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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1836
their officers, and that the strictest order and subordination may be maintained. He has heard with regret that some dissatisfac- tion has existed in the army. If it is connected with him, or his circumstances, he asks a special favor, that it may no longer exist. Texas has gained important and splendid advantages of fate; her army has gained imperishable renown-union will secure the present advantages, and open the way to higher achievements. Obedience to the constituted authorities and laws of the country is the first duty of a soldier. It will adorn his virtues, and qualify him for the highest rights of citizenship ·The General in taking leave of his companions in arms, assures them of his affectionate gratitude, and enjoys an assured con- fidence that they will not neglect the advice of a fellow soldier, who will be proud to reunite with them, at the first moment when his situation will permit. SAM HOUSTON Commander in Chief. 1 Telegraph and Texas Register, October 25, 1836.
TO CERTAIN CITIZENS OF NEW ORLEANS 1
New Orleans, 1st June, 1836.
Gentlemen :- With much pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 31st ult., and the resolutions accompanying it, commendatory on my conduct in the struggles of Texas for liberty, as well as your advertance to the part which I sustained in the last war, in defence of my native land. Nothing can be more grateful to a soldier, than the assurance that his good fortune has sectu·ed to- him and to those who have perilled life with him, the confidence and esteem of the virtuous and patriotic portion of mankind. It is a source of pleasing reflection that our first aids were promptly ~urnished by our friends of New Orleans, that your unceasing exertions gave us hope, in the darkest moments of the past. My health at present would compel me to decline the generous offer of a public dinner, politely tendered to myself and staff, if no other consideration could influence me; but I would consider that I should be wanting in proper respect for my adopted country, and the cause in which my fellow citizens are engaged, if I were to unite in any festive entertainments whilst Texas con- tains one individual hostile to her liberty; and in rendering my thanks to you for your favorable consideration, I pray you to be assured, that the same principles which have prompted my actions
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