Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/346

 by which the reign of order and the supremacy of the laws were speedily re-established.

It was deemed prudent, in order to secure the maintenance of these blessings, and to give due protection to the civil authorities in the administration of justice, to station a company of men in the county of Shelby. For the purpose, a corps of volunteers were enrolled, and continued in service as long as the Government thought it advisable for the preservation of peace.

The Executive does not doubt that the honorable Congress will readily perceive the necessity which existed for the exertion of the strength ol the Government for the suppression of the disorders alluded to, and that they will as readily make provision for the payment of the expenses incurred in doing so. It appears that the force authorized to be kept in service for the protection of the southwestern frontier has not been adequate to afford the security anticipated. The Government, being desirous to extend every facility in its power for the better security of that border, authorized the raising of a company in addition to that already in the field. The expenses thus incurred are small, and it is hoped that the necessary means will be provided for their payment.

Reports from the several departments and bureaus are herewith respectfully transmitted, and the attention of the honorable Congress invited to their contents.

I have now only to add the hope that your deliberations may be characterized by that wisdom and harmony so essential to the attainment of those great ends for which you are here assembled; with my fervent desire that all your labors may, under the guidance of Heaven, give additional force and energy to all those principles of private and public virtue so indispensable to the stability, prosperity, and success of the Government and people of the Republic.

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: This numerous and respectable assemblage of the free citizens of Texas and their representatives, exhibits the best possible commentary upon the successful action and happy influence of the institutions of our country. We have met together for no purpose but that of adding another testimonial to the practicability of enlightened self-government—to witness a change of officers without the change of office—to obey the high behests of our written Constitution in good-will and fellowship, as members of the same great political family, sensible of our rights and fully understanding our duty.

I am about to lay down the authority with which my countrymen, three years since, so generously and confidingly invested me, and to return again to the ranks of my fellow-citizens. But in retiring from the high office which I have occupied to the walks of private life, I can not forbear the expression of the