The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume III

WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842

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1 Executive Rec.ord Boole, No. 40, p. 87, Texas State Library. 2 See Houston to Captain Ephraim McLean, April 20, 1842. ·The name of Captain McLain is found spelled both McLean and McLain. The latter spelling seems to be the correct one. To GENERAL JAMES DAv1s 1 Executive Department, City of Houston, May 5h., 1842. To James Davis, Acting Adjutant General of the Texian Army: Sir:- You will proceed forthwith to Corpus Christi and as- sume the command of the troops now there and all those which may hereafter arrive. You will have strict attention paid to the points of discipline and subordination in the service. They cannot be too perfectly matured. Should anyone attempt to interfere with your command, you will place him, or them, in confiuement of the most rigid char- acter, until further orders, or send them in irons to Houston. You will pay all possible attention to the health and comfort of the troops as well as their moral condition. You will exclude all ardent spirits and intoxicating liquors, not only from the post, but from the limits of your command. Have all destroyed. You will establish such regulations as the good of the service may require Do not fail to keep the government constantly advised of the state of your command, after adopting the proper measures for its comfort, &c. When offences are committed against the regulations of the service, you will order court martial for the trial of the offenders. By no means will you fail to declare martial law within your command, and apprise the spy companies of the same. Your com- mand will embrace all the country between the San Antonio river, and the Rio Grande. Let a perfect organization be had of the troops now at Corpus Christi. It must be made agreeably to my proclamation, or ad- dress, of April 14h. 1842. It is important for the ·war Depart- ment to be apprised of the amount of supplies and munitions of every kind now on hand at Corpus Christi; and the amount required. The troops will by no means advance towards the frontier of the enemy, unless by orders of the Executive. When cases of emergency arises, and you find it out of your power to receive the orders of the government in relation to them,

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