WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1836
434
To THOMAS J. RusK 1 Subletts Near St. Augustine 10th July 1836.
To Brigr. Genl. Thos. J. Rusk Sir: Doct. A. Ewing, Surgeon General of the Army of Texas, is ordered to the Head Quarters of the Army for the purpose of organizing the Medical and Surgical Department of the Army- There is no other Law on the subject than the Organic and the Auxilliary Law of the Council- Sam Houston Com- in-Chief 1 Rusk Papers, The University of Texas Library.
TO COMMANDER IN THE FIELDL
Ayish Bayou 26th July 1836
To the General Commanding t~e Army of Texas Sir I have just heard though a citizen from the army that it is the intention to remove Genl Santa Anna to the army and place him upon his trial I cannot credit this statement, it is obviously contrary to the true policy of Texas- The advantages which his capture presented to us will be destroyed- disregard if you will our national character and place what construction you please upon the rules of civilized warfare we are compelled by every rule of humanity and morality, to abstain from any act of passion or inconsideration that is to be unproductive of positive good, execute Santa Anna and what will be the condition of the Texans, who are held as prisoners by the Mexicans? What will be the condition of the North Americans who are residing within the limits of Mexico? Death to them and confiscation of their prop- erty is the least that can be expected-Doubtless torture will be added to the catastrophe when stimulated by ignorance, fanatic- ism and the last expiring struggle of the Priesthood for power and dominion-Texas to be respected must be considered politic and just in her actions Santa Anna living and secured beyond all danger of escape (in the Eastern section-of Texas as I first suggested) may be of incalculable advantage to Texas in her present crisis- In cool blood·to offer up the living to the names of the departed, only finds an example in the religion and war- fare of Savages- Regard for our departed friends should stimulate us in the hour of battle, and would excuse us in the moment of victory for the partial excesses, at which our calmer feelings of humanity
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