261
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1838
do.ubt not that you may examine it Critically and act on it under- standingly. On the subject of Smuggling which is going on near "Corpus Christi," I would remark that it might be well for the Sec'y of State to apprise the Commandant of the French Fleet of the facts as they are apprehended by this Government, and intimate to him that it might be Judicious for him to dispatch one or two small armed vessels to cruise on our Coast between Copano and Brazos de St. Jago so as to detect any smuggling that may be attempted in contravention of the French Blockade in the Mexi- can Ports. This Government will not connive at any infraction of National Laws, nor has it any disposition to elude the measures of France, so far as she may deem necessary to prosecute re- taliating measures against Mexico. The Cabinet can reflect upon this! On the subject of land script and discharges presented by you to the Executive, I can only remark, that the subject of Script to be issued to the mem- bers of the Army was exclusively placed within the control & disposition of the Secy of War. And I now refer to you this subject of discharges, and will be perfectly satisfied with whatever measure you may adopt. If Congress has failed to pass such laws, as will enable the adminis- tration to discharge the duties which devolve upon it, it is obvious to the charge of omissional duty, if I were to usurp any power not delegated by the Constitution and laws, the cry would be from one end of the country to the other-Tyrany and Despot- ism. So far as powers are clearly delegated I wish them to be executed fully, for the preservation and safety of the. Country. As all Communications will be made to your Department, as regards the duties of the Cabinet, I have to direct Mr. Nath 1 Townsend·' be removed without Ceremony, and that a suitable successor be appointed as soon as practicable. Presuming Judge Birdsal!G will immediately withdraw his services from the Cab- inet, as he may conclude that it is incompatable with his present duties to remain connected with the Cabinet. If Col. Thruston° accepts the appointment of Attorney General he will discharge the duties of Secy of State during the absence of Dr. Irion, who I presume will have left Houston ere this Express arrives. On resulting matters you must do the best you can, and advise me
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