WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
188
it nothing can be done. I have also to inform you that Maj. Jno. C. Hays has been authorized to declare Martial Law within the limits of the County of Bexar, and to take command of the same.- He has been required to order all straggling parties of troops coming to Bexar, to fall back to Head Quarters and report to you, and keep you constantly advised of all the information which he may be enabled to obtain through his spies of the strength, situation and movements of the enemy. You will give him the earliest information of the place of rendezvous after selecting it. - It would perhaps be best to concentrate the force at some point on the Guadalupe; of this, however, you can best judge. No time should be lost-as the season for effective operation is already far advanced.- The troops will be required to move with as much celerity as practi- cable to the place of rendezvous.- Your Commissary should be entirely engaged in preparing supplies, so ihat you will not be detained on that account. You will use all expedition in the organization of the army, and in the prosecution of the campaign, and report your opera- tions by every opportunity and by express when emergencies require it. I have the honor to be your Obt. Servt. M. C. Hamilton, Acting Sec. of War & Marine. 1 The National A1·chives, Washington, D.C., Records of the Department of State, Communications from Agents of Texas, Volume I (March 2, 1836- November 6, 1845). See also Hamilton to Somervell, October 13, November 9, and November 19, 1842. A CERTIFICATE OF FRIENDSHIP 1 To all to whom these presents shall come, or may concern- GREETING: Be it known that the bearer, Colonel Oquin, of the Tonkeway tribe of Indians, has proved himself a steadfast friend of Texas, both in peace and war; and as such is commended to the kind consideration and treatment of all good citizens. His services, and the uniform good conduct of his tribe, furnish the best evi- dences of a sincere disposition to maintain peace. Let the people, therefore, encourage this desire on the part of his tribe by acts of hospitality, and by protecting them in the possession and enjoy- ment of their property-always restraining them from the use of ardent spirits.
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