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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1838
At the same time they were directed to construct block houses, surrounded by pickets, and to construct a boat to facilitate their crossing the Trinity, should it be necessary, also to pass over the scouts, and be ready at all times to afford facilities as well as security to them. They were furthermore directed to construct a blockhouse on the west side of the Trinity river, at the crossing, at which they were directed to keep a constant and sufficient guard. They were directed to make out muster rolls of their companies and to send one to the secretary of war, and one to the commander-in-chief of the army. Their instructions were of a most explicit and plenary character. With the exception of one block-house, at the town of Houston, they disobeyed every order given to them. They were required to make reports to the war department, at Columbia, once every fortnight, which they also neglected. A commissary had been appointed for the purpose of pro- curing subsistence, and no complaint was made of any want of supplies, yet they made spoil of the citizens stock, and other prop- erty, and, instead of rendering that protection which patriotism, and a love of true glory always inspires, they destroyed the sub- sistence of the community. The complaints of the citizens, prompted by depredations com- mitted on their property were the only reports which reached the government, with the exception of one verbal report, brought by one of the officers, to Columbia, who, on his return to the Trinity, disobeyed the very orders he had received-but reported that when those detailed were ordered to perform the duty for which they were stationed at that point-their reply was, that by God they hacr come to fight, and they would be danined ·if they were going to work for anybody, or obey any such orders. The consequence of this determination, ·on their part was, that the country derived no benefit from them, but sustained an injury. Owing to the disobedience of orders, two of our citizens were killed and one severely wounded, near the fort, in attempting to cross the river, for protection, to it, for the want of a ferry-boat to cross in, or a blockhouse to protect them. Captain Costley's men did not long remain in service, but were dismissed to their homes. Jewell's company, something less than 30 in number, as they were emigrant volunteers, chose to remain, and not satisfied with their condition, concluded that it was necessary to create
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