441
'WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1845
has been solemnly asserted by hundreds of the army, and cannot with truth be denied, that Thomas Jeff·erson Green was the first man who broke open a house, and incited the men to outrage. Such acts, or saca (as they were termed) are unknown even in Mexico, unless a town or city is taken by storm. The inhab- itants of Laredo surrendered at the first summons, and con- tributed every thing in their power to the comfort and support of the Troops. It should be noted that General Somerville previ- ous to leaving Laredo, ordered the stolen goods to be brought forward and restored to the authorities of the place; (if not all) "a large pile," was handed over. No reflection can be made on the character, of a man who had hung on the skfrts of an army, without command, and availed himself of the first opportunity to outrage the rules of civilized nations by warfare on defenseless women and children, acts which were to be visited upon brave men, who subsequently fell martyrs to the dastardly crimes of others. Now, Sir, I assure you, that I have been induced to notice the slanders against me, only because I am aware that many worthy men, for whose feelings, I cherish a regard and for whose opinions, I entertain respect, have laboured under misconceptions of the truth. The facts may go for what they are worth. I did all that was in my power to save and to serve, and nothing to injure the prisoners. I have at all times been satisfied, that my course in relation to the Mier prisoners, has been such as I have pursued in the discharge of other duties, which have devolved upon me. The day will come, when it will be shown, that I obtained the release of the Mier p1·isoners. Now, it is not proper that it should be made manifest, nor is it necessary. I will not envy any man, who may have it in his power to render more numerous and important services to my country, and to mankind than I have done. I tru~t that he will not have to exclaim with Lear, " The little dogs and all, Tray, Blanche, and sweet-heart, see, they bark at me." Sam Hou~ton. 'The Mont·ing Star, January 10, 1846; The Tc.rns Dt>moaot, Janmn-~• 21, 1846; The Northern Sta.ndard, January 14, 1846. For Hamilton Stuart, see Houston to Stuart, April 22, 1845, nh.:,w. 'John Henry Brown gives a fairly good brief account. of this ('\\'lit, in his Histo1·y of Texa.s, II, 233-252. See also Thomas Jt•fft,rson Gi-t'l'll, J, tH'- 1wl of the 11'/ier Expedition; Frederick C. Chabot, 7'h<• J-'t, 1'Mc1 l'ri$1 1 t1,' l'S:
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