. WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,2
109
to offer you my thanks for the interest and solicitude you express for the success of our country in the struggle in which we are now very soon to be involved. None of us who reflect upon the present and future, with the light of experience before us, but must feel much concern for the result of the great and final effort we shall make for the permanent independence and welfare of the Republic. When the time arrives, (and you may rely upon its being near at hand) you will receive due notice. When the summons come, those who now think themselves well prepared, will find that they have much yet to do. Therefore, let all prepare thor- oughly for the word-"march." In haste, Your friend, Sam Houston [Rubric] 1 "Houston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 136--137, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. For E. L. R. Wheelock, see Volume III, 414.
To CLARK L. OWEN 1
Private
City of Houston, May 13th, 1842.
To Colonel C. L. Owen- My Dear Sir,
Yours of 30th April reached me a few days since, but no opportunity of sending a reply has hitherto occurred. I am happy to assure you of the entire approbation which I enter- tain for the course and conduct pursued by you in the late com- mand at Corpus Christi. Such conduct not only becomes the soldier-like character which you have heretofore sustained, but gives earnest that the country will realize its hopes in your fu- ture usefulness in the approaching contest with Mexico. All the idle and ridiculous clamors, stating that it is not the intention of the President to urge and conduct the war against Mexico, are utterly untrue. I do not wish to make an advance and be com- pelled to fall back, or to have such massacres as we had at the commencement of 1836. So soon as I am in a state of even toler- able readiness, the work shall begin, and I will never relax for one hour until objects of the war are fully accomplished. Faction in this quarter has injured us abroad, but the injury will very soon be remedied. Some men wish all power, and if they cannot rule the President, they are willing even to destroy the country, rather than fail in their infernal purposes. "Verily, verily, they shall have their reward," and it will be the reward
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