PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR 73 before you my extreme desire to unite with them, I have just written to General Taylor for permission to rejoin the main Army; but be- lieving that he will, in all probability be governed in the matter by your views, and wishes, I have thought best to solicit permission from you also, The place here was garrisoned mainly- I believe- at your suggestion with a view not only of protecting the inhabitants from Indian depredations but also for the purpose of sustaining your excel- lency in the extension of the laws of the state over this portion of its. territory.- 8uch being the Case, any views you might express in relation to my rejoining the Army, would in my opinion be decissive with General Taylor. The War, as I now understand, is to be prosecuted with re- newed vigor; and it will not suit me so well, to remain at Laredo, in idleness and Comparative uselessness, whilst the tide of battle is roll- ing another direction It is true, that owing to the state of political parties I must necessarily assume a very subordinate station in the• forces Called into the field. but I would nevertheless, greatly prefer to fall into the ranks as a Common Soldier than to be left out of the Conflict altogether. • If it be necessary to Continue the Garrison here I must solicit the •favor of being relieved by Some other Company, the request is made upon the supposition that the war is to be actively resumed, If this is not the case- if we are to Continue any length of time in OUI' present doubtful state, I am content to remain where I am. Altho' I Cannot be Altogether insensible that I am consigned to a position not the most favorable for a deYelopment of my highest usefulness._: Be- ing shut out from all the avenues of intelligence. I am totally ig- norant of what is going on in the busy world beyond the precincts of Laredo. I know nothing of the designs of our Government, and but very little of the movements of our Army in :Mexico. About ten days ago I saw a letter which Capt. Crossman at Camargo wrote to Lieut Tilden, then at this place, in which it is stated that General Worth had written from Saltillo, that Santana was moving upon him with a large force, and that he expected to fight in a few days. In Consequence of this, the entire forces on the Rio Grande below,. were moved immediately for :Monterey, and they are now on their march thither, In all probability the battle is fought below this altho I have heard nothing further upon the subject. General Taylor was not at Montery at the time, he had gone to Montmoralus, but where Mont- moralus lies I do not know, unless it is between l\fonterey and Vic- toria.- Under this state of ignorance I must ask you, the favor · to write me, on all subjects pertaining to public affairs as far as you may think the information Can be useful to me in advancing the interests of Texas or that of the Country at large. I send you an extract of' Capt Crossman letter, to Lieut Tilden, and also a copy of my letter to General Taylor, you will see by the latter that a vacancy has oc- c:ured or will in all probability occur in my Company by the resigna- twn of Second Lieut 'rhomas M. Likins [:MIRABEAU B. LAMAR]
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