WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
526
of the past can well determine; but for the present a bleeding frontier demands his action. He implores them to engage in no rash adventures, which would create erroneous impressions as to the designs of Texas. Our bleeding and suffering fellow-citizens on the frontier call for aid! The service of all those in a situation to respond to the call of humanity are needed to arrest the thefts, murders and rapine of which tidings are borne by express almost daily to the Executive. If there are any who meditate an independent invasion of Mexico, he points them to their own race-their own kindred and fellow-citizens-the helpless women and children of the frontier. Sam Houston. 1 The Ha,1-,·ison Flag, April 31, 1860. For some data concerning M. T. Johnson, see V, 339.
TO ANDREW JACKSON HAMILTON 1 Executive Department, Austin, March 17, 1860.
My Dear Hamilton, Although you have not written to me, I will take the liberty of writing to you notwithstanding I am overwhelmed with business. Not a day passes that I do not have one or more expresses from the frontier in relation to our Indian troubles. I do hope that the troubles on the Rio Grande are subsiding. I have endeavored thus far to have the troops on that fron- tier recognized as in the service of the United States. Press the subject upon the War Department if you think it wise. I am sat- isfied that the Government of the United States are under a misapprehension about my calling out volunteers. They suppose that they are called out with reference to Mexico. Not a solitary one has been called out or authorized by me, but for the pur- pose of defending our frontier against Indians and directed alone to that object. I have written to the Secretary of ·War, and desire that Hemphill~, Reagan,3 and yourself will call and see my letter. I would have sent a copy of it to you all, but it is impossible for my Secretary and myself to transact all the business of this Department. We are here at 9 o'clock in the morning and never leave until dark, frequently remaining until 8 or 9 o'clock P.M. Since I came into office up to the present time, I have eaten but four dinners with my family on week days. My meals are
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