WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184,3
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experience any surprise at the recent intelligence which I have received in relation to the Navy. So soon as I learned that the preemptory order from the De- partment of War and Marine to Commodore Moore for his sus- pension and arrest had been delivered on Lhe 3d. April by the Commissioners, and was not instantly removed from all connexion with the Navy, I then anticipated everything that has taken place. I shall appreciate the acts of the commissioners according to their own showing, uninfluenced by passion, prejudice or rumor. I shall pursue the course that shall seem to be most promotive of the public interest. Upon the most full ar.d satisfactory show- ing of Col. Morgan, I have felt myself constrained by the extreme aggravation of his conduct, and the great public detriment and injury arising therefrom, to direct him a prompt dismissal from his station. In matters of this kind, the Executive has but one course to pursue-when gentlemen deviate from the path of duty by a disregard of orders, acting in contempt of the authorities of the government and assuming powers as unauthorized as they are pernicious to good government and injurious to the nation. A letter of yours to the Department of War and Marine was referred to me, touching the proclamation. Apprehending that the commissioners might be at some loss on that subject (as the instructions to the commissioners accompanying it, were too plain to be misapprehended) I determined to hold that string myself; and by so doing, I am very glad to feel assured, I relieved you from a very disagreeable dilema. It would be a subject of ex- ceeding gratulation to me if my friends were only as considerate to keep trouble out of my way as I am to guard against their embarrassment. On the subject of the "Archer," &c., your letter is very satis- factory. I am glad that something is done that may possibly be of advantage to the country. As soon as you get things in a state of forwardness and can, without prejudice in your duties, repair to this place, I will be gratified at the event. The government should certainly be ap- prised of all the intelligence that can be obtained 'in relation to the objects of the secret act of Congress under which you were appointed. It will be necessary for you to postpone a visit here, awaiting the arrival of the Texas Navy, though assurances have been re-
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