rob the country of every thing valuable this information and the quiet stale of this part of the country has induced me to take up the time of march this morning lo Baxar, you will please forward me your further instructions by the bearer of th.is
James Smith Inspector Genl
[Addressed:] To Brig. Genl. T. J. Rusk Commanding Victoria (3344)
[TRIPLETT to PRESIDENT and CABINET]
New Orleans 8th June 1836
To the President and Cabinet of TexasGentn.
Herewith you will receive copy of a communication to Mr. Toby. I found myself very delicately situated, with a part to act which bordered upon the character of an informer on the one hand, or of a pusilanimous agent on the other. To do my duty I was determined, and if possible lo prove that in doing it, I had no wish to injure Mr. Toby. As a communication calculated lo do him injury, I thought required, in justice, to be seen by him, l sent him a copy asking an answer, I understand from Mr. Ellis he said he would give one, which however I have not received, and presuming upon Mr. Tobys sense of propriety, I take it for granted he would not send an answer lo the Government, without shewing it to me. I have received your letter enclosing Gen Santa Anna's defence of the massacre of Fannings Troops for publication, and have gotten Mr Ellis lo have it translated. I have hesitated two days, whether or not, I could take the responsibill ty, of delaying lhe publication until I could communicate to you, the niews of some of the most intelligent friends of Texas in relation to it. A powerful sensation has been produced in the United States, and especially in Congress on account of that massacre and I believe principally because of it, is there a strong inclination to acknowl- edge the independence of Texas, and in every way to take part with Texas, against Mexico. If Santa Anna can be excused for the act, Justice requires that he should be heard, but whether ii: is proper to let his vindication go lo the world, under the sanction of the President, without a contradiction ancl refutation by the President of so much of it, as he knows to be untrue, is
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