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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1831-1836
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I can say that I have looked this fellow Scales up, and find that he deserted three days after this pardon was issued, and that he escaped to the United States. Undoubtedly he did not want his name to appear among those of the 'Heroes of San Jacinto.'"
To THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS 1
April 19, 1836 "We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the conquest, and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: None is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard. And be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be freemen, that your children may bless their fathers' names! Colonel Rusk is with me and I am rejoiced at it. The country will be the gainer, and myself the beneficiary. Liberty and our country! Sam Houston, Commander-in-Chief. 1 Yoakum, Histo1·y of Texas, II, 135. Houston's letter appears as a post- script to one written by Rusk from "War Department Headquarters of the Army, Harrisburg." Yoakum presents this letter of Rusk as a footnote. To PRESIDENT BURNET 1 Camp Safety, San Jacinto, Lynch's Crossing, April 20, 1836. Mr. President: Dear Sir,- This morning the army reached this point, and was attacked at 1/2 past 11, A. M., by the army of Santa Anna, which continued until 3 o'clock, when he withdrew his forces from the field. Our men were few who engaged the enemy, the balance remaining concealed for the purpose of hiding our number. His force is reported at 800; ours does not exceed 750. I am disposed to think that the enemy intend another attack to-night by a change of position. We had but one man wounded. The enemy's loss is estimated from 18 - 20. There would be no difficulty in secur- ing the rights of the people and the liberties of Texas, if men would march to their duty, and not fly like recreants from danger. Texas must be defended and liberty maintained. Sam Houston (Commander-in-Chief) P. S. Santa Anna was in the field. The officers and Soldiers acted well. Col. Rusk was in the action, and fully met my wishes. H. iJVestern Weekly Rev.iew (Franklin, Tennessee), May 20, 1836.
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