Houston, Sam (1793-1863) to Samuel P. Carson, re: defense of Texas
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01172 Author/Creator: Houston, Sam (1793-1863) Place Written: Camp West of Brasos Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 03 April 1836 Pagination: 2 p. + addr. 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Written to his Secretary of State.
Camp West of Brasos April 3 1836
My dear friend
Your favors I thank you for- I am pressed with duty and oppressed with cares and solicitude. I am doing all in my power to organize the army and insure for the present the defense of the country. The day is not far distant I hope, when we will act offensively. I did not intend to charge you with cowardice when I deplored your leaving Washington. It was the effect it produced on the public. I know you are brave & honorable! and others with you-so it was no charge of cowardice against any one.
I send my boy to you with this letter & my official papers- They are cumbersome, and I never keep any pack horse-I want you to take care of these papers and as for Willis, I wish you to keep him strictly, and make him wait upon you. He does me no earthly good, and only keeps me vexed- almost to death. Another thing he speaks Mexican, And I wish him taken care of, and good care. You will have to flog him well.
You need not think of leaving Harrisburg for if we had no army here the enemy could not pass Brasos. It bottom will soon be over flown, and compel me to [inserted: never illegible] or cross the River. [2] It will be to fall down, and unite with the whole force of Texas. My opinion is that the enemy intend to visit Matagorda, and the Velasco.
They are now in trouble but from what cause I don't exactly know! If the water does not rise I have no disposition to leave this point until it should be necessary to intercept the enemy or form a junction with other forces.
I hope God will protect you, and all the friends of Texas. I want an Express to be sent here every day, and let me know just how matters stand. Send Troops & supplies from the U. S. by sea, land at Galveston Bay. It is the best and march by land.
Keep Willis secure. He does not know that he is to stay with you so you can let him know it. He is very sensible & shrewd and can wait on you well if you choose to make him. My papers are important, and must be preserved with care. They are private & public both.
Salute all my friends, and may the God of battles preserve you.
Your Ever Truly,
Sam Houston
Honble S. P. Carson
Col. Rush will tell you the news
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.