WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 184,6
482
of Congress be presented to Brigadier General Taylor, and to the officers and men under his command, both of the army and navy of the United States, for their signal gallantry, humanity, and good conduct in achieving the late victories on the frontier of the State of Texas. Sec. 2. And be it further resolved, That the President of the United States be authorized and requested to have a sword pro- cured, with appropriate devices thereon, and presented to General Taylor, in the name of the Republic, as a tribute due to his good conduct, valor, and generosity to the vanquished. Sec. 3. And be it further resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to communicate to Brigadier General Taylor, and to the officers and men under his command, both of the army and navy, the thanks of Congress contained in the foregoing resolution, and the high sense of gratitude entertained for victories so splendid in contests so unequal. [After some discussion] Mr. Houston explained. He had no objection to the printing, but he begged to inform the Senator from Illinois [Mr. Breese] that the resolution was designed to include, and did include every man under the command of General Taylor. It was true that the gallant defenders of the fort were not alluded to particularly, but they had not been overlooked in the · terms of the resolution. The naval forces had not been engaged in the battles, but were included in the resolution. But if the gentlemen had any desire to improve the resolution, or to add to it, he (Mr. H) was quite willing to allow him an opportunity. The resolution had been drawn up hastily, and ,yas, perhaps, susceptible of improvement.
'Congressional Globe, 1845-1846, pp. 873-874.
MINOR DEBATE ACTIVITY, UNITED STATES SENATE, JUNE 2, 1846 1 Mr. Houston called up for consideration the joint resolution submitted by him a few days since, tenderirig the thanks of Con- gress to General Taylor, and for other purposes. The motion to take up being agreed to, Mr. Houston proposed to amend the resolution by adding the following: Resolved, That Congress deeply deplores the fate of the gallant dead who fell at the shrine of their country's rights and honor in the actions of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, on the 8th and 9th of May last, and that they sincerely condole with the friends and relatives of the deceased upon their bereavement.
Powered by FlippingBook