281
WRITI~GS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
We should calculate the probable effect and influence which the employment of our troops on the Rio Grande might produce upon Mexico, as well as the events that might result to Texas from the same cause. If disaster should befall our men on the Rio Grande, their return to Texas will be well calculated to create sensations, not only of an unpleasant nature, but cast a gloom upon the spirits of our people that would be unfavorable to prompt action on our :i:nrt. A state of great excitement is always unfavorable to military operations; and with the advance of the enemy in great strength, confusion might soon mature into panic and cause the removal of families. With them, also, a large portion of those who should rally to the field would recede from the scene of action, leaving but comparatively a small force to contend with the invaders. If an insufficient force should rally and be compelled to give back before the enemy, it would only increase the panic, if any existed; and if at the commencement there should be no actual panic, it would have a tendency to create one, or at least to depress the ardor of our troops. In regarding our enemy we ought not to rely so much upon their efficiency, as upon our own preparation and readiness to meet them. By underestimating them, we neglect to husband our own strength and to use that forecast and precaution which might alone ensure success to our arms. We have yet to organize our forces by sending expresses to the several colonels commanding regiments throughout the Republic, with contingent orders, so as to meet, or rendezvous at certain points to enable us to counteract the probable movements of the enemy. This may be done at an expense not exceeding two thou- sand dollars; and an appropriation of that amount is respectfully recommended. If Texas is invaded the object will certainly be to overrun the country by a formidable force, entering it probably in two divis- ions, the most numerous by San Antonio, detaching to the upper Colorado a sufficient force, composed principally of cavalry to sustain itself; and after ravaging the upper part of that river, fall down to La Grange, and there unite with the main body advanced from Bexar. The lower division will probably enter the country by Victoria, and advance along the sea board in cooperation with the fleet destined for Galveston- inciting, if possible, an insurrection among the negroes of the lower Colorado and the Brazos, supplying them with arms and munitions of war, and forming, finally, a junction with their fleet at Galveston.
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