505
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
point, for the purpose of granting commissions agreeably to the above suggestions. The recognition of Texan independence must be achieved by arms, unless Mexico concedes it immediately. All troops from the United States will be subject to the laws of Texas. The recompense tendered to our friends will be the prop- erty captured by them upon the most exalted and chivalrous prin- ciples of honorable warfare and the soil which they conquer, glory and imperishable renown. Mexico has invaded our coun- try, and her Dictator has declared that the Anglo Saxon race shall bow to the will of a despot. The people of Texas were invited to th~s country to enjoy constitutional liberty; they were op- pressed, and the iron hand of tyranny drove them to resistance- success gave them independence, and the God of battles will en- able us to triumph in the holy cause of constitutional liberty. The Santa Fe prisoners groan in bondage! Sam Houston 1 The Texas Republican, February 11, 1854. 2 Leslie Combs, November 29, 1793-August 22, 1881, soldier, politician. For good biography see Dictionary of American Biography, IV, 328. In 1836 Leslie Combs was appointed colonel of ten companies of Kentucky militia raised to protect the Sabine frontier, but these troops were ordered to be discharged before they began the march. (See Niles' Register, August 27, 1836.)
TO GENERAL ALEX.ANDER SOMERVELL 1
Executive Department, City of Houston, March 16h., 1842. T~ Brigadier General A. Somervell : 2 Sir - By this morning's boat, Mr. George Van Ness 3 of the Santa Fe expedition, arrived here, bringing the latest intelligence from Mexico; stating that they are making formidable prepara- tions for the invasion of Texas. You will send an express every day from the camp, making known all the intelligence you may obtain relative to the enemy, condition of the army, number of men, &c., &c. Sam Houston 1 Executive Reco1·d Book, No. 40, p. 52, Texas State Library. 2 Alexander Somervell. See Houston to Somervell, March 10, 1842. 11 George Van Ness. See Cornelius Van Ness nominated District Attorney, December 11, 1837.
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