361
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1844
Received of Jas. H. Raymond Atg. Treasurer, the above amount of Nine dollars in Specie David B. Smith for T. S. -Lubbock
'Financial Pctpers, Texas State Library.
TO "THE MODERATORS AND REGULATORS" OF SHELBY COUNTY 1
Executive Department, San Augustine, August 15, 1844. It having been presented to me that there exists in the county of Shelby a state of anarchy and misrule; that parties are ar- rayed against each other in hostile attitude contrary to law and order; Now, therefore, be it known that I, Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas, to the end that hostilities may cease and good order prevail, command all citizens engaged therein to lay down their arms, and retire to their respective homes. Given under my hand and seal the day and year above written Sam Houston 'Proclamations of the Presidents, Republic of Texas, Texas State Li- brary. George Louis Crocket, Two Centuries in East Texas, pp. 199-200.
AN OPEN LETTER TO MY COUNTRYMEN 1
San Augustine, August 16, 1844
My Countrymen: It has been communicated to me from various sources, that much excitement:! has existed amongst the citizens of Shelby, and that they are generally arrayed under different leaders, in opposition to each other, and to the great terror and alarm of peaceful inhabitants. Such acts and doings are contrary to the constitution and laws of the country. I have been invested with power and authority, as Chief Magistrate, to suppress all insurrectionary movements, and to that end the militia of the country have been placed subject to my orders. All those concerned, must be aware of the deleterious influence that such associations will have upon our national character abroad, as well as the destructive influence which such acts must have upon our social and political institutions, ·where disorders of such character exist. All classes and conditions of life must feel insecure in their personal safety and property. If persons in society have rendered themselves obnoxious to the laws, it
Powered by FlippingBook