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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
114
You will from this order perceive that my object is to cause the western portion of your command, on their return, to render important service and to march thence in the direction of their homes, and deeming the two companies, when formed into a Battalion, able to encounter any force they may meet on the march. Twenty-one thousand rations have been forwarded, and I hope will reach Belknap at farthest by the 25th inst. Just as I was concluding my letter, Lieutenant Hammett arrived with the express, bringing your dispatches. I had written my views and orders, and find no material alteration necessary.· You have not stated to me what you intend by the "main campaign," or when it is expected to return. So soon as it does return, you will carry out my orders as given in this dispatch. You will for the present detail Captain T. J. Johnson with his company, agreeably to the application of the Citizens at or near Belknap, and on Clear Fork of the Brazos, in such porportion of the force at each place as may be deemed best for the security of the people on the frontier. I will apprise Captain Dalrymple and Captain Burleson of the orders I have given in relation to the forming of a Battalion of their companies. Sam Houston.
1 Executive Records, 1859-1861, pp. 203a, 204, Texas State Library.
To WILLIAM C. DALRYMPLE AND EDWARD BURLESON 1 Executive Department, Austin, August 4, 1860. Gentlemen: Today I have issued orders to Colonel Johnson, in the event that the campaign cannot be further prosecuted, owing to the want of water, grass, sickness of the troops and other causes to form your companies into a Battalion, elect a Major, and if any vacancies of officers exist in the companies to fill them by election and to certify the same to this Department. Previous to the election the companies may be completed by making them in rank and file 83 privates, if those who have been ordered to their respective places of Rendezvous should wish to volunteer in your companies as to fill your rank. Orders will be sent to Colonel Johnson to be handed to the person who may be elected Major, showing the object I have in view in forming a battalion. No one who has not been placed on the muster rolls of the companies, will be allowed to vote in the
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