WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
74
It is true that he did not order that you should do so- but I have no other resource. She is recommended to be sold- and I' have no doubt but that Congress will order the sale- meantime you can find provisions &c for a few days- you shall be paid out of the naval appropriation. In haste George W. Hockley, Sec. of War and Marine [Approved]: Avvrovecl. Sam Houston [Rubric], 23rd June, 1842. 1 F-i1urncial Pa,7>ers, 1842-1843, Texas State Library. To THE TEXAS CONGRESS 1 Executive Department, City of Houston, June 27, 1842. Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives: Events have transpired since your adjournment, which, in the opinion of the Executive, demand the action of Congress in extra- ordinary session. The termination of your last session left the Executive surrounded with numerous and insuperable difficulties, to which circumstances, since arising, have added causes of em- barrassment requiring the exercise of all the wisdom, energy and patriotism which the nation can command. The necessary aids were solicited to meet the emergencies which have since taken place and which were anticipated by the Executive; but the Hon- orable Congress did not accord in his suggestions, and the pre- cautionary measures were not adopted A demonstration by Mexico on our frontier has taken place; and a marauding party, undet the most imposing aspect, has penetrated our territory as far as San Antonio. 2 .A violent ex- citement and commotion throughout the country were the con- sequences; and our brave citizens of the frontier, without order, regularity or discipline rushed to the supposed scene of action. On their arrival, however, at the point of expected conflict, they found that the enemy had retreated with great precipitation. No organization of the men took place nor was any .report made to the Executive, or to the Department of War, of their numbers or condition. Rumor, however, at last induced the belief that there was an assemqlage of citizens at Bexar who were ready to rush with impetuosity across the Rio Grande. Acting under this impression, the Executive directed the organization of the men and the prosecution of a campaign, if it could be commenced with
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