57
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
Countrymen no bitter enemies-not one I think among the natives-· As for Chambers I shall try my strength on him, And all I require of you is lo look on and if you cant be for me don't be against me- The Texas people that is East of Bejar in order to be consistent with their vote in Septem. voted the old Ticket, consequently McKinney is suplente, my absence prevents his leaving, and the Brazos department goes unrepresented. Individually I am pleased because I dislike beyond Measure a popular ap- pointment- I consented to serve in this instance but think I shall ne,·er do so again,- By next session, if the Census is taken, Brazos and Nacog- doches will each have two memhers. In JanY and FebY 2000 persons arrived in at the mouth of the Brazos. Emigration has been tremendous this year, and still continues. - This Legislature is liberal and are determined, to be the last to yielq up the Federal system. I have in union with others recommended the es- tablishment of schools and a College to be founded out of Monies arising from lands. The Government refuse to acknowledge the families about Trinity and Nacogdches etc etc as a part of those belonging to the New York Companies contracts. those who have been possessioned by their Commissioner remain with their lands-but they will not be counted for the Company. I have not yet gotten my business before Congress, my documents are all ready-and in the hands of the members as individuals, unless they deceive me I shall succeed- Don Marcial Borrego-(a man of the mos( [weight?] here) first counsellor and acting Governor in the absence of Viesca, and who was a member of the last Legislature, and by the way with Augustin Viesca, the supporte;s of Robertson, is my friend and assisting me in my business, confesses they have been deceived, but does not want the matter so remedied as to compromit the decoro of the Govt. 1 I have told him, that redress is what we want, and that as citizens do not wish to stigmatise the Govt. under which we live- I have letters from home to the 17th inst all are well, my own family and my friends desire to be rememhered to you they think you are at this place. They complain of a backward spring, much rain and cold- With a hope of hearing from y.ou by the next mail that you are released and about starting home, I will close this asuring you that I shall inform all in Texas of your situation and write as you requested. And notify McKinney of your draft. You must not permit yourself to want for any thing, if money can get your release let us know Texas will come out like a white head, and raise what may be necessary. Johnson and Peebles
1 This refers to the Robertson Colony. See Barker, The Life of Stephen F. Austin, 367.
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