WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
465
force; and that officer treated in the most harsh and cruel manner, having been seized and bound, his life was menaced by drawn weapons, if he attempted to make any resistance; and he remained in this situation until the goods were reloaded by the force in attendance for the purpose of violently reclaiming them. In addition to this, I deem it proper to present to the Honorable Congress some notice of the usage received from United States officers by a battalion of men, under the command of Colonel Jacob Snively who had been ordered out for the purpose of mak- ing reclamation for the injuries sustained by the members of the Santa Fe expedition and for goods taken from traders, sent out by order of the President in 1841.. The command of Colonel Snively had all the official sanctions of this government necessary to protect ·them from interference or molestation by the troops of the United States; and the Execu- tive entertains not a doubt that they were acting within the limits of Texas. They were, however, disarmed by the troops of the United States, under the command of an officer of the regular army. The alternative presented to them by that officer was, either to march to Missouri, or attempt, at imminent hazard, a return to our settlements through a wilderness infested by large bands of Kiowa and other hostile Indians, with only five guns to every hundred men. They were thus exposed to extreme jeopardy; but owing to a combination of fortunate circumstances did not become victims.-The question of how far one friendly nation has the right to invade the territory of another, without the most urgent necessity; and interfere with its officers and troops acting under authority, is not a subject proper for dis- cussion at this time. These things have been the subject of repre- sentation to the government of the United States; and as repara- tion has been asked for the injuries and indignities thus inflicted, it does not appear necessary that the present Congress should take any special action in reference thereto. Although officers of the United States government were con- cerned in both these matters of complaint, either before or after their perpetration, the Executive cannot, for a moment, suppose that, when the facts are presented with the proofs of which they are susceptible, that the government of the United States will withhold that reparation due from a great nation to a power unable to coerce a compliance with the rules of justice. The characteristic magnaminity of the United States, their immediate neighborhood to this country, and all the circumstances connected
Powered by FlippingBook