79
WRITINGS OF SA:M HOUSTON, 1842
command; when the whole militia of the nation is called into the field, the Major General will command, when there is one elected. By an act of Congress passed at the session of 1841, the President is prohibited from calling out either the militia, or volunteers, except to suppress insurrection, or repel invasion. You will perceive, gentlemen, the restrictions placed by Con- gress upon the President. The President has the power, by the act of Congress passed at the last session, in case of actual inva- sion, to call into the service the staff of the militia of the Repub- lic, but under no other circumstances. The law passed January 24th, 1839, authorizing the President to organize the militia, has been neglected; and since the comm'encement of the present ad- ministration there has not been time for the purpose-nor has one dollar been appropriated by Congress to ~nable the President to accomplish a work so important and desirable for our safety and national character. The President has given his attention to the duties of his sta- tion; and he takes much pleasure in assuring the gentlemen of the committee, that he will permit no occasion to be neglected which will in his estimation redound either to the honor, safety, or glory of his country. Sam Houston [Rubric] "'Houston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 59-60, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams.
TO JOHN S. SYDNOR 1
Galveston, March 11th, 1842. To John S. Sydnor, Chairman of the Committee of Viglance, etc., Sir, In answer to your communication on the part of the citizens of Galveston, of this date, on the subject of sending one or more agents to New Orleans for the purpose of procuring muni- tions, provisions, and men for the army, I have to say, it would be well to dispatch such agent or agents, provided it can be done without incurring any pecuniary responsibility on the part of the government. On these conditions alone can assistance be received: All volunteers must prepare and equip themselves with six months' clothing, good arms, one hundred rounds of ammuni- tion and eight days' provisions; and must land at some point to be designated on the coast west of the mouth of the river Brazos.- On landing each commandant will report forthwith
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