WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
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you wm be governed by circumstances and the greatest caution. You will report to the Department all matters touching the Rio Grande frontier, with all thjngs touching your command. No advance will be attempted upon the enemy, until you are apprised of it by the Department; and should any insubordinate attempt be made, or should have commenced, you will instantly communicate it to the War Department and suppress the sedi- tion. The greatest, and every curse, which has befallen Texas, and every disaster and massacre, has resulted from a foolish passion to take Matamoras without means. When there are means for a successful attack, it shall be taken; and until then, any attempt would be destructive to Texas. You will salute the voiunteers and commend me to them with the assurance that the path of glory is open before them, and that to secure the prize, it is only necessary for them to obey the orders of the authorities of the nation, which will be ever alive to their success and the country's honor. . Sam Houston. 1 Executive Record Book, No. 40, Texas State Library.
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To COLONEL L. B. FRANKs 1
Houston, Texas, May 9th 1842.
To Colonel L.. B. Franks,2 Indian Agent, &c. Sir,- Your favors of the 2d., instant have reached me, and I have examined their contents. In relation to the horse claimed by Mr. Webb, you will see that the rights of the Indian holding the property in possession, are duly protected. If the property was given to the Indian by General Burleson, as is alleged, he will be the proper person to whom the claimant should apply, for he will best understand the circumstances under which it was acquired and transferred. If, however, the result, upon application, should be, that the Indian had not come into possession from Gen. Burleson, then he is to surrender the property-and not otherwise. The resignation of Joseph Taylor, dated Austin, 18th April as sub-agent of the Lipan and Tancahua Indians, has just been received. Sam Houston. 1 Executive Record Book, No. 40, pp. 88-89, Texas State Library ~see Houston to Colonel L. B. Franks, February 1, 1842.
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