WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
205
Although we have an enemy upon our frontier and are not in a situation to retaliate in such manner as our disposition would urge us to do and carry war into their territory; yet, if our re- sources are carefully economised and properly employed we can render their predatory warfare harmless. Instead of permitting .ourselves to be excited and irritated so as to vanquish ourselves by disorderly rallies to the frontiers, we have it in our power to maintain a force sufficient, under regular discipline, to secure us against serious aggression and deter the enemy from their re- peated incursions. As it has hitherto been, the people have rushed to the frontier on the first alarm given of the enemy's approach. A want of discipline and subordination was the con- sequence; and after consuming the substance of the frontier set- tlers, they have returned to their homes, leaving behind them an exhausted country, and for the want of order and discipline, having permitted the enemy to escape without chastisement. When alarms have been given, instead of apprising the Execu- tive, through the Department of War, by express, and giving notice to the several counties on the frontier whose duty it was to hold their militia in instant readiness they have appealed directly to the citizens and invoked their aid, with whom concert of action could not be expected. The consequence was that the Executive, upon the receipt of this irregular information, issued the proper orders; but owing to the delays incident to a want of effective organization in the militia, celerity could not be given to the movements required, and the enemy, after having pro- duced great excitement effected their retreat. These circum- stances caused a campaign to be projected by individuals not functionaries of the government without first having obtained the advice and sanction of the Executive-they pledging ample supplies for those who should engage in the campaign to the Rio Grande. Whatever the opinions of the Executive under these circumstances may have been; aware that the opinion prevailed that it was practicable, by private means, to conduct a campaign, and having ordered out such of the militia as would have it in their power to reach the frontier before the season would be too far advanced, to meet the emergency which had but recently existed, he determined to give all the aid efficiency and direction to the patriotic ardor of the people that the means in his power would permit. But it is impossible that campaigns can be either projected or conducted with success or advantage to the country
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