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WRITINGS OF SAM HOU:STON, 184,2
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camp their several commands. In this time of universal depres- sion and pecuniary distress it would be utterly impossible to realize, from private contributions, the necessary aids in money and the indispensable munitions of war. Less than five thousand troops need not attempt the invasion of Mexico, with any hope of success; and for this force (an invading army) less than two and a half million of dollars would not be an adequate supply. To defend a country requires comparatively but little means - to invade a nation requires everything.- To conquer Mexicans in Texas is one thing-to battle with Mexicans in Mexico is a different kind of warfare. The true interest of Texas is to maintain peace with all nations and to cultivate her soil. The first will enable her citizens to prosecute the latter; and if she should be invaded, the husband- man could be easily converted into the soldier. Then the flag of Texas would be displayed only in defence of her own soil and liberty. The Executive will be sustained by the constitution ir1 displaying the banner of the single star in defence of the national honor, of the laws, our homes, the homes of our friends, and our religion. But the President of the Republic of Texas has no power to lend the flag of Texas to any nation, association. or enterprise not recognized by the constitution of the country,- nor will he violate his oath, the laws or the constitution. Sam Houston [Rubric] To Geo. Wm. Brownz and Others, Committee, etc. '"Houston's Private Executive Record Book," courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. ~According to the Encyclopedia of the New Wei>t, p. !'i74, Gecwg-e William Brown was a lawyer from Henrico County, Virginia, who came to Texas in 1842 to join the proposed expedition against Mexico, and for his health He first made his home at Galveston, but permanently settled at Colunilms. In 1844, R'ouston appointed him District Attorney for the Second Judicial District, and in 1845 he was a delegate to the Annexation Conventior.. He died of consumption in 1847. To GEORGE w. HocKLEY 1 Galveston, March 10th, 1842. Pri-vate To Hon. Geo. W. Hockley, Secretary of War, &c. Sir, Your communications have been received. I have given them all the attention possible.
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