WRITINGS OF SAl\'I HOUSTON, 1836
452
momentarily on the glistening blade; and the greatest part of the aucfitory gave outward proof of their congeniality of feel- ing! It was in reality a moment of deep and exciting interest. After this pause, more eloquently impressive than the deepest pathos conveyed in language, the President proceeded] : I have worn it with some humble pretensions in defence of my country; and should the danger of my country again call for my services, I expect to resume it, and i·espond to that call, if needful, with my blood and life. 1 House Journal, Texas Republic, 1st Cong., 1st Sess., pp. 84-88. Crane, Life and Selected Literary Remains of Sam Houston, 118-120. Telegra7>h and Texas Registe1·, November 9, 1836. Charles Edwards Lester, Life of Sam Houston ( 1855), 151-155. This copy was made from the House J our- nal. It is practically identical with the copy in The Telegraph; Crane's ver- sion differs in paragraph arrangement and somewhat in the wording of the address.
GENERAL ORDERS 1
Executive Office, Columbia, Texas, October 24th, 1836.
GENERAL ORDERS. The President has learned with deep astonishment, and regret that many officers are at the seat of Government absent from duty, and that others have been in the habit of. leaving not only the army, but special commands to which they have been ap- pointed to protect and defend. Such practices and conduct being at variance with all military rule and subordination, is forbid- den. When in future such cases occur it will be considered that either the officer has vacated his office, or that he is a deserter from his command. Should any misfortune or evil in consequence of his absence accrue to the service he will be accountable for the consequences of the latter alternative. A soldier is presumed to be always on duty, and at his post in time of war, unless he is detailed on other duty, or has special leave of absence. All officers absent from their posts, without orders, will immediately repair to them ; and others will apply for orders at the war department. Any non commissioned officer or soldier; who shall have en- tered the service, anci have left the same without written leave
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