WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1836
411
enabled to be in preparation. I had sent an express evening be- fore last to all the troops of Washington, and above this point to meet me here by a rapid march. On yesterday morning I ordered all the command below to unite with the main body, so as to act promptly and efficiently when most necessary. It was im- possible to guard all river passes for one hundred miles, and at once concentrate the force so as to guard any one point effectually, unless where the main body might be stationed. An invading army marches with everything necessary to .conquest. I would at once have fallen back on Harrisburg, but a wish to allay the panic that p1~evailed, induced me to stop at the Brasos, contrary to my views of military operations. I had assurances of rein- forcements by remaining on the Brasos-of which I will say nothing at present. When I assured the department that the enemy should not pass the Brasos, I did not intend to convey the idea that either the army or myself possessed powers of ubiquity; but that they should not pass through my encampment. I do hope that my last envelope to his excellency the president, will show you on whom to rely, and on whom, for a while, the burden must rest. I beg leave to assure you that I will omit no opportunity to serve the country, and to serve it for the love of it, without am- bition, or ulterior views into which selfishness can enter. I have, under the most disadvantageous circumstances, kept an army together, and where there has not been even murmuring or in- subordination; but I can not perform impossibilities. These re- marks are not in anger, nor are they intended to be in the least personal to you, but arise out of the pressure of difficulties which you can not appreciate, because they are unexplained to you. Again I beg leave to assure you, that I have for you the most high and friendly consideration, and will regard with pleasure every manifestation of public confidence arising from a proper esti- mate of your worth. I write in much haste, pressed by business, and engaged in the contemplation of matters, I hope, not distant. Sam Houston. 1 Yoakum, H1'sto1'1J of Texas, II, 496-497. 2 Jared Groce's plantation lay along the Brazos River at, or near the r,resent town of Hempstead. Groce furnished many of the supplies neces- sary for the army, and many sick soldiers took refuge in his home. This circumstance gave the name "Groce's Retreat" to his place. 8 The President had written to Houston:
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