406
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1836
in the same business and became familiar with woods and frontier life as a child. He first came to Texas in 1828, but did not apply for a head- right until 1838. His second advent into the State was in 1835; he came then to become a citizen. He joined the Texas Army immediately upon its organization and was a member of Captain John York's company. He participated in the Battle of Concepcion, the Storming of Bexar, and the Battle of San Jacinto. At Gonzales he organized and became captain of ,.\ cavalry company. This company was destined to do a great deal of diffi- cult scout work. Karnes came out of the Battle of San Jacinto with the rank of colonel and was soon sent to Matamoras to effect an exchange of prisoners, but was himself thrown into prison. He soon escaped. On December 28, 1838, he was authorized to raise eight companies to operate against the Comanches; on June 24, 1839, he again advertised for volun- teers, stating that the President had authorized him to raise from four to six companies. On August 10, 1839, he had a fight with the Comanches. The Indians were routed, but Karnes received a wound from which he T-ever fully recovered. He died of yellow fever in the Town of San Antonio, 1842. Had he lived he would have been the commander of the Santa Fe Expedition which was, at the time of his death, being formed by President Lamar. Karnes County was named in his memory. See Yoakum, I, 373, II, 106, 111; Z. T. Fulmore, The History and Geography of Texas as Told in County Names, 130-131; J. W. Wilbarger, Indian Dcp1·edations in Texas, 80-82.
To DAVID THOMAst
Camp West of Brasos, April 11, 1836
To David Thomas, Acting Secretary of War. Sir: I have the honor to send you a Mr. Powell, 2 and I have given him a letter of introduction. This I did from policy. You will find him a panic-maker, and, in my opinion, a spy. I hope you will send him to Colonel Morgan, 3 and let him be watched so closely that he can do no harm, if he should be so disposed. I assure your excellency that we must manage to keep suspicious persons safe. From them, in my opinion, and none else, we may apprehend all danger. I pray you not to think me too rigorous in these matters. I consult the secretary of war, who has a knowledge of facts, as well as myself; and my course is in ac- cordance with his views. Major Wyley Martin• wrote to me about this same man, and said his statements were " lies." For the-sake of Texas, have him kept safe; and it might be best to send him to Colonel Morgan, where he can be watched without suspecting it. Lynn 5 and Kerr 0 ought to be well watched. I pray you be vigilant. I have ordered spies everywhere. Though
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