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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
heartfelt pleasure, the spirit of subordination and patriotism man- ifested by those noble and gallant spirits who were determined to obey and sustain the orders of the President, and the laws. It is as honorable to the men as it is glorious to their officers, and enforces upon my mind that, whenever they meet the enemy, Texas will have a cause to exclaim, these are my heroes! Those officers who have refused to obey the Executive orders, in relation to the traders and their property, will be ordered to report in person to the Secretary of War, at Houston, and the ring-leaders in the ranks you will "discharge dishonorably" from the service with a prohibition never again to enter the service of the Republic and to leave the ·limits of your command; and you will retain their arms, as they are not private property, but were given to the Republic. You will report the names of all deserters, and of those whom you may discharge, to the War Department. · If the non-commissioned officers and privates are truly repent- ant and are obedient to orders, you will use your discretion relative to your conduct, when circumstances extenuative exist in their favor, or where they have been led by their officers. Touching a desire that the President "should take command of the army in person," I have only to say that I have some reputa- _ tion as a soldier and successful leader, which was acquired while associated with men who were subordinate to orders and who respected my authority. Were I now to assume a position with men who are mutinous and insubordinate I would consider it dis- respectful to my brave comrades who so gallantly fought ~nd achieved the immortal victory of San Jacinto. Ere I will risk my life and reputation again in the field, I must be assured that my comrades will ·obey my orders; for I then will be confident that we will prove victorious in arms; and that my brave com- rades will refuse to contaminate their hands by robbery and plunder; but look with confidence to the proud reward of an equal division of all that is acquired from the enemy; and the most glorious of all recompense, that of always triumphing over the enemies of liberty. In other days, I have decreed rich spoil to my comrades after victory; but I never claimed a share with them except in the glory of having freed our country. Sam Houston. 1 Executive Record Book, No. 40, pp. 97-98, Texas State Library. See Houston Proclaims the appointment of James Davis as Acting Adjutant General, May 3, 1842. See also To General James Davis, July 10, 28, 18-12.
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