238
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
son ho was the Ring Leader and he is the man and his mob that has nerly kild me for nothing on Earth
L. SMITHER
[Addressed:] Jeneral Steven F Austen at Head quartr
GAIL BORDEN, JR., TO AUSTIN
San Felipe Nov 5 th 1835
DEAR GENL. I would say something of the proceedings of our Convention were it not that you will get the most important transactions in the hand bill of the first days proceedings-Yesterday, however, the day was principally occu- pied in discussion on the resolution offered by Mr. Wharton appointing a committee "to make a declaration to the world setting forth the reasons for which we take up arms etc" Though the discussion was lengthy and ani- mated yet coolness and moderation pervaded throughout the debate. . Your opinion as to what you believed should be the course· to pursue was introduced as ''!'.ell as several plans all of which were referred to the comipittee on the subject. 1 Whatever may be the decision it will be unani- mous. My opinion is, however, that a large majority will declare for the principles of the Constitution of 1824-- Unanimity and good feeling I believe is the order of the day-and I trust all will go well. I am waiting to see what the Convention will do on the subject of raising money before I attempt to obtain it on your own account. I believe they will raise it. They ought to do it I am certain- Last night was a cold and stormy night, and I thought of you and the army-that perhaps you were in the broad prairy without cover and per- haps destitute of wood. I regret to hear your health is not good; and fear, the hardships of the Camp and what is worse, the labor of the mind will endanger your health. Had a conversation with Genl. Houston today-I believe he has the in- terest of our country ~t heart. He made the best speech yesterday I have ever heard; the whole tenour of it went to harmonize the.feelings of the people and to produce unanimity of sentiment. I think there is little doubt of much aid and assistance from the United States. Had the favor this evening of seeing your letter to Dr R Peebles in which you advise to suspend for the present, any farther locations in land. Little business has been done in the land office for some time past, and I can isee "Declaration of Causes for toking up Arms" by the editor, in Southwestern Historical Quarterly, XV, 173-185.
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