WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
15
gross and mean violations which have been perpetrated by fools & scoundrels. I would call Congress, but I cannot trust their wisdom in our present attitude. I could not rely upon them from the indications given at last session. I do not wish bad made worse. You can, if you please, Colonel, see if the business can be in a state of readiness at the meeting of Congress, should its members be willing to accept the proposals. You will find that the plan of an expedition upon some of the Mexican Ports was proposed to you. If it can be raised with better hopes of certain success, than any other, it would be most fortunate for Texas! At last, Colonel, we have to look to our "Uncle Sam" for our great business in the work of invasion! I have in my answer to "my friend, Santa Anna," 3 just touched this point modestly. I hope the good people will take the hint! I would like to have your opinion upon this letter and say what effect it has or what you think it will have in the U. States. The spirit in Texas is very good in favor of war, if it is to defend Texas. I give you this hint so as to let you be able to meet emergencies so far as it may be in your power. In you I do most freely, fully and cordially repose every confidence. I have conversed freely with Col. Washington, and have set a high value upon him as a gentleman and upon his services to our country. I have omitted nothing. I will abate nothing which can be maintained. "I will not fall a snake." You would be amused and miserably provoked at some of our "Heroes." It has been reported by rumor (for that has been the only official) that Burleson was at San Antonio with 1500 men & Clark L. Owen with 1000 at Victoria, all burning with revenge to cross the Rio Grande and "damning the President" that he would not let them go on. Oh, they were snorting! In their fury I sent an order to Genl Somerville to march as many as wished to cross the Rio Grande to take Reveilla, Mier, Camargo, and Rhinosa and by that time it might be possible to co-operate by sea, and then Matamoras would be an object. ·well, the last news is that Burleson has at San Antonio about 600, and about 100 are under the immortal Genl JohnsonG of the Cherokee war. AH as I suppose are "on their own hook." Genl Somerville was the only officer that I could by law order to the command Genl of the 1st Brigade and Lieut. Brigadier! Some- body will be taken down a button hole or two!
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