WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,2
134
To COLONEL WILLIAM CHRISTY 1
Private
City of Houston, 15th August, 1842.
To Colonel William Christy, New Orleans. My Dear Friend, Your valued favors relative to Mr. War- field, have been received. The plan met my direct approbation. The business is now under the action of the Department of War, and will be transacted and sent to you by the very first oppor- tunity. You will, of course, anticipate all that I desire-a gentle- man so capable of judging and indeed of originating such plans as yourself. You will readily judge of the modus operandi, as well as the result. I hope the expedition will be eminently successful and honor- able to those engaged in it. 1 desire that civilized and honor- able warfare may be conducted, and if Chihuahua is taken, I will be gratified. If Mr. W. should think proper, he may increase the number of men to five hundred. He will have (knowing my desires) to use such discretion as may be needful to accomplish the object. The character rendered of him by you is all the guaranty which I require for his exalted honor and manly bear- ing. It is a maxim with me, that a braye and honorable man can never do a bad action, and seldom, if ever, an improper one. Whoever loves true glory will not allow the love of spoil to tarnish his escutcheon of renown. His war cry in battle will be, "Santa Fe and Treachery." Where he has been victorious, the prece- dent of mercy and humanity will be derived from the events at San Jacinto. The greatest possible despatch will be requisite in the commencement of the enterprise. You may rely upon the most profound secrecy being maintained here. "It will not out," in Texas. For some days past Mrs. Houston has been very ill of asthma, but is now, to all appearances, relieved. My duties and my in- cessant attention to her, united with the necessary absence, or indisposition of my cabinet, have devolved upon me much care and business. You can well fancy my general responsibility. My spirits remain unbroken and unbent. I think there is a dawn for Texas not far distant from us. I will sustain it, or sink with it. But, oh! my God, how anxious some are for its destruction; and some of whom you deem well ! I could say a thousand things, but indeed, I have not got time. We will some day meet, I hope, when we will have rest. Madam unites with
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