23
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
for the last three years (except 3 times). Do write me every- thing if you have time, but of this, I presume, you have none to waste. T'ell us of your Dulcimar ! and any news from the west. This is charming paper. One can put so much on a sheet. Houston. P. S. Salute Edmunds and tell him to write. H
1 l\Iissouri Historical Society, J effe1·son Memorial, St. Louis, Missouri.
To EDWARD BuRLESONl
City of Houston, 11 April, 1842. To the Honorable Edward Burleson, Vice President of Texas: Sir,- Your absence at Bexar has prevented my addressing you on the subject of a removal of the archives of the Republic to some point of undoubted security. This point has been designated as the most eligible in the pres- ent crisis, and to meet events which we must anticipate. To give proper direction to the action of our Navy, and orders to our Army, which must to a great extent be dependent upon con- tingences, will at all times require the greatest facilities that Texas can command. If the Government were to remain at Austin, it would require from ten to fifteen days longer at Austin to meet and attend to dispatches than at this point. This calculation does not em- brace accidents and impediments arising from high waters on the road to Austin from this place, which contingency, as well as others should be regarded. From Austin to Matamoras would not be less than 360 miles; and it may be that our connexion with that point may be established, in the event of a war being carried on by Texas against Mexico. The time required through an un- inhabited country, apart from the dangers of the frontier settle- ments are nearly equi-distant from this city; and all the resources of T'exas could be at once called into action, and efficiency given to the operations of War. As it has been only evil has arisen. Instead of those portions of the country most densely populated being apprised of the true state of the frontier, dispatches had to go to Austin, where the population could afford no present assistance; and the country, particularly the vVest, sustained
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