Confidential Executive Department Washington, December 10., 1842. To Messrs. Thomas I. Smith and Eli Chandler: Gentlemen, The importance of removing the public archives and Government stores from their present dangerous situation at the city of Austin, to a place of security, is becoming daily more and more imperative. While they remain where they are, no one knows when they may not be utterly destroyed. They are constantly liable to attack and destruction by the enemy. A due regard to the right, and interests of every citizen in the Republic, therefore, impose upon the Executive, under the constitution, the duty of providing for their safety. In performing that duty, he must rely upon the agency of those to whom he shall entrust the execution. Your prudence and energy, Gentlemen, point you out to me as the proper agents for the performance of the work. You will accordingly receive herewith, full authority to act. The manner of effecting your object will be left to your sound judgment and discretion. You will, of course, be attended by such aid as any contingent emergency may require. You are acquainted with the condition of things at Austin, and the exasperation of feeling pervading those who are directly interested in that place. You will govern your movements so as to suffer no detriment either to yourself or the property you may have in charge. Be prepared to act with efficiency. Do not be thwarted in the undertaking. From the great weight of the archives, it will require at least some ten or fifteen waggons [sic] with strong teams to move them. It would also be well to conduct your operations with the utmost secrecy; and by all means raise a sufficient force to take possession of and guard the archives before any rumor of your intended visit could possibly be received there. You might raise your men as if for an Indian excursion; and by no means let your object be known till you are ready to act. Threats have been made that if the archives are [2] ever removed it will be in ashes. The loss to the country in such an event would be infinite and irreparable. You can determine which would be the most eligible route - down the Colorado or across the country to the Brazos. The latter would likely be the safer - particularly from Mexican attack. The Government offices being now here, the archives and all the public property at the city of Austin will be brought to this place. You will report to Col. Thomas William Ward, Commissioner of the General Land Office, and Special Agent in charge of the archive, who will give you all the facilities in his power. your most obt. servt., (signed) Sam Houston [docket] Copy of Instructions to Smith & Chandler on removal of Archives Oct 10th 1842 rec'd at Austin Dec 30/42 Confidential