1054
AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
menced. The truth is I lost patience and was imprudent and of course to blame, for patience is necessary in such cases. I hope that no friend of mine will blame the vice President or complain of him. I put on one side all considerations of personal safety or consequences to myself and thought only of suffering Texas and the fevered and excited situation of my constituents-had I erred from a want of zeal or industry or dilligence in the discharges of my duty as an agent, all would have had cause to censure me and my own conscience would have been the first to do it, for nothing can be more sacred than a public agency. :My conscience is at rest-- as an agent I did my duty, or, only erred from excess of zeal to do it-good has resulted even from that error if it was one. I am suffering but the evils of Texas are remedied- this idea consoles me for my misfortunes and enables me to bear them firmly. Remem- ber me to McKinney and show him this letter also H. Austin and if Mason and Hotchkiss are thei·e remember me to them. Love to Emily and all the family s. F. .A.USTIN N. B. I sent you two mineatures from :Monterey by :Mr. Powel which I hope you have recd. The small one was taken the begin- ning of October when things were very unfavourable for Texas and I was not in a pleasant humour of course it therefore bas rather a ,cross or frowning look-the otl:i.er that is th~ large one, was taken in November when all was right. :Mr I-Toward who painted them has gone to Texas and I recommend him to you very particularly as a good artist and a very good worthy young man. If Hotchkiss is in Texas remember me to him very parti- cularly-he i~ an honorable and high minded man-his friendship is valuable for he has no deception-he will no doubt blame me very much for writing the letter of 2d of October don't mind that-I blame myself because it was the irµprudent act of an ex- cited impatient moment. If I find that I am to be detained here long, I will send you a power of attorney to sell any of my prop- erty you think proper and make titles. I send you an extra-judicial power under which you can act if you think proper-deeds may be wanted for the Brazoria lots and perhaps you may do some- thing with the place at the mouth of the river west side. Do ns you please with anything of mine and try and have a room for me at your house. S. F . .A.usTIN May 10 1834 Mr JAMES F. PERRY I know nothing about the political situation of the country but am told it is very unsettled-some say worse than it has ever
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