WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1837
98
must submit himself to discipline. Subordination gives strength and security to an army. He that will not submit to it when corrected and improved by the experience of ages, does not de- serve the proud appellation of a soldier. Our single star inculcates a unity of action, while it illustrates the perpetuity of its consequences. Union can achieve everything when sustained by gallant hearts and correct principles, while anarchy and insubordination must fail in the achievement of every thing beneficial and glorious to mankind. Assurances have recently reached me that a foul and blasted assassination had occurred within the camp of our army. 2 It was a felon deed; it was no soldier by whom it was perpetrated; it was a miscreant. Should the avenger of blood not overtake him upon earth, and not award to him the ignominy and punish- ment due to him for his crime, he can find no refuge from con- scious guilt. A gallant soldier has fallen, whose breast would have been proudly bared to an enemy, and one who would have suffered for his country's good the incarceration of a dungeon. Comrades: Texas has never forgotten that you are her adopted sons. Your rights have never been compromised by any act of hers. Evil disposed persons may have sought to pro- duce a momentary excitement with you and against the hardy pioneers of Texian wilds. They may have sought momentary advantage, not regarding the fatal consequences to national glory. Distrust is unworthy of you. You have suffered privations and experienced many wants; our country was poor. Had she abounded in means, she would have sought no foreign aid. The very solicitation bespoke her necessities. Her constant exertions have been to procure comforts and necessities for the army. Faithless agents have misapplied her means, and disappointed her expectations. The prospects for our country are now bright- ening. The expectations of a speedy peace, or a glorious cam- paign is anticipated. The soldiers of Texas must share in the benefits of the one, or participate in the glory of the other. In either event they will proudly sustain themselves. Texas in her sufferings, and in her glory, has been influenced by but one feel- ing. The immortal patriots who perished at the Alamo; the gal- lant spirits who fell at Goliad; and the soldiers who conquered at San Jacinto, were inspired by the sacred love of country, and animated by the holy impulses which arise from a love of con- stitutional liberty.
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