expression of any wish on my part, elected me General in Chief of the forces to be raised in Texas, and commander of all those who may here- after be called into service. Thus situated, I take leave to offer you the appointment of Inspector General of the Army; it being within my gift. You will please intimate your acceptance if the same should be agreeable to you. Your rank of course will be that of Colonel in the line. So soon as convenient, ( should you accept the appointment) I will require you to join me, at this place, or wherever the Head Quarters of the Army may be established. But, my dear Sir, if your presence is necessary for the safety of the army in camp, or is in any wise necessary, clo not abandon it! Two days since the agent started to New Orleans for artillery and means to re- duce San Antonio.- When can they reach camp? Not before March next! Wou'd it not be best to raise a nominal siege:- fall back to LabehaP and Gonzales, leaving a sufficient force for the protection of the frontier ( which by the bye, will not be in- vaded) furlough the balance of the army to comfortable homes, and when the Artillery, is in readiness, march to the combat with sufficient force and at once reduce San Antonio! The army at present without Tents and the necessary comforts for the men, I fear may produce an epidemic and destroy more than would have fallen in storming the place. Recommend the safest course! All admit that nothing can be done until the Cannon arrives, and
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