History of Texas 1685 - 1846, Volume 2

Henderson King Yoakum

• Publisher: Jazzybee Verlag
• Year: 2018
• eBook ISBN: 9783849652050
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: North American History
• Index: History

This is a valuable contribution to general history, and especially to the history of the United States. The past of Texas is here brought down and covers a period of 161 years—the greatest prominence being given to the first half of the 19th century. Several familiar names figure in the work, respecting whom, in connection with Texas, the reader will naturally desire to learn what is here told. This is one of the most authentic and valuable books, in connection with the general affairs of Texas, that can be found; in which nothing is stated upon individual responsibility—everything in it is sustained by the official documents. This is volume two out of two.

APPENDIX NO. I.

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE TEXAN ARMY, IN 1835–’6.

[THE following is not an entire collection of the official correspondence of the commander-in-chief during the winter and spring of 1835–’6, but only of so much of it as is deemed most important, and which is not set out in the notes to this history.]

INDEX TO THE LETTERS, ETC.

No. 1.

To Captain Wylie Martin.

SAN FELIPE DE AUSTIN, November 24, 1835.

MY DEAR SIR: In accordance with our last conversation, I take pleasure in explaining my views, if they can, in any possible event, be of service to our country or countrymen.

If, in the range of human occurrences, it shall be proper or even necessary for the army of the people before Bexar to fall back, because of the men not being prepared with proper clothing for winter, and the want of necessary artillery and munitions of war, I would suggest to you the advantage of retiring in good order, and sending the cannon, baggage, and sick, in advance, so that they can at least reach the Cibolo under conduct of a strong guard, and a vigilant officer to command it, before the enemy takes up his line of march. It would seem, then, that the army should be formed in two divisions, one to pursue the route to La Bahia, and the other that of Gonzales There ought to be a sufficient force left at La Bahia to make a firm defence at that place, and all possible means used for that purpose.

Gonzales being, in my opinion, the most important interior key to Texas (proper), should also be placed in a condition for defence, with a force of from one to two hundred placed there, under a firm and prudent commander, who will at once establish discipline and organization; and, using the greatest vigilance, retaining a few horses to keep out scouts. This, it seems to me, must be a rallying-point for Texas……

Your friend,

SAM HOUSTON.

No. 2.

To the President and Members of the General Council of Texas.

HEADQUARTERS, SAN FELIPE DE AUSTIN, December 4, 1835.

GENTLEMEN: I have the honor very respectfully to call your attention to the first article of the organic law of Texas, which provides for a military force for the defence of Texas, to wit: “There shall be a regular army for the protection of Texas during the present war.” The provisional government will at once perceive the impracticability of my discharging the duties devolving upon me, as the commander-in-chief of the army, until the officers of the several corps of the army are appointed, the bounty of the men established, and the volunteers placed on such footing as will inspire them with confidence in the cause of Texas.

I deem it of importance to the existence of the provisional government, as well as to the cause of Texas, that an immediate organization of the army should take place. Some time since, I had the honor to address the governor of Texas on the subject of a proclamation, which may be of importance to our internal as well as our auxiliary relations.

So soon as the army is organized by the council, I will delay no time in raising an army, and meet the enemy on the earliest day possible. Munitions of war, with provisions and supplies for the army to be organized, are not yet contracted for…..

With great respect, I have the honor to be

Your obedient servant,

SAM HOUSTON,

Commander-in-Chief of the Forces of Texas.

No. 3.

To Mr. Thomas Hughes.

HEADQUARTERS, SAN FELIPE DE AUSTIN, December 4, 1835.

SIR:…By the first of March next, or earlier if possible, I would, in behalf of the provisional government of Texas, be happy to accept the services of at least three thousand five hundred volunteers for during the war, or even for a less period.

SAM HOUSTON,

Commander-in-Chief, &c.

No. 4.

To the Public.

HEADQUARTERS, SAN FELIPE DE AUSTIN, December 5, 1835.

I REGRET to learn that a report is on the road between this place and Nacogdoches, to the effect that there is no need of troops in the army at this time. Troops are and will be wanted at San Antonio, and on the frontiers, until the army can be filled, so as to open the campaign at the earliest day possible……

I hope San Antonio is already taken. If so, volunteers will be needed to keep it; as also to strengthen La Bahia. It will be well for the men to bring clothing with them.

It was also reported that provisions were not plenty in camp. This may have been true; but there are large quantities in the vicinity of San Antonio, of which our army has the control.

SAM HOUSTON,

No. 5.

To His Excellency Henry Smith, Governor of Texas.

SIR: I have the honor respectfully to call your attention to the subject of a speedy organization of the regular army. The organic law has provided for the immediate raising of such force, and the general council has said what corps shall compose the same. It is required of me to raise the regular army without delay. I feel the responsibility of my situation, at a time when every effort should be exerted and means used to accomplish an object so necessary to the defence, and, I apprehend, the salvation of Texas. I must remain under the conviction, however, that all essential power to meet the requisitions of the organic law is withheld from me.

It is true the officers of the infantry regiment have been appointed by the general council, but the field-officers proper to command and superintend the several recruiting-stations have not been appointed.

The regiment of artillery, so necessary for the defence of our seacoast, as well as for field-service, has no basis on which it can be raised. No officers are appointed, and it will be impossible for me ever to enlist the rank and file until that is done. An army never has been raised for regular service until the officers have been appointed. The regiments of the United States army were all completely officered before a man was enlisted in the ranks. It can not be objected that merit will be forestalled by filling the several corps at this time. It must have been contemplated by the framers of the organic law that the army would be immediately organized out of the materials then in Texas.

Unless the officers are appointed at an early day, it will be impossible to have an army at the opening of the campaign—which, in my opinion, can not be delayed, with safety to the country, longer than the 20th of February, or 1st of March, at farthest.

If only a portion of the officers should be appointed, I apprehend the organization of the army will be incomplete, and the intention of the law unanswered. The necessities of the country seem to require a complete organization. We must have an army, or abandon all hope of defending the country. The letters from Santa Anna and the functionaries of the central government, recently intercepted, are calculated to arouse every generous heart in Texas to active and obstinate resistance. An army of the enemy, amounting to ten thousand men, with suitable munitions of war, must be met and vanquished, or Texas will be overwhelmed for years to come. Union and confidence among ourselves, and a generous support of the army, will achieve everything that is desirable to freemen. Until a full complement of officers is appointed for the regular army, it is impossible that one can be raised.

I take pleasure in assuring your excellency that I will at all times hold myself accountable for the means placed at my disposal for the defences of the country, and the result of our cause. But it must be obvious to all that in the same ratio in which the necessary and proper means are withheld from me, so must my responsibility be diminished.

Permit me to implore you most earnestly to give your attention to the subjects herein very respectfully submitted.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

SAM HOUSTON.

No. 6.

Proclamation of Sam Houston, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Texas.

HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON, TEXAS, December 12, 1835.

CITIZENS OF TEXAS: Your situation is peculiarly calculated to call forth all your manly energies. Under the republican constitution of Mexico, you were invited to Texas, then a wilderness. You have recl...

Table of contents

• DEDICATION.
• CHAPTER II.
• CHAPTER III.
• CHAPTER IV.
• CHAPTER V.
• CHAPTER VI.
• CHAPTER VII.
• CHAPTER VIII.
• CHAPTER IX.
• CHAPTER X.
• CHAPTER XI.
• CHAPTER XII.
• CHAPTER XIII.
• CHAPTER XIV.
• APPENDIX NO. I.
• APPENDIX NO. II.
• APPENDIX NO. III.
• APPENDIX NO. IV.
• APPENDIX NO. V.
• APPENDIX NO. VI.
• APPENDIX NO. VII.
• APPENDIX NO. VIII.
• APPENDIX NO. IX.