Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 8, No. 3, Ed. 1, Wednesday, January 4, 1843 Page: 1 of 4
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W - ii t
B IKS, 1 J
or $7 at the cjasi of the year.
22&S&g&-$c -in advance. ;H 1, S'ufjlvshea w'ec&ly.
g CRPGJBR & MOOBjaMMw ' HOUSalGtN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1843.
might have been this evening, had I not driven him from Ifather to save letter postage
me! xiow tender he was and how kind to-brin? abook: Tmlicntinn nf the.
YOL. yin. NO. 3-WHOLE NO. 370.
scbiptios, per
jy
LOO
50
IBLISHEDBY CRUGER&iTO-
TBRffiS. ;Am
12 months or 52 numbers, - j"
R it oc . - 4w
3 ?! - -I SfflJ
sincle paper, - - - - -f l0
No credit -will be given for subscription, a I
LtertIsing, lit insertion, - - per square, p
WJ ivtH Milviuinant mcarlmn V -'
-l CXUU OUUJUVl tUOk.t..tWl., . -
Political cards, each insertion,-! - - n nn
liscountof 10 per cent, on the above rates will - rfla(Je io
sons desirous of advertising by the quarter caj do so on
wing terms: Per 4 sqnares, wnn tne ptviicgt w
2 squares each week, per quarter, $40 ;5 squares,
; 3 each week, $50; 6quareo, changing 4-ach week,
idvertlsements seal without ".crillen inslructiflsvnii un-
ier forbid, bs inserted six months, and cbaffea accoru-
personal advertisements will'be inserted apof any terms.
prcditioill&e givenlo any transient ad verus unuecuiiy
bstancjs- " ' J . .
I above terms are rated inpecie or its equivalent, in a cx-
statebiwjier.
niovisions of the act of 1825. he aJonted a
purposely to read to me! He is willing to forego his so- i sneeies of sinrular hienmlvnhics. His obiect was to Jet
ciety for my sake and cannot I for his? And after all, his father know his family were well, and would be up in
When arrested by tbcap-1 vasion of our territory; and such may have been his de-
inn-4. i.:nt" mi!ji7
t-tcti k. iiAt.""rv i"ji
i
tnr
Agents lor the DTelcpjj-g.
TTrerFrmntTrn, rA.obcnsonOU.
uwt
It. Thomas J. -Ra.bbv Fayette Do.
L - . .? -it
yl Lewis, Goliunbus,Colorado Co. '- -.
A. Pay.vs, Oak Grove, and CedarlCreeJc, wasn
jgton Co. . M
rule Donald, Victoria.
'owell, Matairorda. 3 ,
IA. Patxllo, Pahllo's and Mountf Holland jost
zel Jefferson Co. . 7
G Doom, Jasper and Zavala, Jasperu0oumy.
Lgfi W. Hart, Nacogdoches. Kacogdocbes County.
k J. H Bery, San A'igustine, San.Augustme oo.
tard Smith, Elysium Field's, PanoJiCpanty.
fGE J. iM. tiATfsORD, Wood's f. u.irapow -o.
Lv H. Walker. Port Caddo, Panola U.
Job McFarlin, Epperson's Ferry, Bowie Co.
L. Gkaham, Glarksvillc, Ked j.tivQUo
J H Johsson, Jonesboroujjh, R?t Kiyer, L.o.
s A. J. FowiER, Paris, Lamar Cd.
JGEnni?TGs. Washington. :
Agent fbr Kew BragSa5!d,lJf.
m Eherson. " -
t-rT '"Mei ii u.. f ftjii'uii'.wn-fci i iBA-uJJJ:
wiiansinere so desirable about a nnrtv? Did 1 cveral
tend one, however brilliant hovVevergay where, from
some source or other, there was not as much suffered as
enjoyed ? TDid I ever attend one, in which I did not hear
or see expressed the workiug of envy, of jealousy, of con-
tempt, or of ridicule 1 In such scenes did 1 not exnerience
quite as much pain as pleasure, unless, indeed, I could se-
cure the undivided attention of George? And now he is
all my own, and I dnyim from me ! What did I not
endure while doubting whether he loved me 1 whether he
would ask me to be his! What were my thoughts when
he once said to me, 'that with my present fortune he should
not dare to ask the woman whom he loved to unite her
fate with his, on account of the privations she must under-
go.' O, did I not think, that with him for a companion,
the most humble establishment would be a paradise ! and
that no self denial would be severe! and now that I am
his wife, I drive him from me by my unreasonable and
cruel repinings ? O where can he be V Again she went
to the window to the door. In vain, no husband was
to be secn-or heard. How gloomy, how desolate, did her
la few days so ne sent a newspaper, with nothmji but his
pamc written on it;-he had pencilled on the margin afac
imilze of a saddlLrs awl pointing towards the representa-
on ofa well vhh a sweep and bucket going up. Thus
istinctivelv conveying the message to his father that "'all
is family ware well, and were coming up to see him."
If A. writes his name on the margin ofa paper, and
nds that to a friend by mail, he conveys to him several
t istinct ideas and facts: 1st, that he is still alive; 2d, that
1 e was weil enough to write, 3d, that he remembers him,
tjough distant; 4th, that he has sent him by mail the very
t'awspapers upon which he has written his name or caused
it to be done; and 5th, he tells his friend where he is.
fialt. American.
Ft eight vs. Postage. Since writing an article the oth-
er day on the subject of the reduction of postage, we have
reen same remarks on the subject in the New York Eve-
ning Post, in confirmation of our views. Some facts are
jut by the Post in juxtaposition, to illustrate the opera-
tne present law, of which we give the following as
"noTft
comfortable little parlor appearas she re-entered ite,04JiL'curiosities. The freight of a letter weighing an ounce,
BOTH SIDES. OF THE PICTURE.
boy sick?' asked iMr. Lmdley, with a look of
tntCalann. as he entered the room, and saw his
jand beautiful wife sitting beside the xfadle of her
fying infant, weepTagjpost bitterJy. 'Islbe boy sick??
o,' answered the afflicted Iady.he is quite well
ht-n what is ihe matter, my dear Emily? what occa-
this flood of tears?' Mr. L.indley katei himself
wife, and took her hand wliiftfsneaking.
am worn out with ihis perpetual cdnfiuement,' an-
ed Mrs. Lindleyj 'this unvarying ronnd of domestic
Cnelual confinement, my dear!' said Mr. Lindley:
KyT'not spend yesterday with your mother; and take
IfivGjuhe country the day before ICome, nearest,
lyuui mars, auu nsieu io an uueresungiOOUK jl uiuugm
se v ith me. nurnoselv to read aloud to vou .'
rou book would be tut a poor substitute for society,'
is. Lindley, who still sat with her head declined.
Jthe very picture of sorrow ana discontent. Lam
for society suffering to mingle again with the
. I used to do. After a momentary pause, she
SopHia was in just now drssed so beauti-
- iherecSHHIIHHI- frcs-iTf?t-
frs caucvr-c6Kr5fflH.i!i-use L'r'BRiercnief.
Young "ladies have little else to do than attend parties,'
hi M r. Lindley. 'We, happily have belter engagements,
bd more precious pleasure?
Married ladies seem no more confined than single
haes, except myself said Mrs. Lindley, who seemed to
Lave heard only the first part of her Husbands remark
JMrs. Long and Mrs. Sbuthwell, and indeed all my friends
re to be at Mr. Whitewell s to-night. No one but my-
blf is in bondage. Every one beside can have a nurse-
' y maid, and all else that is necessary to make them com-
fbrtable and happy.'
I am sorry that we cannot have a nursery maid since
ou think it would conduce to your happiness; though
r my own part, I had rather my dear Emily should
ivelhe charge of our darling boy, than trust him to the I
tre of almost any hireling that could be tqund.
-Again the hrst part only or what Mr. Lindley said,
ned to meetthe ear of his wile. Her voice was never
-sh never loud but it certainly didnot souna sweet-
asm a kind of low guttural, she replied, 'same gentler
i choose to think that they can afford but very little, to
like a wife happy.1 -
Mr. Lindley dropped the hand he had till then held
Uhin his, and rising, walked the floor rapidly. He did
It whistle he did not sing but he just made the notes
u ttftie audible, ns he inhaled and exhaled the air be-
:een his scarcely pouted lips. After some ten or fifteen
j 'nutes spent in this manner, he suddenly seized the vol-
le he had mentioned, and setting near the lamp began
turn the leaves. Meanwhile, Mrs Lindley neither
ake nor moved. -Her head resti d on her hand, and her
res sought the carpet but no fear fell for her feelings
ere too highly excited to permit them longer to flow.
hi disturbed husband found his book a vain resource,
id after twirling the leaves a few minutes, he threw it
i tne taoie, ana len ins room, i ne next moment nis
ife heard the street door close behind him.
Then, indeed, came a fresh flood of tears.
This,' she exclaimed, as she covered her face with her
ands, 'this is the sympathy he feels for me! To leave
e thus m perfect solitude' Mrs. Lindley was now
roajrht up to real ag .ny. The infant at this moment
?voke aud clasping him loher bosom, she cried : 'Yes,
your fathers ie2ungs artr zttch tor.-ards tost-
iothr, that to avoid her society, hcis even willing o
3a ye yon.
With the unconscious miant cradled in her arm3, the
jother indulged herself in looking back on the gilded
renes of her youth," or "rather of her unvaried life for
r youth was yet in all its freshness and beauty. Her
eedom from care, from confinement, the parties, the
i . . .u j: -ii - .i :
3IJS, inc content), uiu uihts, iu tame luiuiiyiny upun
.er:
""While memory, covered witli flowers,
Restored every rose, but secreted itslhorn "
In the retrospect, the picture was all brightness, all
jJadnefs; and what was her present lot? How great
ras the -contrast I io variety, no pleasure; 'an ner
says were twins; a perpptuai round ot petty nonsenoid
ires, and a nelpiess lniani oy nersiae or in ner arnisi
low dark did a disturbed imagination render the review!
She thoucht and wept until sne verily neiievep nerselt
Ihe most wretched woman alive: while at the bottom of
lll lav a feelm"" of displeasure against her husband, as if
Le were the willul cause oi an ner iroui its.
For nearly an hour Mrs. Lindley indulged herself in
ps nurelv selfish musings, murmurings, and regrets
hen the clock in a neighboring street striking the hour
nine, aroused her. 'Where can George be i she cried
ie ftlt some alarm : -and laying her again sleeping m-
it in the cradle, she went to the window and tnence to
Annr. io learn if h were comin?. 1 he street was
Ite still, not a footstep was to bo heard, and with con-
lin? feelings she re-sea'ted herself beside her child. 'O,
L!' thought she: 'Where can he be! In his
irbo tTwouIJ "O" '
M
cried she, 'what sunshine would his smile shed around !
out l nave displeased, grieved, wounded, forced him ironv
mef'
Never had an hour in Mrs Lindley's life dragged itself
along so slowly as the'present; and it was not till after
the clock had struck ten, that the well known footsteps of
her husband met her listening ear. With a bound she
met him in the entry. '0, my dear George, how gad I
am you are come.' He made no distinct answer, but en-
tered the parlor, and advancing to the mantle, rested his
elbow upon it, and leaned his head upon bis hand: His
countenance was clouded, yet 'more vin sorrow than in
anger."
'Dearest George,' will you forgive me?' said the trem-
blingwife; while she twinedher arm in his, and looked
up imptoTirisSin his face, 'willjyou,.can you forgive my
folly aud cruelty '
Yes Emily I can do anythingyou-a!cof me,'
0, George, don't speak so coldly, so sadly! Alaft I
have made you very unhappy 1' J
'You have, Emil', for I fear your union with me (re-
quires sacrifices you arc unable cheeifully to make.'
0, say not think not so, my dearest husband ! for 45
withstanding appearances are so much against me, it is
not so. 'Since you left me this evening,' she added while
a faint smile strove to chase away the gathering tears:
'since you left me I have had ample time for reflection- -for
retrospection. I have reviewed my married and rb-y
single life; and my cruelty, my ingratitude, my childish
perverseness to-night, have caused me the most bitter sef-
upbraidings May 'ou never know a pang like thai
which shot through my heart, when the thought struck
me that the Great Disposer of events, might free me from
care, as He 'has freed poor Charlette, by taking from me
my husband and child ! I cannot forgive myself but 0.
say that you forgive mfi!'
ifrom New York to New Orleans, is one dollar, but a
pqtmd of cotton is carried from this city to Liverpool for
one half-penny. The freight of a barrel of flour from
Rochester to Albany is only fourteen cents, exclusive of
toll, while the smallest letter sent bitween the two points
is charged eighteen and three-fourth cents. And so the
Post goes on, giving repeated instances illustrating the ex-
orbitant rates of postage. It then compares postages with
the fare for passengers. A passage from New York to
Liverpool, three thousand miles, can be obtained for four
or five dollars; yet it costs a dollar, to send a letter weigh-
ing an ounce four hundred miles. The fare from Spring-
field to Hartford, on the Connecticut river, during the last
summer, was twelve and a half cents a passenger; the
post office chaige for carrying the-most insignificant let-
ter between the same places 's six and a quarter or ten
cents. Again, to conclude: "A bushel of wheat in Q,uin-
cy, Illinois, sells for twenty eight cents, and the postage
on a letter from that village to a friend, or on business, in
this part of the country, will cost an entire bushel of wheat,
excepting two cents. An answer to the same will cost
another bushel; and if the letter weighs an ounce, its
postage will coat nearly the same through all the Western
States."
'Forgive you, dearest Emily I have nothing to for
give, if you will only be happy 1'
'O, I am most happy 1 most blessed 1 blessed in hav-
ing such a husband ! This bitter bitter evening has
taugJitrhe, that all the jo3rs of life cannot be crowded into
one state, or into one period: and I do think I can never
again regret the giddy pleasures of my youth, while in
possession of those so much more precious. Henceforth
MFXfiwSSl
Malebranche, the greatest mathematician of his day,
dreamt one night that he had a leg of mutton grown to his
Some philosophers, who called the lollowing
y once more that you forgive
an never again be so foolish
btsfdtnef as possible
me for depend upon it,
sc cruel so wicked !'
The husband bent forward, and imprinted a long kiss
on the forehead of the suppliant. She looked up, and his
eyes, beaming with love and renewed confidence, gave
her perfect assuiance that all was forgiven, forgotten I
Port. Trans.
V
tis. ' s iv ". ?3 not on
mobi? ard reu.o,-c ,r
;r ' " r rr vil 't .
- -t . i 7 -'- ru.
n,f
.""la'
,P if anj h
WAR SONG OF TEXAS.
They come, they .come, the ruthless band,
To enforce the tyrant's foul decree,
To desolate this smiling land,
The dwelling of the fair and free:
Sons of the West, the hour has come
Of victory or matyrdom.
These fields, which oft our brows bedew'd
Till bloom'd the desert with our toil,
Shall be in blood more deep imbrued
Ere thraldom stains the Texian soil :
'When bleireh our bones on every plain,
Then wolves may greet Santa Anna's reign.
Well shall the aspiring traitor learn
The cost of such a dreary sway
Behold yon warriors, few but stern,
Who front the invaders broad array:
True as the rifle to its aim
Each heart is to the cause they claim.
On, gallant souls, where glory calls,
And "God and Freedom" be the cry;
Where one devoted patriot falls
An hundred ruffian slaves shall die;
And should they win one conqaer'd rood,
I 1 is with a slam battalion strew'd.
""On, while heroic shades look down
I And view your kindred ranks with pride
j Your sires who fought with Washington,
I Your biethren who with Mina died;
"Shame not your race," they cry, "ye brave,
I Preserve a home or find a grave."
"Blest are the bowers no storms invade,
Where plenty Teigns and hearts are warm,
r- 15lest are the Free whose swords have made
Their dwellings safe from foes and harm,
But far more blest the valiant dead
Who die in honor's gory bed." R. M. P.
. The Madisonian contains a letter from the Post Master
Gmeral, to a gentleman in Kentucky, on the subject of
writing on the margin of newspapers, and sending them
through the mail to avoid the payment of letter postage.
ll would appear from the letterof Mr. Wickliffe that the
g ntlernan to whom it is addressed, had been in the habit
of sending papers, which he had himself received through
the Post Office, to his son in Cynthiana, Kentucky, with-
out first erasing his name, written on the margin. The
papers so sent, it would further appear, were charged with
litter postage by the Postmaster at Cynthiana ; and this
lei to an inquiry of the Postmaster General as to whether
this charge of postage is in accordance with the Jaw of the
Und.
I Mr. Wickliffe states in reply, that the Postmaster at
Cynthiana did not violate the law in exacting letter post-
age m the case alluded to. He could not know who wrote
the name, and it cannot change the question of postage
? hether the name is written on the margin by the person
sending it or another. If written and sent in the mail,
the right to exact letter postage attaches. Mr. Wickliffe
bakes occasion to stale in his reply that the practice of
maintaining a business or friendly correspondence by
writing on the margin of newspapers has been carried to
agreat extent. Hence the law of 1825, imposing letter
postage for each article of which the fraudulent package
i comuosru, anu a line oi nve uouars ior an sucn inirac
s . r .-
morning to see him, found him in the greatest distress of
mind, being persuaded he had that terrible leg of mutton
appended to his proboscis. Every argument of his friends,
every remedy of the faculty failed to remove the halluci-
nation from the great philosopher's mind; and his case
was given up as hopeless. However, one day a young
surgeon was introduced to Malebranche, and he told him
that .his medical brethren, not knowing a cure for his dis-
ease, had endeavored to persuade him that he had a nose
like those of his neishbors, but that he acknowledged the
.fact of the presence of the leg of mutton. If, however,
t.i i l- i.j ...i :. . .t, .; k ,.,u
ila ICDranCIie WUIIIU UUUIU IU iut upuiuuuii, no nuum
s'takehisown life on its success. Malebranche joyfully
accepted the proposal; and next day appeared theenter-
pVising operator, accompanied by assistants, carrying
litoives, scalpels, saws, tenacular ligatures, and all the
. LnrirnUFnKo nf (do tiAlinc iTt Mnlehranphr? wns ep-
ifaoy to-TJtras much like ,5 the onsratmo- stool, and. after employing every
i ;t i c? ' . . r .
'Enable instrument, the operator skinned the good
fs nose, and then squeezing it so hard that the pain
mim close his eyes, "Victory !" cried the surgeon,
"I W got it off!" and lo and behold there it was in-
fecore the delighted patient's eyes the very moment
ne pl them. It is true the operator had brought the
leg ofl.ton umicr his cloak, but Malebranche was radi-
cally cj
cft V
p-,-dffi(ia--'"T"e':,n5 Th Post Ma!r
"
REPCi 0F THE SECRETARY OF WAR
5 AND MARINE.
' APARTMENT OF War AND MARINE,
Washington, 12th November, 1842,
To His-E&2cncy. Sam. Houston.
President of the Republic of Texas.
Sir: In oiSffanrp. with vnur Evrellencv's instruc
tions of 3rd Sjijoj. jast j entered immediately upon
the duties pertain t0 tje Department; and beg leave
to submit the fol3yng rep0rt of the administration of the
same since the lasUp0rt 0f thc late Hon. Secretary.
Although the acy military operations of the govern-
ment since that p?d jmve been limited, and notwith-
standing the variouuirosjo,. milary services heretofore
rendered, as well formjes 0f land and pay as for sup-
plies and provisions f;,jshed the troops while employed
in the public service a lney could not be adjusted with-
out access to the recorder the 0ffice; yet the labor con-
sequent upon the prepatjons jn tjie earjy parl 0f the
year for defensive, and tht for 0frensjVe measures against
our Mexican enemy, togSxer wjtn that caused by their
recent advance into our teroryi have cept tU03e connect-
ed with the department connnlv encrared.
The volunteer force repoj fn the ff-ld on the 23rd
of June, stationed at Lipantin on the south .vestern
Irontier, were attacked at theifwampment on the 7th of
juiy luuuwuig, uy a very supenr f0'rce of the enemy un-
der the-command of Gen CanaV Thev were renulsed
without loss to our troops, and h,jiy flej rrorn the coun-
try. A copy of Col. Davis' officii reDort 0f the engage
ment, marked A., is herewith transmitted. Soon after this
occurrence the volunteers at that pK as well as the other
detachments in its neighborhood, danjot and returned
to their homes leaving the fronti 7 : without any other
protection than that afforded by the fe Spies under Capt
John C. Hays at post San Antonio T,,al officer was im-
mediately directed to augment Gis forcef possible, to one
hundred and fifty men, well mounted a d'equipped, and
to keep them constantly and actively emplied as Spiesand
ringers between the Sin Antonio river aVj Ri0 Grande
This he was unable lo accomplish for very "djvj0Us reasons.
Those who had been most active and ecjent for the
two past years in that kind of service, had eher 'exhaust-
ed their substance in the purchase ohorsesnquipments
and supplies, expended in the public servic for which
they have not been remunerated, or were Ciranelled to
witndraw irom it to attend to tneir respective aT,raiions
tience lew could be lound at once able to mount !(id equip
themselves and willing to enter aseri'ice which nrnmKpd
little else than fatigue and danger as the reward of the
soldier. Those who were willing to enlist, wer for the
most part, utterly destitute of means lo fit themselves for
the field: thagovernment was equally so itcom neith-
er furnish the means to equip and mount a force ir sus-
tain them for any length of time when in the field.
The consequence was a second surprise of San An ouio.
A division of the enemy's troops, commanded by Geisral'
Adrian Woll, entered the Town on the 11th. Sept,nd
the citizens being unprepared for defence against so lai
a force, surrendered the place after a very slight resistarye
and themselves fifty three in number prisoners of way
A copy of Major J. U Hays olhcial announcement of th
capture marKeu a, togetner wnn various otner letters re
lative theieto, numbered from 1 to G, accompanies this re
port.
From the information thus received and
from othersourcescorroboratingil, taken together
character of General Woll
signs At all events it became necessary to prepare, a
force for his expulsion, and at tne same time provide for
the defence of Austin and the lower settlements on the
Guadaloupe, as another division of troops under General
Ampudia, were reported to be marching in the latter di-
rection. A requisition was accordingly made pursuant to your
Excellency's instructions upon the militia of the counties
west of the Brazos river, with the, exception of Milam,
which, with those of Robertson, Montgomery, Bra2os and
Harris weie instructed to hold themselves in instant readi-
ness as a reserve. The troops of the upper counties on
the Brazos were directed to march by way of Austin, and
if necessary to co operate with Bastrop and Travis in the
defence of that place; while those ol the lower counties
upon the Colorado were ordered lo proceed by way of
Viotona with a view to its protection should the enemy
threaten it with attack.
The call was responded to with as much promptness
as could be expected under the circumstances. The facili-
ties for the transmission of intelligence and orders are
so limited as to render it next to impossible to bring about
a prompt and uniform movement of the militia when
emergencies arise requiring their immediate action. The
streams were all high from excessive rains, and added to
this, it is proper to semark that not a single dollar has ever
been placed at the disposition of the department for "ex-
press purposes" The consequence is that dispatches not
unfrequently lie upon the table foity-eight hours, and in
some instances a week before a rider can be .procured.
Owing to these reasons or something- else, intelligence,
of the capture of Bexar was not received at Houston until
the evening of the fifth day after it occurred ; the same
tardiness obtained in transmitting orders from the depart-
ment to the different counties consequently, before the
troops could assemble and organize under them, volunteers
to the number of three or four hundred in scattering par-
ties had hastily turned out from the border counties upon
the receipt of the news, and fallen in on the march, under
different leaders, without organization, discipline or con-
cert of action, and without any supplies. On arriving in
the vicinity of the enemy, a position was selected by Col.
M. Caldwell, who commanded the party in advance, where
the enemy was invited to attack him; which he did very
promptly, but was repulsed withdrew his forces fell
back upon Bexar and instantly prepared for retreat. A
copy of Col. Caldwell's official report nf the pngriigempnl i
marked C, is herewith transmited.
The volunteers, having concentrated, pursued him to
the Medina, from which place they returned to Bexar and
disbanded with the intention as was understood of ma-
king preparations to co.operate with those acting under
orders; who had now began to assemble on the frontier,
prepared and anxious to pursue the enemy to the Rio Gran-
de and beyond it if necessary.
It is deemed proper to remark here, that Capt. Dawson
and his brave companions were either slain or captured
while endeavoring to effect a passage into Col. Caldwell's
encampment for the purpose of sustaining him during the
action, though no official report of the fact has ever been
made to the department. It is mentioned because it is un-
questionably true; and should not be omitted.
Inasmuch as the campaign just ended had well-nigh
proved abortive, or had been attended with partial success
only, for the want of that sort of organization which would
give efficiency to the action of the toops, and as no or-
ganization had been effected in conformity to the orders
of 16th. September, of those now in the field, it was deem-
ed proper to designate some officer to give direction to
their movements. Accordingly, under your Excellency's
instructions of 3rd Oct., Brigadier General A. Somervell,
being the senior officer and the troops principally of his
legitimate command, was directed to proceed to the South-
western frontier, to select an eligible position for concen-
trating thc forces, and to take command of, organize and
muster into service such of them only, as were willing to
pursue and chastise the enemy. For this purpose he was
authorized to cross the Rio Grande and advance into their
territory should the strength and condition of his force
warrant such a movement. He was also authorised,
upon the organization of his command, to make requisi-
tions upon the government for such supplies of ordnance,
ordnance stoics and ammunition as he might require, or
as it could furnish.
Delays in forwarding communications and the impas
sable condition of the streams for some weeks past, have
retarded the movements of the troops and the collection
of supplies of beef so that no reports have as yet been
received cf their readiness to march for the enemy's fron-
tier. In consequence of the exposed situation of Bexar coun-
ty the confusion and disorder represented among the
citizens, the civil officers having all been captured by the
enemy or ceased to exercise the functions of their offices,
and thc facilities afforded the enemy for communication
and observation, and to prevent the driving of cattle thence
to the Rio Grande, orders were issued, according to your
Excellency's direction, to Major J. C. Hays to declare
martial Law within the limits of the county and to as-
sume the command.
I would respectfully suggest to your Excellency the
propriety of establishing upon that frontier a permanent
military force. One comparatively small would afford
ample protection against such marauding parties as have
nven us so much annoyance and at the same time so
much expense during the pdst year. Four companies
say two of Cavalry and two of Infantry would be suffi
cient to keep tne trontier clear 01 au piunuenng pauies;
and would serve to hold in check even a formidable force
until the miluia could rally to their support. It would
not only be useful for the services which it could perform,
but eminently so in reducing to system and order the mi-
litia, upon which, in time of war, we must ever rely for
defence.
The maintenance of such a force upon economical prin-
ciples (and I would recommend such to be adopted,)
would be trifling compared with that expended in calling
out quarterly a Brigade or two of militia (for the number
and design of the enemy is never known, and provision
always made for the worst) to say nothing of the loss of
time to the citizens, the distruction of their property by
the troops, the loss to the Republic in arms and ammuni-
tion, which when once issued are never returned ; and
finally the breaking up and abandonment of the frontier
settlements.
The troops of the middle and eastern "sections of the
Republic are always ready to repair to the assistance,-
those on the Western border, but they are too remoio
nnrir nn,' Immodintn nid. and this is the kind tKy re"
quire. The enemy uniformly get off before can
reach the scene of operations. Hence such d tUe,s u
ctanno nf thp frontier inhabitants as may hrv a-'lpcu luo
ravages of the enemy is consumed for VpT sl
On the score of economy therefore wel
.u ,., ; .vonlH I,n -Widely better
contribute his quota in money of personal services.
This would secure such pe'-1 protection, at least m
ordinary cases, as to rend-lure requisitions upon their
SeSnu
rotary of war lo I ,- . . .
effectuation of i'i-t obiect. Partial re-
received-rroini ;o:ne of the Brigades, no
air from others, nii'J compltte returns from
fr subsistence.
as on every
better for each to
if - -
- ' 1
hr .
1.-th
of the Republy'
2V'lcue toward'e
2 turns1have'-fn,.
intelligence!
her with the I tsj
, and his conduct as rianJfestedKiade to" 6rganize militia, that it is a thing difficu
a t . ft ; v.ry of out vhvJZnr1 .n pf' - - 1 "ndcr tho - f rn ', '0 c.'rc
of
nf 11 i-
rn:;
JS
, 1 b.
u pa
, i0
inJ
. ., 1 JiOV-
rriulaOlc in
irns
I S Ml.nM.M.n UA..A U trm
nxperience lias snownwnercvur uiifmjus uaw m.-cu
UICU11U1 Uw
rcurrstnn-
'c d fifi"!
t. mt cr ti.J: irn 1 ..' ' t
! . iifn 'u juaiinjr w.ir-
d more than aii'sasnMr-
.A
.tsV
mi
1
ganizing tendency of the law of 18th January, l84i, "lo
perfect the organization of the militia" which provides,
that. "in case ofa call by draft on the militia, by-order of
the President, he shall be authorized to receive volunteers
in lien of drafted men, and that the said volunteers be au-
thorized to elect their own officers, and report themselves
by Companies, Battalions or Regiments;" and further,
that "when any mixed troops are called out, jiart volun-
teers and part drafted men, and shall apply to the commander-in-chief,
or-the commandant of the expedition so
ordered out. they shall be permitted to elect their ovm
officers..
This law operates as an. insuperable barrier to the far-
ther progress of the officers in organizing their "respective
commands; inasmuch as the calls upon the militiaare
uniformly responded to by thoso claiming to be volunteers,
no matter whether ordered out-by their proper officers or
not. Hence it is that officers become negligent and in-
different in the discharge of their duties since chance
alone can give them command in active service; and. on
the other hand men are 'likewise careless with respect fo
the character and qualifications of those whom they elect,
inasmuch as they never expert to take the field' tinder
them. . "
It is easily seen what effects must be produced ri these
influences I therefore most respectfully, but earnestly
solicit the serious consideration of your Excellency unoK
if Ho nrnTinoft? nf o vk.fkol rr tVn !.rr ?Ini..vi i. 't'll.j
jkiiv. fjivfll.ll.kjr " ICUWU'WI kUG. ia.v IC1C11CU IU. XJUC
former laws on the subject embrace every thins thai 13
Requisite or necessary for the consummation of that desiia-
,ble object. -
Well grounded fears being entertained for the safety of
the citizens of Galveston Island and their property, the-
only works of defence having been demolished by the ac-
!tion of the water and the place menaced by the enemyTs
leet, thereby seriously affecting and likely to cut na the
principil and only certain source of revenue tothe gov-
ernment, it was thought advisable, and under your Excel-
lency's direction, Col. George W. Hockley was appoint-
ed, on the 22nd Sept. to the command of that important v
Post; with instructions to employ such materials as mghl
be found in possession of the government there, Ujetua
with the labor and meanswhich the rftfrpm pf Vl j?1"
might contribute or furnish, in placing the Island In a
state of defence.
He entered immediately upon the duties, and thf works
are progressing as rapidly as could be expected under the
s-CkUUiulibw. IX 1a k....iv.uik uk- .." u..o ciiivl rn.ati trtr.
ces to procure laborers on works of this character without
remuneration, and equally so to obtain many necrssary
articles without money and this the government could,
not supply. His requisitions for ordnance, Okdnar.ce
stores and small arms was complied with so far 25 a just
regard for the defence of the South-Western frontier would
permit. Tvo 6 pdr. brass field pieces with their appoint-
ments and ammunition for them, fifty inusketsndliity
sabres were issued.
With the co-operation and assistance which it .afarr. to
presume the citizens' of the Island will give, no doubt is
entertained th it the place will be made as defensible -as it
is possible to do with the materials at command.
Of the military stores now on hand.it is not possible ro
give, at this timp, a correct statement, either as regards
quantity, kind or condition. A portion of them yet re-
main at the Austin arsenal, and those at the depo'tet Hous-
ton have been for some time packed for transponalicDto
this place, which has prevented regular returns -being-sent
in. So soon as they are received, abstracts of the
same will be immediately laid before your Excellency
Our navv at the date of laswenortrwi iireH-ui'-v! '"'
force the blockaTIe publisbecTagainst the ports of Mexico.
With a view to this end, all the funds appropriated by ihe
list congress fbr that 'branch of ihe public service, wers
employed to fit the squadron for sea.
It was confidently expected that this sum, together rcr-
the balance still due from the government of Yucata
the use of our squadron (for which the-schooner Saa ....
tonio had been despatched) would enable it to proceed
immediately upon the execution of thai duty. ",. .
Immediately therefore, upon the publication ofrycur
Excellency's proclamation revoking the blockade, instruc-
tions were issued to Post Capt. E. W. Moore, Command-
in"1, to proceed with the vessels under his commandswifchk
out delav to cruize upon the enemy's coast. At lhe.date
of the last advices from him however, the squadron was
not yet in a state of preparation for sea. a
Owing to the failure on the part of Yucatan to comply
with her engagement, the available means left atthe dV
position of the commandant were insufficient to complete
such repairs as the vessels required, ami at the same'ttrne
to mii an J provision "them. The ship Austin and brig-
Whirton are consequently still in the port of New Or-
leans, where they have been repaired and provisioned
means are however wanting to complete the shipment cf
their crews and to purchase clothing for them. To obta
which the San Antonio w.fs, on thc 19th of August des-
patched a second time co the codst of Yucatan Shehad
not returind at the last accounts ; nor has any thing('wen
heard from her since she sailed There is much reckon.
therefore to fear that she was lost during the heavy gres
upon the gulf towards the latter end of September, vsh
all on board.
This vessel, together with the San Bernard had hi - "
completely fitted out in the city of Mobile, as beforerer
ed. The fatter proceeded to Galveston to avvaTuehng 1
of the squadron, where she was thrown ashinbj1
recent gale, and still remains aground. ThpjatyHus
tained, though inconsiderable, will .require gtobe rapet
from the water, repaired and launched wh.ch 'can b
done in a very few days when theflepsary means sha
have, been given for tbnt purpose-jfj"". -pairs
previously, for which pucse she was waiting
fair wind to clear theiport wh-the gale came dn, a
rangeraents having been majn-Ncgr Orleans to put he
in dock. Hercrew hasf charged, with the excet
tion of t-.vo-.-nen- and l boyff-jThe officer with :&o ,
of the crew retained6, bard .the br,S Arfhe,r-
Thislast nam&vessr-:Tiim'xm3 ln very near'y tlie sarn
condittonMn,w&n she was formerly reported. She he
sustained battle injury, her anchorage being secur.
and haviFhad tne constant attention of the officer con
mandiptne Station.
rv&ry effort has been made to dispose of the Stea
SKp Zavala in accordance with the provisions of tl
'oint Resolution of 5th February last, but it has been ii -
itnrisible to do so no one could be lound willing to exp 1
the sum required lor her repair, and at the samo timeT o
Bond for her return to the Government :nfceen d-,i
notice, even though the government sliouWIigree to reim-
burse the contractor in the amountxpended. Endea-
vors were then made as it uasen she must go to r'e-
ces to contract for . ei ruir and charter together, sav-
ing the party the-t.se oPJie vessel for a specified time ,a
liquidation .r the contract, and in case the governmv..t
should require -her return at an earlier period to pay c
the piny the amount expended together with such ct m--ensation
as might be allowed for time and trouble. TLs
arrangement was in progress, when the late gale can
on, which has left her in such a condition as to render ?t.y
further efforts fruitless she is now a romplete. wreck.
Her Boilers and machinery, which were of the best !-
scription have sustained much injury from exposure to vne
saltwater, though they are itill valuable, 'and should be
preserved I therefore respectfully suggest to your Ex-
cellency the propriety of making some immediate dispci-
tion of her remains while something majvyetbe obtai.id
If such a course had been adopitd rcrr2onths siu e,
one ol the proceeds arrismg from our sale would h?tve
CTtbl'd 'he Squadron lo hnve been ur.on the Gulf.-wht::
.: -,-" huS b""n so jiv.cit r-qiared, md wh-
... kept so '""n u. our c :u.rr h
n c i nf"
on, I bs. u..yc to s.t!i ycur Excelled y - at
1 ue -lo
oncli
it :
happy w
j'
acted
yrfft
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Cruger & Moore. Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 8, No. 3, Ed. 1, Wednesday, January 4, 1843, newspaper, January 4, 1843; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth48215/m1/1/?q=Lamar+University: accessed June 4, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.