WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1844
397
and need.-During the past summer, dissensions of a most un- fortunate character, arising from private and personal causes, and leading to the most deplorable excesses against life and prop- erty, existed in the county of Shelby, and extended in some degree to the surrounding districts. The necessity for the prompt intervention of the government, to arrest this state of things, became imperative; and, accordingly, the Executive proceeded in person to a convenient point near the scene of difficulties, and ordered out a military force deemed sufficient for the effectual attainment of the object in view. He is happy to say that the citizen soldiery obeyed the call upon their patriotic services with the utmost alacrity-by which the reign of order and the supremacy of the laws were speedily reestablished. It was deemed prudent, in order to secure the maintenance of these blessings, and to give due protection to the civil authorities, in the administration of justice, to station a company of men in the county of Shelby. For this purpose a corps of volunteers were enrolled, and continued in service as long as the government thought it advisable for the preservation of peace. The Executive does not doubt that the Honorable Congress will readily perceive the necessity which existed for the exertion of the strength of the government for the suppression of the dis- orders alluded to; and that they will as readily make provision for the payment of the expenses incurred in doing so. It appears that the force authorised to be kept in service for the protection of the Southwestern frontier has not been adequate to afford the security anticipated. The government, being de- sirous to extend every facility in its power for the better security of that border, authorised the raising of a company in addition to that already in the field. The expenses thus incurred are small; and it is hoped that the necessary means will be provided for their payment. Reports from the several Departments and Bureaus of govern- ment are herewith respectfully submitted, and the attention of the Honorable Congress invited to their contents. I have now only to add the hope, that your deliberations may be characterized by that wisdom and harmony so essential to the attainment of those great ends for which you are here assembled, with my fervent desire that all your labors may, under the guid- ance of Heaven, give additional force and energy to all those principles of private and public virtue so indispensable to the
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