153
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, l8ti2
the Government of the United States, or its officers, as in the slightest degree violative of their neutrality. Mexico has set the example of engaging the Indians to war against Texas and to harrass our citizens. We have sedulously eschewed such a course. We wish to reduce the war to principles of the most civilized character and nationality. Their course has been at war with every principle of humanity; while the principles which we acted upon, we are happy in the assurance, reflect no discredit upon our origin. These principles we still intend to maintain; and that we may secure every advantage in the contest, we wish to bury the tomahawk with the Indians. We will then decide the contest upon correct principles. Every strategem in war is honorable that is not blended with falsehood, or crimsoned by massacre. Mexico has had recourse to both these odious alternatives. She has disgraced her treaties of capitulation. Men who relied upon the soldierly pledges of officers, have only fallen the victims of credulity. And that falsehood might remain unattested, they have sought to cloak their perfidity by massacre. You, I know, Gen- eral, will place a just estimate upon their perfidious conduct; at the same time your station and your honorable feelings will restrain you from the expression of much which, as a private individual, would receive free utterance. Mr. Parker, the bearer of this· dispatch, visits your command with a view to obtain the restoration of a nephew of his who has been a prisoner among the Comanches. That he can identify him, I have not the least doubt; and I hope confidently, that you will permit no circum- stances to interpose in the restoration of the child to his relatives. Mr. Parker will bear any despatches which you may be so kind as to favor me with. And I pray you to be assured, that any intelligence which it may be proper for you to communicate, or suggestions which you may offer, relative to pacification with those Indians, or upon any other subject, will be received with such feelings as a soldier should always entertain towards his old superior. That you may enjoy life as long as it has been honorable to yourself and useful to your country, is the fervent prayer of your sincere Friend, Sam Houston [Rubric] wHouston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 557-559, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. General Zachary Taylor (November 24, 1784-July 9, 1850), was the twelfth president of the United States. For brief biography see Dic- tiona,·y of American Biography, XVIII, 349-354.
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