31
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
assembled at Bexar and Victoria, until after the arrival of Gen. Somervell at the former place. T'he President has taken every precaution in his power to prevent further alarms. He has di- rected the two companies, under experienced and vigilant officers, capable of spying, and composed of the most efficient men, should remain upon the frontier. These troops will act under orders of the government, and will render efficient service. All troops who may attempt to visit the frontier, under the name of volun- teers, and depredate "upon their own hook," will not meet with the sanction of the government; because they will be acting in violation of the laws. In all military operations, concert is in- dispensably necessary and troops should at all times act in obe- dience to the laws and the orders of the government, keeping it advised of their situation and that of the enemy. If this course is not pursued, benefit can never result to the country. If we are not obedient to our own laws we can not expect those who come to mingle with us in our struggle to be subordinate, disciplined and useful. The presumptuous invitation of General Arista, for Texians to return to the protection of Mexico, as well as the late incursion, was doubtless induced by the belief that we were divided in senti- ment among ourselves, and that the constitutional authorities of the land were disregarded. Let us manifest by our conduct, that we are faithful to our institutions and render a manly support to the officers of the government, and all who represent the laws. We can soon convince the enemy that all their hopes, arising from our dissention and insubordination, were fallacious, and that we are united and a reasonable people. When the Executive requires troops in the field, under the sanc- tion of the constitution and laws, he will call upon the people of Texas as a nation, and the object for which they will be called will be national. It will not be for spoil of individual aggrandize- ment. We will not incur the epithet of marauder, to which our enemies alone are entitled. The means to be employed must com- port with the dignity of our cause, and our actions must be such as will elicit the admiration and ensure the approbation of the world. Thus far the course of Texas has been one which has left no stain upon her national escutcheon. If our enemies degrade themselves by acts of inhumanity, cruelty and oppression, let us exhibit the beautiful contrast of mercy; magnanimity and justice.
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