WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 182~1857
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should that place be threatened with attack, they will remain and cooperate with the citizens there, for defence; otherwise, they will march against Bexar. Should the enemy still occupy the place, the troops as they arrive, will proceed to harrass and annoy him until those from the remainder of the counties come up; when the whole force will proceed to the organization of Regiments, and the election of Field-officers, in proportion to the number of men in the field, and move against the place. If the enemy evacuate and fall back, the troops are authorized and required to pursue them to any point in the Republic, or in Mexico, and chastise the marauders for their audacity. Should they have received reinforcements before our troops arrived, and attempt to penetrate further into our territory, the force will fall back and interpose a barrier to their progress, until reinforcements can rally to their assistance. The troops of the counties of Harris, Montgomery, Brazos, Robertson, and Milam, will hold themselves in readiness as a reserve; and throughout the Republic, the militia are hereby re- quired to be ready for prompt action, should their services be requ_ired. Unless the enemy shall have evacuated our territory before a force can assemble for their expulsion, it is desirable that they should receive that chastisement which the injuries inflicted upon us imperiously demand. More detailed instructions are considered unnecessary, as it is presumed that every soldier will do his duty; and that the troops will call to their command an officer whose wisdom, dis- cretion and valor may be relied upon. Expedition, energy, and order, united with subordination, will ensure success. By order of Sam Houston, President. M. C. Hamilton, Acting Secretary of Marine, Department of War and Marine, Houston, 16th of September, 1842.
1 Th.e Red-Lande,·, October 6, 1842.
To THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESt
Executive Department, January 4, 1843.
To the Honorable, the House of Representatives: The duties that have devolved upon the Chief Magistrate of Texas in relation to the archives of the Nation, as well as all
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