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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1336
385
Many wished me to go below, others above. I consulted none - I held no councils of war. If I err, the blame is mine. I find Colonel Hockley, of my staff, a sage counsellor and true friend. My staff are all worthy, and merit well of me. There was on yesterday, as I understood, much discontent in the lines, because I would not fall down the river.. If it should be wise for me to do so, I can cross over at any time, and fall down to greater advantage and safety. I apprehend, in conse- quence of my falling back, that the enemy may change their route to Matagorda. I ordered all the men residing on the coast, and those arriving from the United States at, or south of Velasco, to remain and fortify at some safe point; and, on yesterday, I sent Colonel Harcourt, 3 as principal engineer of the army, down to the coast, to erect fortifications at the most eligible point of defence. I placed at his disposal the resources of the lower country for its defence and protection. I pray God that you would get aid, speedy aid, from the United States; or, after all inducements, we must suffer. I hope to-day to receive ninety men from the Redlands. I can not now tell my force, but will soon be able. The enemy must be crippled by the fights they have had with our men. I have ordered D. C. Barrett·• and E. Gritton-' to be arrested and held subject to the future order of the government. I do think they ought to be detained and tried as traitors and spies. For Heaven's sake, do not drop back again with the seat of government! Your removal to Harrisburg has done more to increase the panic in the country than anything else that has occurred in Texas, except the fall of the Alamo. Send fifty agents, if need be, to the United States. Wharton writes me from Nash- ville, that the ladies of that place have fitted out, at their own expense, no less than two hundred men. If matters press upon us, for God's sake let the troops land at Galveston bay, and by land reach the Brasos ! Let no troops march with baggage-wagons, or wagons of any kind. Sam Houston (Rubric) To-day I send Captain Smith to you, agreeably to your order. Great prosperity to you and the country, &c. 1 Lette,· Book No. 8, Texas State Library. Yoakum, History of Texas, II, 485-486. Morphis, History of Texas, 232-233. 2 See Houston to Rusk, March 23, 1836. 3 Edward Harcourt was a German engineer whom Stephen F. Austin met at New Orleans in January, 1836, and induced to join the Tcxns
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