Houston v1

WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1836

403

W. G. Cooke, Quartermaster, from the rank of private to that of Assistant Quartermaster (see Compt1·oller's Military Service Records). In 1837, he married Mrs. Ann Gray Vernon, the daughter of Peter W. Gray. See Pub- lic Debt Papers, Texas State Library; Civil Service Papers, ibid.; also Annie Doom Pickrell, Pioneer Women in Texas, 112-113.

ARMY ORDERS 1

Headquarters of the Army, Camp West of Brazos, April 7, 1836 ARMY ORDERS. The advance of the enemy is at San Felipe. The moment for which we have waited with anxiety and interest, is fast approach- ing. The victims of the Alamo, and the names of those who were murdered at Goliad, call for cool, deliberate vengeance. Strict discipline, order, and subordination, will insure us the victory. The army will be in readiness for action at a moment's warn- ing. The field officers have the immediate execution of this order in charge for their respective commands. Sam Houston Commander-in - Chief. George W. Hockley, Inspector General

1 Yoakum, H,istory of Texas, II, 120. Morphis, History of Texas, 255.

To JOHN M. ALLEN 1 Camp West of Brasos, April 8, 1836

To Captain John M. Allen 2 · Sir: Your communication under date of 4th instant is re- ceived. I am pleased to find you are on your march to join the army; and wish you to use all possible expedition in reinforcing us with your command and the cannon. Assure the inhabitants generally that the army will not cross the Brasos, unless to act with more effect against the enemy; and that the most certain way of securing their property and families, is to repair to the army and drive the invader from the soil. Tbose who refuse to join us will have their property confiscated, and be regarded as deserters from our cause. Sam Houston. 1 Yoakum, History of Texas, II, 493. 2 See Houston to Colonel James Powers, December 28, 1835.