300
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1838
our northern frontier. The accompanying communication just received from the commissioner, Col. Alexander Horton,6 ap.. pointed to run the line, will explain the peculiar situation of that section of the frontier, and appeal to the honorable Congress, for the adoption of such measures, as will preserve the eastern ~ection of Texas from desolation. It requires little forecast to predict, if some prompt and decisive measures are not adopted by the honorable Congress, that in sixty days from the present there will not be a family residing between the Neches and Attoyac. It is for the honorable Congress to determine whether a few individuals shall involve the country in a general Indian war, desolate one of the fairest and most densely populated sec- tions of the country, or whether that country shall remain with its population in peace and security and compel those few sedi- tious speculators to render obedience to the lmvs, and for the Government to preserve its citizens from imminent danger; and the most grievous calamities. So far as the direct action of the Executive may be called for by the suggestions of the commis- sioner it will be exercised, for the reason that the integrity, patriotism, and sincerity of that gentleman cannot be questioned. His interests and standing in the community in which he resides, connected with his love of peace, as well as his gallantry in war, gives full assurance to his motives, and his actions. In relation to running the line, by the order of the Executive, suggestions may be offered that the treaty never was ratified, and the con- sultation had no power to make the decree upon which it was based, and that therefore the Executive had no authority to run the line, and in ordering the same he transcended his powers. The treaty was concluded by the General Council, and the au- thorities then existing under special instructions, that were not transcended by the commissioners. It would be regarded by the honorable Congress, that by an act of the convention which met in March, 1836, to frame the constitution, under which we are now existing, and which was invested with plenary powers, that a general provision was made by that honorable body, sanction- ing and confirming, all the acts of the General Consultation, as well as that of the General Council. Under these circumstances, the Executive believed that he was authorized to direct the 1·tm- ning of the line, and it was not that he ,vas willing to sacrifice principle to expediency. Since the ratification of the acts of the Consultation and General Council by the convention at Wash- ington, and since all locations, surveys and grants, not made ' j \ f t •
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