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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1863
337
We want more such. Our army is too dear to us, to be wasted in affording imbeciles new opportunities to prove their incom- petency. Let the men of genius and strategic skill be called forth, though they be among the rank and file. Foster the man who has the confidence of his troops, and whose skill has marked out the road to victory. Why may not Texas from her tens of thou- sand of troops, produce a General wor~thy of their fame? Where there is so much valor, there must be skill. I trust it will come forth, not only from the Texian ranks, but from the army of every State, and that the Generals in but name, who have been a burden to our cause, will seek their appropriate sphere, where their services, though less exhalted, will be of good to the country. We must sustain our currency. Every citizen has a common interest in maintaining its value to a standard sufficient to make it the means of carrying on the war; and while the redundancy of money produces a corresponding inflation of prices, I can_ see no cause for the heavy rise in many articles of necessity. The increase in price in these cases can be traced to no cause except the cupidity of speculators. I am told there are individual cases of extortion-men who fatten upon the heart's blood of the people, and who are not satisfied with reasonable profits, but who gloat over the misfortunes of the soldier's family, and demand enormous gains. The honest merchant and the good citizen every- where, should frown upon these, and refuse to countenance them. The soldier's family should be the objects of our tenderest care. It should be the office of humanity and patriotism to seek them out and minister to their wants. With what vigor will the soldier press on to battle, as he remembers that his loved ones are the foster children of his country. We enjoy the peaceful associa- tions of home, and are surrounded by comforts. He is enduring privation and danger, while we are in comfort and safety. It is a just recompense, that we should make glad the heart of his wife and children, that they may cheer him to more glorious deeds in battle-that he may smite the foe in their name and remain steadfast in the cause, confident that a grateful country will cherish the objects of his affection. To the ladies, whose devotion and sacrifice in this war have made their names a blessing in the camp and at the fireside, I commend the noble work of the providing for the soldiers' family. Already their generous hearts are in the work. Blessing our cause with their prayers and warmest sympathies, they have unmurmuringly borne the privations of war. Their voice has
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