WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184-2
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the enemy have every facility afforded them for information, re- specting your strength, resources and movements.- This step had however been taken by the troops before your arrival. The order to Major Hays authorizing him to declare Martial Law within the limits of the county of Bexar and to take the command; he informs me were turned over to you upon your arrival. This was proper in him, though it was not expected at the time the orders [were] issued to him, that you would organ- ize your command under any circumstances west of the Cibolo, and that his command would operate almost exclusively west of the San Antonio. This step was deemed essential to the safety of the citizens and their property and it was desired that Major Hays should remain permanently at Post San Antonio, and retain the seperate [sic] and independent command, unless you might find it necessary to occupy the Post with your troops, in which even he would of course be subject to your orders - If the expedition moves forward Major Hays will report to you and act under your orders. - Should you however relinquish the design of crossing the Rio Grande, he has been instructed to execute the orders forth- with upon the disbandment of your force, and has also been authorized in that case to raise three companies of 64 men each for the purpose of occupying the Post and Missions on the River and at the same time to act as spies on the frontier. In order to sustain these companies it is desirable that such supplies as may yet remain in the West may be preserved, unless some object beneficial to the country can be accomplished by their con- sumption. You will keep the Department constantly advised of your progress and movements. M. C. Hamilton, Acting Sec of War & Marine. 1 The National Archives, Records of the Department of State, Communica- tions from Agents of Texas, Volume I (March 2, 1836-November 6, 1845). Also Arm.y Pape1·s ( 1842), Texas State Library. See, also Houston to Som- ervell, November 23, 1842. A PROCLAMATION CALLING A MEETING OF CONGRESS, NOVEMBER 21, 1842 1 Whereas, in consequence of the events which have transpired during the present year, upon the western frontier of the country, and the continuance of a state of war there, constituting in the
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