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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1843
I look upon the bill as a direct attack upon the rights of the Executive and the Constitution of the Republic; and a sup- plement which was passed I refused to sign, also. You will perceive that I regarded the necessities of the frontier as im- mediate, and measures taken, if at all, must be imm,ediately, for its defence. You will see that the General will not be entitled to pay until a thousand men are in the field. He has the power to take the command in person when any number of troops are in service. You will perceive from my objections to the bill, that I believe the classification of the militia had to be made before any movement could be made by the General, or any draft made upon the country. Then, the first six com- panies were to be drawn from the third and fourth brigades. The General has no discretion left as to where the men shall be stationed. The troops must be posted at certain named sta- tions, whether needful, wise, or ruinous to the country. By the law he has no discretion. It does not say in what manner, or with what description of arms, the men shall be provided. The government has not arms, nor has it one keg of rifle powder, nor five hundred pounds of lead. Of this I apprised Congress, and asked for means to purchase supplies; but it was treated as every other recommendation which I make to them for the country's advantage. Since the time has passed for which the measure is said to be designed, I cannot see (unless the enemy should invade us) any advantage which can result from an attempt at this late day, to carry the provisions of the bill into effect, and at th'is season of the year. Positive detriment to the country and its finances would result, if the money should be drawn from the Treasury and applied to an useless project which would prove abortive. Every dollar which is issued or thrown into cir- culation, beyond the most urgent ·necessity, is calculated to depress our currency and thereby add to our national misfor- tunes and calamities. If you should undertake to carry out the law, as a friend I would wish you success and the country every benefit. You request me"to communicate freely" with you. To do so, if we could have an interview, I would be truly happy, for I assure you that you possess a large portion of my kind personal feelings. If you have to rely upon any man, or men, at any time to enable you to discharge a public trust, I conjure you, never to
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