WRITINGS OF Sur HOUSTON, 184,2
85
To WILLIAM CHRISTY AND OTHERS 1 Executive Department, City of Houston, March 20th, 1842. To Colonel William Christy, Dear Sir, You were the first friend of Texas in the United States, and by Doctor Jack Shackelford, the first friend of Texas in Alabama, I write to you in the present emergency. It will be one object of the Doctor to suggest to the citizens of New Orleans to charter a steamboat for the purpose of sending such troops well armed and prepared, as may be ready with their supplies, to some point on our own coast. If the enemy advance to the Colorado, I wish the troops to land in their rear and among them, so that their advance will be retarded until our troops can all be ready for the field. Two hun- dred riflemen well commanded could alarm the enemy greatly. If considerable force can be landed to attack them, it will induce them at once to fall back and make for the Rio Grande. I am now determined to prosecute the war to an honorable peace and the recognition of our independence: otherwise, Texas will never lay down her arms until the City of Mexico is taken and its gov- ernment overthrown. The time is most favorable for the enterprise, and we will take advantage of circumstances. I rely upon you for all that you can do by your influence in behalf of human liberty, and of Texas. I am, my dear Christy, ever thy friend truly, Sam Houston [Rubric] P. S. If you could make me a visit at this time, I would be rejoiced to see you wherever I may be. Houston [Rubric] "'Houston's Private Executive Record Book," p. 77, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. For Christy see Volume I, 342, 387.
TO ALEXANDER SOMERVELL 1
Private Executive Department, City of Houston, March 25, 1842. To Brigadier General Alexander Somervell, Dear General, I have your despatch of the 21st Inst., an- nouncing the want of organization in the forces at San Antonio under your orders, and that they have elected other officers, than
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