WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184,2
129
1 This copy is by the courtesy of Mr. Albert Williams, Jr., who possesses the original letter. Mr. Williams, who is a great-grandson of Isaac Van Zandt, lives at 3208 Parkwood Drive, Houston, Texas. For Van Zandt, see Houston to the Texas Senate, July 20, 1842. CIRCULAR LETTER CONCERNING THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST MEXICO\ Executive Department, City of Houston, July 26, 1842. The Executive has always had it in contemplation to retaliate upon Mexico, for the late outrages upon the persons and property of Texan citizens. To accomplish this he must rely upon volunteer service alone. The chivalry and patriot- ism of his countrymen when well directed, can accomplish much. He is determined that nothing shall be wanting on his part to effect the object in view. For its effectuation, he proposes to receive upwards of a thousand men to be mounted, equipped and prepared at their own expense for the proposed campaign. The Government will promise nothing but authority to march and such supplies of ammunition as may be needful for the c1:1.mpaign. They must look to the valley of the Rio Grande for remuneration. The Government will claim no portion of the spoils; they will be divided among the victors. The flag of Texas will accompany the expedition. It is proposed to raise the requisite number of men ·west of the Trinity. If they were to march from Eastward of that river to the Western country, the men and horses would consume the subsistence indispensable to family use, and prevent emigra- tion for the want of supplies. Those who are expected to march will start from home with a sufficiency of provisions to support them to the rendezvous; and they are interdicted from feeding any grain to their horses. At the point of rendezvous which will be at the proper time directed at the Sulphur Spring near the mouth of the Cibolo, they will prepare the requisite amount of provisions from cattle contributed to sustain them till they reach the Rio Grande. They will have the authority to cross and make such reprisals upon Mexico as honorable and civilized warfare will justify in our present relations with the common enemy. As soon as troops are raised in the several counties, they will elect their company officers, and, as soon as organized into com- panies in the several counties, will forthwith report by express To-- Sir,
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