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THE AUSTIN PAPERS
political march. It must be forward. The country has rested a short time under the declaration of 7th No,;ernber, in order to look around and gain a little more strength and a little more information as to the road yet to be traveled over-and we are now ready for another move and a final one. Whatever difference of opinion there may have been as to the time for this move, I hope there will be none now. The whole nation of all parties are against us; they have left us but one [course]-INDEPENDENCE- It is now necessary as a measure of self defence. The United Stales as a people are ready to sustain it-we shall sink in their estimation if we do not adopt it. •My health is greatly improved- I wish it had been as good in Texas- I should then have been more active and followed my own impulses and judgment, both of which are sufficiently indicated by my communications of 30th November, 2nd December and letter to you about that time. I sh~ll ·try to be at home by the first week in March and preach lnde• pendence. s. F. AUSTIN.
AUSTIN TO GAIL BORDEN, JR.
New Orleans Jan 18, 1836
DR SIR, Texas continues to rise all over this country, our rise in public opinion and confidence is however based entirely on the prospect of a speedy declaration of independence-I have assured every one that this measure is certain and will be unanimous, as all the reasons in favor of the declara• lion of 7 Novr. have entirely ceased owing to the federal party having united with Santanna against us- My health is greatly improved-had it been as good before I left home, I should have come on from San Felipe by land and avoided the excitement which I found blazing at Quintana and other places in the low country. I shall preach independence all over the U. S. wherever I go__:_ What do you think of the inclosed idea of a flag? Mr. William Bryan has promised to attend to your business, but no in• surance can be effected S. F. AUSTIN [Rubric] [Addressed:] Gail Borden Jr San Felipe de Austin Texas To be mailed at Sao Augustine or Nacogdoches
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