624
AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
officers of Companies, who as on former occasions did not obey the order for on the day they were to hnve rendevoused at this place instead of the required number only ten men reported themselves to the Adjutant, nine of whom were from the 5th Company. Such is the situation of the militia and I fen.r the cliposition of the Com- manding officer, that all and every call will be attended to in a like manner, be the necessity what it may. I mention this to show you that the Militia cannot be relied on, and consequently the double necessity for obtaining an appropration for rusing a company by enlistment for some specific time and price. However until this is clone or the contrary appears, I am determined to remind the com- manding officer of the Battalion of what he ought to have done in the first case, by orders and fines if any can be imposed under such circumstances, until he acts as an officer should do. On the subject of the administration of justice, as respects myself I can say but little and probably ought not to sn,y any thing but be- lieving as I do that whatever concerns the Colony in any wise is a matter of interest to you, I feel it a duty to give such information as the shortness of time that I have acted in the capacity of an officer will allow. As yet if I have not given satisfaction the people have had courtesy enough not to complain, except the friends of Ingram and League, to whom are united a part of the friends of H. S. Brown, ns to the number and respectability I say not. In this case as all others my acts and conduct as an ofiicer are publick, therefore I have the people to judge and time to prove the propriety of both, and whether correct or not I have the consolation of knowing that I have done what I believed to be my duty as an officer. I enclose you a copy of a letter directed to the Assessor General on the subject of Interest and Usury, which if consistent with your views on the subject, I must beg you will mention to the Assessor and so far as prudence will permit give to it your strength and in- fluence. I take this opportunity of acknowledging the obligation of grati- tude I feel on account of the interest you have taken in my behalf, and your advice will be received with due deference. A word more on the subject of father Muldoon and I have done. From the character of that gentleman he is anxiously wished a.nd looked for-Messrs. Lesassier, Williams and Williamson are a com- mittee to wait on him on his arrival in this place. I hope you will keep us informed how you get on in the legislature and excuse me for not writing you sooner. F. W. JouNSON [Rubric] Col. S. F. Austin
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