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THE AUSTIN PAPERS
gratitude, contumely,-forgave his bitter enemies, and with them, labored for his country's triumph. Such, and more, was Stephen F. Austin: One of the brightest examples of human enterprise and virtue,-a man that should be known to every Texian. Upon his countrymen we rely for aid in our present undertaking. From a sense of duty, and at the solicitation of our friends, we have commenced the task of collecting material for the life of Genl. Austin. Having in our family all of his public and private papers in his posses• sion, at the time of his death; with the information gained from bis sister, (his only near relative). the playmate of his childhood,-the companion of his youth, we already have more than a nucleus around which we hope to collect much information impc,rtant to the future historian of Austin and Texas: But for this information we must mainly rely upon gratitude, friendship and public spirit. Before it is too late we wish to collect the information that the pioneers and old settlers alone can give, which may be, unless now obtained, ere long, buried in the silence of the grave. We appeal then, to those who braved, with the patriarch of Texas, the wilderness; to go back to the time when they thirsted and hungered,-fought the savage, and drove him from his haunts. Survivors of the old "THREE HUNDRED" we appeal to you. We appeal to the OLD SETTLERS for justice to the memory of Austin. Yes, once more enact the scene of other days; once more under Austin's banner march and do good service for his, and your name,- A servico due to yourselves,-to posterity, to your worthy and beloved chief. We do not seek information from the old settlers alone; but look to every Texian, whether he Be an old, or a new settler, to communicate any- thing of interest he knows of Austin, Austin now is the property of the whole country: no particular portion of the Community can claim him; no section of Country can appropriate him. In the language of the good and chivalrous Lamar, in 1837, we would further present the claims of Austin, upon the patriot and true Texian. "The claims of General Austin upon the affectJons of the people of Texas were of the strongest kind. He was not only the founder of our republic; but there is scarcely a blessing which has flowed to the country that may not fairly be attributed to his untiring efforts for its welfare; whilst almost every calamity and misfortune which have befalien it, might have been averted by an adherence to his wise and prudent councils. The world_has afforded hut few examples of superior intelligence and sagacity; and as for disinterested and extended philanthropy, his long sufferings for the ·weal of others;-, his patient indurance under persecution,-his generous forgiveness of enemies-and his final sacrifice of health, happiness and life in the service of his country,-all conspire to place him without a modern
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