[4273) [GOROSTIZA to DICKENS J
Legation Enlraordinary of Mexico in The United Stales of America,
Washington, October 1, 1836, Len o'clock in the evening. Sir: Al this moment I read with indignation in the news- papers of New Orleans, just arrived a proclamation of General Houston's, which confirms aU my fears and realizes aU my predic- tions. In it, General Houston, styling himself President of Texas, and under the pretext that some Indians had told him that other Indians, inconjunction with the Mexicans, (who had not .then moved from Matamoras,) were about to attack Nacogdoches, orders the militia of the adjoining counties to take up arms in order to sustain the troops of the United Stales garrisoning that place, until General Gaines should send re-enforcement to it. He, moreover, in this proclamation, informs the officers of the said militia that, as they arrive at Nacogdoches, they must report themselves to the commander of the United States troops, and remain subject to his orders. Although I cannot persuade myself, as yet, that General Houston has the slightest grounds for relying upon the co-operation of the troops of the United States in favor of the rebellion in Texas, neverthless, I draw the conclusion, from this impudent document, that he is endeavoring to make it appear so, in order to mislead, by this faUacy, the adventurerswhom he heads. When the volunteers of Texas shall have fraternized in the same garrison with the Troops of the United States, how easy will it be for them to go together to battle, whenever the Mexicans advance. The slightest incident will then serve as a pretext, and General Houston will certainly not disregard it. Therefore, for this additional reason, and as the President has arrived in Washington this day, I again entreat you, l\'lr. acting Secretary of State, to solicit from that gentleman, as speedily as possible, a final and explicit determination with regard to that which forms the sole object of my notes of July 28, August 4, and September 10 and 27. As the violation of the Mexican territory has been already unfortunately effected by the troops of the United States, every minute which elapses without relieving it
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