378
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1836
Stock of all descriptions will be driven to the east side of the Colorado. Sam Houston Commander-in-Chief of the Army. 1 Ar1ny Pa7>ers, Texas State Library. Lette1· Boole No. S, ibid. Yoakum, History of Texas, II, 479. 2 See Houston to Governor Smith, January 30, 1836. To JAMES COLLINSWORTH 1 Burnham's, Colorado, March 17, 1836. To the Hon. James Collingsworth, Chairman of Military Com- mittee: Sir: To-day, at half-past four in the afternoon, I reached this point with about six hundred men, including my rear-guard, which is a few miles behind with the families, which were not known to be on the route as the army marched, and for which the guard were sent back. It pains my heart that such consternation should have been spread by the deserters from camp. We are here; and , if only three hundred men remain on this side of the Brazos, I will die with them, or conquer our enemies. I would most respectfully suggest the assemblage of the troops at this point. It covers more of the country than any other known to me. When they are assembled, I will detach suitable numbers to each point as I may deem best. The Mexican army will not leave us in the rear. If they do, and find San Felipe in ashes, it will astound them. I am assured that the mules and horses of their army are miserably poor; and that there are several· hundred women and children with the army, with a view to colonize Texas. If La Bahia was blown up, previous to their march upon it, I should be satisfied. As to the state of the seaboard-keep the navy busy. To it we must look for essential aid. Would it not be well to send a special active agent to the United States- one who will act efficiently and promptly? Appeal to them in the holy names of liberty and humanity! Our own people; if they would act, are enough to expel every Mexican from T'exas. Do let it be known that, on close examina- tion, and upon reflection, the force of Santa Anna has been greatly overrated. He must have lost one thousand, or perhaps more, at the Alamo. It is said the officers have to whip anrl slash the soldiers on the march. And, if they should advance to
I •
Powered by FlippingBook