We now learn that . . . Santa Anna, after a singular series of military and political reverses, is again raised by the popular voice to the Presidency of Mexico, and that he is endeavoring to call forth all the energies of that country, for the purpose of prosecuting his hitherto unsuccessful war upon Texas. Authenticated as is this intelligence, by information of a character which almost challenges contradiction, it is strengthened by the conviction, that the vanquished of San Jacinto, a great and successful hero, however, in previous and succeeding battles, must from his known temperament, entertain the fertile ambition to blot out the memory of his degradation in Texas, by directing another campaign against this country. Internal dissensions in Mexico, we are told, are for the present quieted; Yucatan, even, having sent in its notice of submission to the government of Santa Anna. Since the capture of the Santa Fé Expedition, unadvisedly sent out from this country, the arch leaders of the enemy have been artfully busy in getting up a rallying point, at which all parties, it was supposed, would unite, lay down their domestic bickerings and feuds, namely: the subjugation of Texas.

In the approved resolutions, the citizens of Houston indicated their willingness to cooperate promptly "in any measures adopted by the Government in reference to our Mexican enemies, whether they shall be offensive or defensive in their character." It was recommended that the regimental and company officers of the Harris County militia "forthwith . . . appoint and hold early drills and parades, for the purposes of military instruction, and that the citizen-soldiers be requested to turn out with alacrity, to carry that purpose into effect."[83]

Under authorization of other resolutions, Chairman Moore appointed E. S. Perkins and J. F. Randel, as a committee of two, to take up voluntary subscriptions of money from citizens in the community to purchase a supply of ammunition; he also appointed a committee of vigilance of five persons whose duty it was to give "such early intelligence to the community as they may from time to time receive," relating to the present status of affairs with Mexico. To the latter committee Moore appointed S. S. Tomkins, R. C. Campbell, John Scott, Colonel A. S. Thurston, and Dr. William McCraven, and on motion from the floor Dr. Moore's own name was added to the list.[84]

A week later, in an open letter to the editor of the Telegraph and Texas Register,[85]  James D. Cocke, captain of the Border Guards in 1840 who was referred to by the anti-Lamar press as the "fighting cock" because of his extreme partisanship,[86]  set forth in clear, unmis-