267
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
do as we will, "walk upon fires covered ·with deceitful ashes." In order to obviate these evils, and give universal satisfaction, I would respectfully suggest -that the present Provisional Governor immediately order an elec- tion throughout Texas, on the 1st of January, for memb,~rs to n Convl.'ntion, to meet on the 15th of the same month. Let it be fully announced, that this Convention is called to ascertain the will of the majority, in regard to a declaration of independence, to sell the country to the United States, if prac- ticable and desirable, to form a constitution for Texas, to take prompt measures to prosecute the present war with vigor, to fix the seat of govern- ment, and also the seats of justices for the different municipalities, to ap- point a board of commissioners to adjudicate and settle our land titles on a solid and secure basis, to resolve themselves into a legislature, if neces- sary; in short, let it be clearly understood, that this Convention will meet to. do whatever, in their opinion, the good of the country requires, and that they exercise all the powers which the people themselves possess in their radical and original capacity. In this way, the' people of Texas will vote wi~h their eyes open; the will of the majority will be clearly ascer- tained and carried into effect, which, in my estimation, will redound much indeed to the prosperity and quiet of our adopted, and at present disor- ganized and distracted country. Allow me to assure you that the course herein recommended would meet the views of a great majority of the army, and also of those citizens with whom I have met since my return from camp. A conscientious con- viction of the importance, correctness, and indeed indispensability of it, induces me to declin~ acting as commissioner, under present circumstances. I understand that arrangements have been made to borrow one hundred Lhousand dollars, which, with the other aid in the power of the Governor and Council to bestow, will be amply sufficient to sustain the army, and provide for all other emergencies, until a new Convention can meet. . In conclusion, allow me to say, that I believe.the sustaining of the present army is more important than every thing else put together; and that I hope and recommend that no pains be spared to give them all the comfort and sup- port within the powers of the provisional government. A belief of the importance of sustaining the army, will induce me to return to it imme- diately, with all the recruits I can possibly muster. Very respecfully yours, WM. H. WHARTON. P. S. The army is much in want of coffee, sugar, flour, tob~cco, cloth- ing, etc., and if not furnished as soon as possible, great and just dissatis- faction will ensue. Please communicate as much of this as is necessary, to the Provisional Governor and Council. November 26, 1835.
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