'362
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1844,
remains with the laws to punish them- but not for individuals to place themselves above the law, and assume to themselves powers whi~h belong to the constituted authorities of the country alone. It has not been in my power to possess myself with all the causes which led to this condition of things. Therefore, I abstain from making any decision as to the merits or demerits of the parties. At the same time I feel it to be my duty, for the dis- charge of which I am responsible to my country, to admonish those who are now arrayed against each other, in violation of the peace of the community, to disperse and return to their respective homes, and to abstain from all acts of violence towards those who are under the protection of the laws. This is a mild and advisory course; and I trust will be regarded in such manner as will render it unnecessary to have recourse to such measures as would be as unpleasant to myself a.s they would be indispensable to arrest the unhappy condition of things, which I am informed now exists in Shelby County Sam· Houston. 1 Executive Rec.01·d Book, No. 40, p. 367, Texas State Library. =see George L. Crocket, Two Centuries in East Texas, 199-200. Also see notes under Houston's Proclamation of January 31, 1842, Volume II, 460-461.
To JOHN T. SHANI{S 1
San Augustine, 19th August, 1844.
To Brig. Major John T. Shanks, Sir- You will receive enclosed, orders to the various officers of this brigade; which you will forward to their proper directions. Sam Houston
1 Executive Record Book, No. 40, p. 368, Texas State Library.
To TRAVIS G. BRoocKsl
San Augustine, August 19th, 1844.
To Col. T. G. Broocks : 2 Sir,- You will forthwith proceed to the scene of contest in Shelby County, and enforce the laws of the country, with the force under your command. Order must and shall be restored in the
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