WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
131
within the knowledge of the Commander of the troops, and he will at all times, be subject to the orders of the vVar Depart- ment. vVhen emergencies arise in the prosecution of the campaign, detached as the army will be in its situation, the commanding officer will have to exercise a sage discretion in relation to the subject matter which may be presented; always keeping in view the safety and success of his command, the preservation of his flag, and the honors of his country. The troops, by obedience to his orders, and imitating his example, will establish the high- est claims to the admiration and gratitude of their fellow-citizens and the government of the Republic. Sam Houston [Rubric] P. S. One Colonel-one Lieutenant Colonel, and two Majors will be elected. Each company will consist of at least sixty six men, rank and file. If the number required according to the above plan are not raised in any of the counties specified, they will be made up elsewhere. If a larger number present themselves, they will be received. Houston 1 "Houston's Private Executive Record Book,'' pp. 202-204, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams.
To MEMUCAN HuNT 1
City of Houston, 28th, July, 1842.
Honorable M. Hunt Sir,
Your note by Mr. Reynolds requesting me to approve your account, &c., has just been handed to me with the account. So far as I intend to approve it, it is endorsed on the face thereof. When you were greatly urgent for employment under the government, the Secretary of War and Marine mentioned to me your wish to be employed in the business of Inspection. My reply was "that we had no money." He then assured me that you would require none, but would bear your O\.Vn expenses. The power was not given to you until General Terrell also called and assured me that you had proposed to perform the duty without cost to the Government. Certain it is that I was very much surprised, when I heard that you had exhibited an account of any amount for your services, as I regarded the duty as purely voluntary, arising from the noble principle of patriotism. Not- withstanding that you have induced this belief on the part of
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