410
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860
held accordingly; also a letter from Major Hientzleman, in reply to Major Tobin, in which it is shown that in the opinion of that officer the forces of Cortinas "entirely dispersed," and that a force of the United States troops were on the march. All of these documents are respectfully submitted. I have every reason to hope that ere this time the disorders have been quelled, and that the emergency which has called our citizens from their homes no longer exists. · Unable to form any correct conclusion as to the origin of these disorders, it has been impossible for me to lay before your hon- orable body the information which would otherwise be expected at my hands. Not only the Legislature, but the people of our entire State, on whom may fall the burthen of taxation to meet the cost of sustaining troops in the field, have a right to know the entire facts connected with the disturbance. If the causes are local in their nature, as I have supposed, or if a premeditated invasion was contemplated, it is equally important for our peace and safety that the truth should be placed -before the country. Actuated by this motive, I determined to send commissioners without delay to Brownsville, and accordingly, on the 2d of January, Messrs. Angel Navarro, 0 of Bexar, and Robert H. Tay- lor,° of Fannin County, were commissioned for that purpose, and proceeded at once on their mission. These gentlemen both possess a knowledge of the Spanish language, and represent different sections of the State. From the tenor of their instructions, here- with submitted, it will be seen that all necessary discretion is given to them with reference to the State troops in that vicinity. If, after a conference with the Federal officer commanding, their services are deemed necessary, as soon as their report reaches the Executive it will be submitted to the Legislature for its con- sideration. In whatever light we may view these disorders upon the Rio Grande, they may readily be traced to the insecure condition of our border arising from the withdrawal of the Federal troops. Mexico is in a continued state of anarchy; her population feel none of the influences of a stable government. Lawless chieftains plunder them with impunity, and light the torch of civil war at pleasure. Riot, murder, and revolution reign above law and order. Separated from Mexico as we are by a narrow river alone, and a continual intercourse going on between its people and ours, it is but natural that the unhappy influences_ of her condition
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