WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1837
97
That the facilities, derived from the Yellow Stone in crossing the Brazos, were great none can doubt, and had it not been for its service the enemy could never have been overtaken until they had reached the Sabine. I, therefore, beg leave most respectfully to solicit the interposition of Congress, to redeem the pledge which was made under the most pressing circumstances of our country. Sam Houston [Rubric] 1 "Messages of the Presidents," Congressional Papers, Texas State Library. 2 The memorial was as follows: "To His Excellency Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas:'' "Your Memorialists-John E. Ross, James H. West, Lewis Fergerson, Thomas Lubbock, John McKinnie, Dyer Horton, Robert Hall, James Ferns, Wm. Cooke, M. M. McLain, Martin Shackles, Ira Tate, Thos. Smith, Robert Mosely, Ira Armstrong, and Benjamin Chessman-would respectfully call your Excellency's attention to the accompanying document--knowing your Excellency to be acquainted with the circumstances connected with the services rendered-and believing that you would with alacrity extend all aid within your power to your memorialists-they request you most respect- fully to submit their claims to the Congress assembled for a confirmation of their grant--with such information on the subject as your Excellency may deem necessary and in order that such relief may be granted as is right and proper. John E. Ross, Master. For himself and Crew. May 16th 1837. 3 See Houston to Captain John E. Ross, April 2, 1836.
ADDRESS TO THE ARMY OF TEXAS 1 Executive Department, Houston, 20th May, 1837.
COMRADES:- You are the declared champions of the lib- erties of your country. The world regards you as such. Pos- terity will number you amongst the proudest_spirits who have dared to strike for liberty. Texas regards you among the proud defenders of human freedom. Calculations so glorious to you, and honorable to the country, ought not to be disregarded. You have been invited to share our dangers, encounter with us our perils, endure with us our privations, defend with us our coun- try and laws,-and share with us our delightful soil. If you have not encountered dangers it is because the enemy have not met us. If you have not shared with us our country, it has been because peace has not been restored. Patience becomes the sol- dier of liberty. The love of country swells the patriot heart. The husbandman waits for the harvest, that he may gather into his granary the rich reward of toil. In these he is comforted, and his posterity made happy. The soldier who gropes for glory,
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