Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/300

 agent, in furnishing them the means of further injury to the exposed frontier inhabitants of our country, had acted under the orders of his Government. It is due to his Government to suppose that he had proceeded unadvisedly, and that the stipulations of the treaty concluded between the United States and Mexico, in April, 1830, will be rigidly adhered to so far as they appertain to the United States and Republic of Texas. It was among the first objects of the Constitutional Government, on assuming its duties, to adopt such measures as would give peace and security to our extended frontier. For this purpose, commissioners were appointed, at an early period, to hold treaties with several of the most numerous and active of the frontier tribes. As yet, nothing has been effected, owing in part to the season of the year at which the business was commenced, as well as to other causes. A hope is entertained that something beneficial will shortly result, as our commissioners are in constant expectation of forming a treaty with the associate bands of the prairies. This Government has recently received information, from sources entirely satisfactory, that a delegation, consisting of twenty Northern Indians, residing on the borders of the United States, had visited the town of Matamoras and had stipulated with the Mexican authorities to furnish that Government three thousand warriors, well armed, so soon as it would invade Texas. Commenting upon such alliances in the present age would be an insult to chivalry, and a reflection upon the hearts and understandings of those who have sought to establish the maxim that war is calamitous enough without the evils of treachery and massacre, which devote alike the female and the warrior to cruelty and death. Assurances are rendered to this Government that citizens of this Republic have lately been made prisoners by the Caddos, and that scalps recently taken on our frontier have been seen in their nation. It is within the province of this Government to inquire into the causes which have produced these calamities, and no vigilance on my part shall be wanting to prevent their recurrence. I feel fully aware that the policy of this Government is to pursue a just and liberal course toward our Indian neighbors, and to prevent all encroachments upon their rights.

The army of Texas has never been in a more favorable condition than at present. The permanent force in the field is sufficient to meet all the emergencies of invasions while at the shortest notice the defence of the country can be brought into immediate action in that event.

I feel assured that a system of discipline, subordination, and police has been established in the army, which reflects much credit upon its General, and does no less honor to the officers and soldiers than to our country. They have encountered many privations and difficulties within the last season, which it was impossible for the Government to avert, owing to causes already stated, and I am proud to say, that order has been manifested, and the spirits of those men devoted to liberty have not sunk into pusillanimity and weakness, but have been borne up and illumined by the ardent hope that they may, ere long, meet an enemy opposed to human rights, when they can evince to the world, that they are the descendants of freemen, and that they are invincible. I feel a pleasure in recommending their condition to the consideration of Congress; and trust that every possible aid may be rendered to their comfort, efficiency, and glory. At the same time I feel assured that they will not disregard the history of revolutions, and that one important truth will not escape their observation, viz.: that those who contend for liberty, must be prepared to endure privations. The