WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,2
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The remuneration for your expenses and services must come from the enemy. They have provoked war and must abide the consequences. The rules of honorable warfare will, however, be invariably observed. The field for chivalrous and eminently useful enterprise is now open to the brave and generous of our mother country. The harvest is rich and inviting. If you come we shall greet you with feelings which your noble devotion must necessarily inspire. Sam Houston [Rubric] u•Houston's Private Executive Record Book," p. 126, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams.
To JOHN O'BANN0N1
P1-ivate
Houston, Texas, May 6, 1842.
To Dr. John O'Bannon, Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 8th ultimo has just reached me. I have perused its contents with pleasure, and for the kind feelings and interest you express for the welfare of Texas, you have my acknowledgments. The war will be prosecuted against Mexico. She has provoked active hostilities by her inhumanity and wanton aggression, and must abide the consequences. The field is now laid open to the chivalry and enterprise of our own citizens and their brethren of our mother-land. That they will reap a harvest alike profitable and glorious, none can doubt. The zealous and prompt participa- tion of the friends of our cause in all countries will meet with a grateful response from every Texian Those who come to join us in the laudable movement we are about to make, must form themselves immediately into companies of fifty-six men rank and file, provide themselves with clothing and arms complete, provisions for six months, and report im- mediately, if possible, at Corpus Christi. I have had it in contemplation to despatch an agent to your gallant state, for the purpose of directing the movements of those of her citizens who might wish to unite with us in the task we have now before us. I may yet do so; for I am induced to believe the people of Missouri would have it in their power to act a very
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