WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
294
.the enemy on fresh horses would possess every advantage and defeat or capture them before they could reach a place of safety. In the establishment of posts upon the frontier, reference should be constantly had to the practicability of maintaining them, until probable aid, in case of emergency at least, could be afforded. The Executive deems the locations proposed as insecure; and therefore is compelled to regard this feature in the bill as un- favorable to the object for which its caption declares it to be designed. From a knowledge of military operations and requisitions in Texas, the Executive is disposed to believe that the classifica- tion and rendezvous of the troops proposed to be raised would require several months, if the object could even then be effected. The first requisitions are to be made upon the third and fourth brigades. They are so remote from the frontier to be protected that much time would be required for their preparation and rendezvous, and could not possibly be made available before the time of the probable invasion of the country in the spring. The fact also, that the troops required would have to provide, for the most part at their own expense, whatever would be necessary while in service, without the hope of any return in the shape of pay could not but produce much delay. The classification itsE>lf could not possibly take place under one month. After this, no- tices to those who had been drafted- the necessary preparation for a six or twelve months' campaign, and, if well mounted, the time required to reach our most exposed frontier, would consume from six weeks to two months more. This would bring the period of rendezvous to the middle of March. If useful at any time, it would be previous to that period. For it is fair to presume from the intelligence that we have that the outposts designed for our troops, will then be occupied by the forces of our enemy. Were the call instant, and men were turning out for the purpose of meeting the enemy entering the country, they could act with more promptitude and dispense with many things which would be re- quired for a service of six or twelve months; and hence our troops would rally en -masse sooner than a requisition of this description could be answered. On the subject of electing a Major General, the Executive can speak advisedly. More money has passed from the government in consequence of their military operations than was ever allowed to the present Executive in three years service for the national
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