WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,2
130
to the War Department, and as soon as possible thereafter, the Executive will appoint the time of rendezvous; and when they shall have arrived at their rendezvous, they. will elect their field officers for one regiment. Previous to that time, however, orders from the Executive will reach them suggesting the general plan of a campaign subject to be varied by the circumstances of the service in which they may be engaged. As no regular draft or detail is made to compose the force- but relying alone upon the honor and willingness heretofore expressed in the different sections of the country, and assur- ances that many were anxious to volunteer-and not wishing to employ our whole force on the present occasion, I have thought proper to tender the opportunity to the counties in the following order-the citizens of which if they should volunteer to the amount named, will compose a force of thirteen hundred and twenty men, exclusive of one hundred Indian spies, to be em- ployed as the commanding officers may think best, but not to be permitted to perpetrate any excesses of savage warfare. Washington County, 132; Bastrop, 132; Fayette, 132; :Mont- gomery, 132; Robertson, 66; Milam, 66; Austin, 66; Matagorda, 66; Colorado and Ward, 66; Jackson and Victoria, 132; and Bexar (Hays and l\fanchaca), 66; making a total of 1320. Lipans and Tonkeways, 100-aggregate, 1420. It will be of the utmost importance that concert of action should take place, and to give efficiency, it is proper that the troops should not be detained at the rendezvous any longer than they can be organized. Discontent, perhaps, should be the con- sequence, and the prospect of achieving something of importance to the country by the campaign would be lost. The Executive has great reliance upon the zeal of his coun- trymen, and their willingness to pursue such a course of policy as will give further protection to our South Western frontier for the future-and he is satisfied if this expedition can be carried into effect that the country has much to hope from its results. As soon as it may be organized and marches, it will be indispensable to maintain the strictest subordination. In entering an enemy's territory, constant vigilance is necessary; and men who expect to maintain their safety must always be on the alert. By caution we prevent disaster, and vigilance will never permit us to be surprised. The troops will be per- mitted to remain in the enemy's country until it might be deemed wise for their safety to recross the Rio Grande. The Govern- ment will have opportunities of intelligence which may not be
Powered by FlippingBook