484
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
so intimately connec.ted with all the interesting events of his times, that a faithful account of his life must necessarily embrace a large portion of the history of our country. It will be perceived therefore that the materials appropriate to such a work, will not be limited to any p~rLicular epoch, but will include what ever relates to past wars-Lo the aborigines-Lo the thrilling events of our present revolutionary struggle for Independence- and indeed to every subject and circumstance in any wise connected with the country and worthy to be remembered in its annals. His correspond- ence was extensive; and if collected, will go great way in explaining our political history; such letters as may be entrusted to my use will be care- fully preserved and returned to the proprietors whenever demanded; and for a-11 well authenticated facts and valuable documents, proper acknowl- edgements will be made and due credit given to the contributors. Be so kind as to act as one of my agents in receiving and collecting materials for the object proposed; and also state in your journal, that all contributions intended for my use, may be address to the Care of Col Henry Austin of Bolivar, to yourself at Columbia and to Mr. Perry below Brazoria. As Boswell said of Doctor Johnson, we ought not to "loose one drop of ou.r immortal friend"; and it is to be hoped that the early followers of Genl. Austin-the hardy adventurers, who blazed their way through the bottoms of the Brazos-will not permit the soul stirring scenes of former days to fade from memory, or go unchronicled, before the witnesses are called upon to follow their faithful Pioneer to other and more beautiful Prairies of the spirit land. MIRABEAU B. LAMAR [Note on back]-: In setting up the above in type, correct the orthog- raphy, but preserve my punctuation. M. B. L.
}ilIES F. PERRY TO THE PUBLIC 1
Stephen F. Austin.
To THE FRIENDS OF AusTIN. A sacred duty is yet to be performed,- A noble trust is yet to be com- mitted,- a patriot's gratitude is yet to be given to the biographer of Stephen F. Austin,-the father of his country,- Him! the first great "pioneer of pioneers," who founded, who suffered, who died for his coun- try. Wonderful man! Rising superior, far beyond common thought and human passion,--casting from him, in the service of the state, the fe~lings of the private man, for the sake of u.nion in a common cause,-for his coun- try's good. "This first of patriots, and best of men," forgot injury, in-
1 This was probably issued about '1844.
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