366
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1844
against the laws and the laws themselves; and if such negotia- tions are going on, it is desirable that they should be encouraged; but no officer of government who is sent for the maintenance of laws could divert the course of justice from its channel by any compact which he might enter into. If the parties have dispersed or surrendered, and you should think proper to disband the troops, it might be well for you to detail a company of sixty men, or such number as you think proper, to station in Shelby County for a short time, under the command of a discrete officer; as it would most probably inspire confidence in the order and peace of the community; and allay the excitement which has unfortunately existed amongst the people. It is desirable that the greatest care and economy should be used in sustaining the troops, lest the scarcity of supplies should produce great want in the community. You will be careful to secure all who may surrender, their persons and property inviolate from any indignity. The company intended to be sustained in Shelby will be re- tained subject to the orders of the Honorable W. B. Ochiltree. 2 Sam Houston. 1 Ar•my Papers, also Executive Reco1·d Book, No. 40, p. 369, Texas State Library. For James Smith, see Houston to General James Smith, August 19, 1844, above. ~For William B. Ochiltree, see Houston to William B. Ochiltree, July 28, 1844, above.
To JAMES SMITH 1 San Augustine, August 23d., 1844, 9 o'clock, p.m.
To Brig. Gen. James Smith: Sir,-I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, dated at six o'clock, p. m. of today. Ere this, you will have received mine of similar date, accompanied by one from the Honorable W. B. Ochiltree. They will clearly indicate the purposes of the government, and I have only time to refer you to their contents for execution, as remedies for past evils and to prevent the recurrence of similar misfortunes to the country. The instructions which have been sent to officers in command, as we11 as those which originated the call of the troops, will
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