Houston v1

323

WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1835

to Matamoras, and, if possible reduce the place and retain pos- session until further orders. Should you not find it within your power to attain an object so desirable as the reduction of Mata- moras, you will, by all possible means, conformably to the rules of civilized warfare, annoy the troops of the central army; and reduce and keep possession of the most eligible position on th.a frontier, using the precaution which characterizes your mode of wadare. You will conduct the campaign. Much is referred to your discretion. Should you commence the campaign, you will, from time to time, keep the gov~rnment advised of your opera- tions, through the commander-in-chief of the army. Under any circumstances, the port of Copano is important. If any officers or men who have, at.any time, been released on pcirole, should be taken in arms, they will be proper subjects for the consideration of court-martial. Great caution is necessary in the country of an enemy. Sam Houston, Commander in Chief. Col. James Bowie. 1 Ar-my Pct])ers, Texas State Library. Yoakum, Histoi·y of Texas, II, 454. 2 James Bowie (1799-March 6, 1836). For biographical sketches see Dictionary of Am.e,·ican Biography, II, 509-510. Southwestern Historical Qua1·te1·ly, XXXVII, 90-103. TO AUSTIN, ARCHER AND WHARTON 1 San Felipe de Austin, 19th Dec. 1835. Gentlemen, With pleasure I recommend to your particular notice, Maj. Chas. E. Hawkins 2 who is anxious to embark in the Naval service of T'exas: For several years past I have been ac- quainted with the Major; and his standing in the U. States Navy was first rate, as a brave and capable officer. In 1826 he left the service of the U. States, and entered the Mexican Navy, un- der Commodore Porter, and is familiarly acquainted with the coast of the Gulph. I am not acquainted with any individual, whom I wou'd rather see interested in the Navy of Texas, than the Major, for the reason, that I believe him to be the most important acquisition which we can obtain to our service at this time. If you should think proper to engage him, on terms which will insure his future usefulness to us, I will be gratified. With my best wishes for your health and the success of your mission: I am Gentlemen, truly your obt. servant Sam Houston [Rubric]