WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184•2
510
invaded.
They will encourage the enemy and increase the
chances of invasion. No one in T'exas is more determined that Mexico shall be in- vaded than I am-but we must be ·vrepared. We are to look abroad for aids; and if people on whom we rely should learn that the authorities of Texas are disobeyed or disregarded and that disorder has commenced in the army, their sympathy and respect will cease, and Texas will again be reduced to extremity. The success of our army depends upon discipline and subordina- tion. Even valor without direction jg rendered useless. You will accept the services of two hundred men, well pre- pared to pass the summer in service to range and spy from San Antonio to Corpus Christi, and Westward. Should you not be able to secure the service of so many, you will obtain two com- panies of fifty six men each, with orders to report to the Presi- dent regularly. If you can, I wish you to obtain the services of Colonel Hays to command this corps. I repeat that Texas at this time is not in a situation to invade Mexico; nor will she be before one hundred and twenty days. •. It is desirable that Mexico should not suspect our designs, as it would induce more active preparations of defence upon her frontier. It is important for farmers and mechanics to be at their homes. Sam Houston. P.S. Let these orders be read to the troops, but do not let copy be taken, as the enemy might get a copy, or the intelligence it contains. H. 1 Executive Record Book, No. 40, p. 54, Texas State Library. TO GENERAL ALEXANDER SOMERVELL1 Executive Department, City of Houston, March 18h., 1842. To Brigadier General A. Somervell : Sir,- You will receive into the service of the government two volunteer companies of fifty six men each, to scour the country between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, and the West generally, and report to the proper Department at the City of Houston, any movements of the enemy they observe, without delay. You will order that no traders free from suspicion be inter- rupted, as from them, information may be obtained. . Efficient and active men and the utmost dilligence, are indis-
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