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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 18tl2
467
least entitle his views to that consideration which is always ex- pected from an enlightened and patriotic assembly, representing a nation of freemen. From the caption of the bill, it would appear to be intended as a provision for the defence of our extensive frontier. From my experience and from the fact of having had my attention called, for years, to the subject of frontier protection, I cannot believe that the object in view can be attained by the proposed system. My views relative to this subject have been presented to Congress, and my conviction of their validity has undergone no change-but, on the contrary, have received additional con- firmation. The bill contemplates the location of sixteen posts, of military colonies at a distance from our pressnt frontier, so as to extend our settlements; but to my apprehension, only render our frontier less secure than it is at the present. Each settlement, or post, will require more aid to defend it, than if the line of settlements were to remain as it now stands. They would be advanced so far beyond the reach of aid or succor, that, in case of attack, destruc- tion would be the consequence. They would also be too remote from each other to render either timely or efficient mutual as- sistance. Each post would be liable to be surrounded, and no op- portunity would be afforded of sending an express for help. The enemy would have it in their power to cut off any messenger who might be sent alone; and if the colonists were pressed hard, suf- ficient force could not be spared from the command, to ensure the safety of the bearer of intelligence. The present settlers of the frontier, so far as receiving protection from the posts, would have to render the posts protection and sustain the colonists. If a call were to be made upon the Secretary of War, several days must elapse before he could receive the intelligence, even though it should not be intercepted; and when it should arrive he would have no force at his disposal. Were he to make a call upon the militia, weeks must pass away, before relief could reach the point of destination. The state of things incident to this system of defence seem to me not calculated to ensure the object proposed, nor one that could be desirable to the patriotic people of Texas. It is moreover not in the power or the means of the govern- ment to furnish the supplies of ordnance, arms or ammunitiCln that would be required by the bill. Seven hundred pounds of lead is all that is reported in the arsenal. But apart from this, there
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