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· WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, l8 1 i2
and placed you in a situation from which you could not have successfully defended Texas from being reconquered by the power of Mexico. Your true policy is to act upon the defensive, .and husband all your means for this purpose, and be at all times prepared to meet and destroy any invading army or marauding party of Mexicans, and in carrying on this defensive war, to pursue the enemy to their strongholds, and destroy them and make reprisals.-This to me appears the true policy for you to adopt and adhere to. What? to engage in offensive war against Mexico without a regular army and ample means in money to sustain it, to me appears the hight of folly. Defend your country, be ready to chastise any invading foe, and, if necessary, in defense, capture their strongholds and occupy them until Mexico ceases to interrupt you, and acknowledges your independence -Foster your commerce and revenues, and prepare for defense and the protection of your republic-this is, as appears to me your true policy. I am unable to say more- With a tender of respect for your lady and best wishes for your health and prosperity in which my family unite, I remain your sincere friend, Andrew Jackson. P. S. I hope your Congress had not the design in passing this bill to disgrace you, regardless of the great injury an offensive war would entail upon the republic, if not destroy it by making Texas an easy conquest for St. Anna, after your failure and all your resources consumed. By your veto you have saved your country, and yourself from disgrace. Stand on the Defensive. A. J. [Source]: TemJ)le H. 1vlo1Tow Collection of Houston Mate1·ials, Dallas, Texas. EXECUTIVE APPROVAL OF A REQUISITION FOR FRONTIER PROTECTION 1 Houston, July 23rd, 1842 Estimate of funds required for Special Service Required - two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) I certify that the above estimate is founded upon the data that could be obtained, and is an accurate and true estimate. J. Snively. July 23rd 1842 The Comptroller will issue his draft in favor of Snively, and charge the same to the appropriation for Frontier Protection. G. W. Hockley, Secretary of War and Marine. APPROVED July 23, 1842 Sam Houston [ Rubric] 1 Miscellaneous Comptroller Papers, Texas State Library.
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