The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume VIII

57

WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860

it actually necessary and the condition of the command will admit of it. When you have been mustered into the service you will so dis- tribute your men, as to give good and efficient protection to the inhabitants of the frontier where you may station your command, and you will bear in mind that Mr. Gildart, under my orders, will not muster the command into the service unless it is composed of the requisite number of men called for in my order of the 12th of April, well armed, well equipped, and well mounted upon good and serviceable horses. Mr. Gildart has been instructed to turn over to your command such of the property, lately connected with Captain Conner's company as he may deem necessary for your use and efficiency, and for all of which you will receipt him. You will be particular to remember that your command is called out upon the same footing with other minute detachments under my orders of March 9th, and February 18th, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, and that you are not expected to be in the field unless it is absolutely necessary, you will also be re- quired to state, upon oath, every day actually and necessarily served by each of your men. You will have to supply your command as you may deem best, keeping strict and accurate accounts of supplies furnished, and take the State for pay as also for service rendered; and as every article purchased will be scaled down to its lowest marketable value when the Legislature makes an appropriation to pay for service and supplies of minute detachments, you will exercise prudence and economy. Otherwise the Legislature will not be expected to pay for either rations or services. For orders in detail, I refer you to the enclosed printed copy of February 18th, and March 9th. Sam Houston.

1 Execiitive Rec.()rds, 1859-1861, pp. 158, 159, Texas State Library.

To FRANK GILDART 1 Executive Department, Austin, May 18, 1860.

Frank Gildart, Sir: You will proceed in the discharge of your duty, to muster any and all of the minute Detachments now in the field, out of the service of the State, should not satisfactory proof be given

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