226
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
for that purpose."] The letter found in the Executive Record Book, No. 40, omits this sentence. ~In 1840 General Zachary Taylor, who had been in charge of the military affairs in Florida since 1838, was ordered to take command of the Southern Division of the Western Department of the United States army. He moved his family to a large plantation near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and spent most of his time not actually i-equired for the necessary field service of his command, in developing a cotton plantation. He remained in Louisiana, l'elatively inactive, till July 4, 1845, when it became necessary to defend Texas against a threatened Mexican invasion. It was during this period ~f General Taylor's career that this connection with the Indian Affairs (the 1·eturn of the living members of the Parker family, and other prisoners, captured by the Comanches) came under his jurisdiction. 8 For an account of James W. Parker and the story of the massacre of part of the Parker family by the Indians, May 18, 1836, see John Henry Brown, Indian Wm·s and Pioneen; of Texas, 39-43. 4 James Pratt Plummer-called "Tommy" by the Indians-was one of the Parker family. See Ibid. TO MESSRS. THOMAS I. SMITH AND ELI CHANDLER 1 Executive Department, Washington, December 10, 1842. To Messrs. Thomas I. Smith 2 and Eli Chandler:?- Gentlemen- The importance of removing the public archives and government stores from their present dangerous situation at the City of Austin to a place of security, is becoming daily more and more imperative. While they remain where they are, no one knows the hour when they may not be utterly destroyed. They are constantly liable to attack and destruction by the enemy. A due regard to the rights and interests of every citizen of the Republic, therefore, imposes upon the Executive, under the con- stitution, the duty of providing for their safety. In performing that duty, he must rely upon the agency of those to whom he shall entrust the execution, Your prudence and energy, Gentlemen, point you out to me as the proper agents for the performance of the work. You will accordingly receive herewith full authority to act. The manner of effecting your object will be left to your sound judgment and discretion. You will of course be attended by such aid as any contingent emergency may require. You are acquainted with the condition of things at Austin, and the exasperation of feeling pervading those who are directly interested in that place. You will govern your movements so as to suffer no detriment, either to yourselves, or the property you may have in charge. Be prepared to act with efficiency. Do not be thwarted in the undertaking. ■ i '
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