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86
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1837
enemy opposed to human rights, when they can evince to the world that they are the descendants of freemen, and that they are invincible. I feel pleasure in recommending their condition to the consideration of congress and trust that every possible aid may be rendered to their comfort, efficiency and glory. At the same time I feel assured that they will not disregard the history of revolutions, and one important truth will not escape their observation, that those who contend for liberty must be prepared to endure privations. The glory of the soldier is always propor- tioned to the difficulty and danger of his achievements. The sit- uation of the army at the adjournment of the last session of congress was far from what was desirable to the country; since then an organization has taken place, and much credit is due to the officers and soldiers for their ready obedience to the laws and regulations which have been enacted for their government. By the reduction of the number of supernumerary officers its ~xpenses have been diminished to the amount of $229,032 per annum. The requisite number of officers are now in command, and the organization complete. The insufficiency of our navy must be a subject of serious consideration. When the constitutional government assumed its functions, the armed vessels, Brutus and Invincible, were in the port of New York, and remained there until a few weeks past, when they returned, and without either crews or provisions for a cruize. The Independence not having more than two weeks provisions, was taken to New Orleans some months since, where she has been detained, and has not yet been reported to this government for service. At an early day a confidential officer was despatched to the United States, for the purpose of purchasing such vessels as would enable us to keep the command of the gulf from our enemy. He has reported to the proper department, and his arrival is daily expected with one or more fine vessels, in preparation to defend our commerce, and make reprisals on the enemy. Our commerce has suffered to some extent, and a small portion of supplies for the army, has been captured and taken into Mexican ports. I take leave to call the serious attention of congress to the establishment of a naval depot at some point on our coast, which will add greatly to our efficiency at sea, and at the same time diminish our expenses. - -
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