Letters From The Past: David G. Burnet to Henry Raguet, April 7, 1836

[joe817]

[President Burnet calls the "Runaway Scrape" premature, judges the army under Houston to be "in fine condition and high spirits," and calls on eastern Texans to join the fray. :/b]

"Executive Department
Harrisburg 7th April 1836
To Henry Raguet Esqr.
Chrmn of Committee of Safety etc.
Nacogdoches.

Sir , I have the pleasure to inform you and, through you, the good citizens of your vicinity, that the late premature and unhappy panic, which pervaded so large a portion of our citizens, has subsided, and that a more generous and worthy feeling of confidence is gaining ground, and diffusing itself among all classes.

The fugitives are, for the most part, preparing to return and join Genl Houston in the field. Our army is in fine condition and high spirits. All that is wanting is reinforcements, to enable the Commander in Chief to commence offensive operations, and to prosecute them until the savage and treacherous enemy are extirpated from the soil and air of Texas, which they have already polluted too long.

The day of vengeance is at hand. Let the citizens of Texas do their duty manfully and as becomes the name of Americans, and these minions of despotism will soon be annihilated.

The enemy have passed the Colorado, about 1300 strong. An addition of a few hundred to our gallant army will insure their speedy destruction. Will not the Red Landers “rush to the rescue” and join in the glorious strife that shall emancipate Texas from her ruffian and dastardly enemies? I know they would not be denied the opportunity; that they will not loose [sic] it, and waste their time and strength, in shameful inactivity; while others, and Strangers too, are winning honor, fame and the future gratitude of Texas, by the overthrow and expulsion of her enemies, and the establishment of her Independence.

Rally then, citizens of the Red Lands; Assert and maintain your right to participate in the glory of saving your country, and avenging the atrocities committed on martyrs of Liberty, who perished in the Alamo, and on those who have been massacred
in cold blood. Teach those half civilized, barbarous Mexicans, by a just, though severe retribution, that we know how to temper justice, with mercy, and humanity with justice[.] That their unexampled cruelties may provoke a just retaliation, but cannot intimidate a brave and generous people.

David G. Burnet
President of the
Republic of Texas"