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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,2
102
TO JOHN DARRINGTON 1
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P1·iva.te
Houston, Texas, May 12th, 1842.
To Colonel John Darrington Dear Sir,
In the consequence of the inability of Judge Lips- comb to visit Alabama, as was ·expected, it has become necessary to select some other gentleman of acknowledged character, energy, and patriotism, to supply his place, and advance the interests of Texas in that quarter. General Walter Smith, our consul at Mo- bile, has been selected and will act at that place. But inasmuch as it is very important that no delay should ensue in the prose- cution of our plans, you will please proceed at once to render what assistance you can, in such manner as your discretion may dictate. Gen. Smith has been instructed in reference to the mat- ter and will cooperate with and tender you every facility at his command. You may assure all who view with any solrcitude the present condition of our country, that the war will be prosecuted-and that, too, with all prudent despatch. Under no circumstances will the commencement of active operations be delayed longer than the 20th of July. Within the intervening period it is desir- able that all the aid and support we are to receive should be concentrated at the point of rendezvous, ready for an effective movement. If, however, we are disappointed in obtaining aid we have had reason to anticipate, we shall, nevertheless, embrace the struggle single handed and alone. The issue has been made up and must be tried. Where the children of the great family of liberty meet in arms the serviles of despotism, none can doubt the results. The Lone Star though supported in its exaltation by the nerve of this young nation only, will never bow to the mock majesty of Antonio I. There is yet time for our friends, and the friends of freedom and self-government, to reach our shores before the strife com- mences. Will Americans tamely brook the insults which have been cast in their teeth-will they endure that the High Priest of Abolition, the tyrant and disgrace of the Western Continent, should challenge them to the combat without one becoming effort, at least, on their part to meet him on his own terms? Companies must come fully prepared and organized for serv- ice-otherwise they will be but little else than embarrassments.
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