July 22 1836 to Sep 23 1836 - PTR, Vol 8

Papers of the Texas Revolution, Vol. 8

The Papers of the TEXAS EVOLUTION 1835-1836

John H. Jenkins general editor

Volume 8

Presidial Press Brig. Gen. Jay A. Matthews Publisher Austin 1973

Editorial Advisory Board

Maj. Gen. Thomas S. Bishop Dr. Dorman H. Winfrey Dr. Malcolm D. McLean

Dr. Robert Cotner Dr. James M. Day Robert Weddle Charles Corkran Richard Santos John Kinney

The interest and assistance of the National Guard Association o!Texas in the publication of these works is gratefully acknowledged.

[3764,] [BURNET to DRAKE ET AL]

Executive Department, Republic of Texas, Velasco, July 22, 1836.

To Daniel Drake, M. D.; William Corry, Esq.; Pulaski Smith, Esq.; Nathan Leamans, Esq., and W. Chase, Esq. Gentlemen: The two beautiful pieces of "hollow-ware," lately presented to us, through your agency, by the citizens of Cincinnati, as a free-will offering to the cause of human liberty, were received very opportunely, and have become conspicuous in our struggle for independence. Their first effective operations were in the memorable field of San Jacinto, where they contributed greatly to the achievement of a victory not often paralleled in the annals of war. I doubt n.ot their voices will again be heard, and their power felt in the great and interesting cause to which they were dedicated by your liberality, and in the advancement of which we are so arduously engaged. To you, gentlemen, and to the citizens of Cincinnati, who have manifested so generous a sympathy in our cause, I beg leave to tender the warmest thanks of a people who are contending for their liberties and their lives, against a numerous nation of semi- savages, whose cruelty is equalled only by their want of spirit and of military prowess. Should our enemy have the temerity to renew his altempt to subjugate our delightful country, the voices of the twin sisters of Cincinnati will yet send their reverbations beyond the Rio Grande, and carry unusual terror into many a Mexican hamlet. Texas has no desire to extend her conquests beyond her own natural and appropriate limits, hut if the war must be prose- cuted against us, after abundant evidence of its futility has been exhibited to the enemy and to the world, other land than our own must sustain a portion of its ravages. Permit me, gentlemen, to tender to you, and to your fellow-citizens who have rendered Texas much efficient aid, assur- ances of my profound esteem.

Your ob.'t serv. 't. David G. Burnet.

( 3765] (BURNET to TOBY]

Executive Department Velasco 22 July 1836

To ~lessrs-T. Toby & Brother Gent.

I have the pleasure to acknowledge your favor of 12th instant. Your attention to the subject of volun leers is very grati- fying to this Government. Our Army is getting strong and unless the enemy shall accelerate their movements, we shall want em- ployment. Our great object now is to have our Army well sustained. For this purpose, your exertions are greatly relied upon. The present from the ladies of the Havana is as flattering to our national feelings as it is interesting in itself. ShouId you succeed in getting possession of those guns, we wish them sent to Galveston, with a competent supply of s-uitable ammunition. We are much in want of some six or eight good strong Gun Field carriages for 4s and 6s and if practicable I will thank you to send them. They had better be shipped to Matagorda; one or two good Caisson's with harness &c would be very acceptable. In haste

Your Obedient Servant David G. Burnet

[3766]

[BURNET to TOBY]

Executive Department Velasco 22 July 1836

To Messrs T Toby & Brother Gent.

You will please send by first opportunity, to this Govern- ment I Doz Copies Rules & Regulations of the United States Army.½ Doz. Ditto Ditto of the Navy and oblige your Obt Servt David G. Burnet You will also send l doz of the rules and articles of War. Burnet

[3767) [FISHER ET AL to HOUSTON]

Colorado 22 July 1836

To Genl. Sarni. Houston Commander in Chief Texas Army

Sir The undersigned a portion of the officers and soldiers of the volunteer army, earnestly desire your immediate return to head quarters, our reasons for this communication will be given you by the bearer Major Pol.

William S. Fisher Capt. [and signed by 77 other officers an cl soldiers]

[3768)

[HUSTON to LEE)

Office of the Qr Mr Genl Quaintana July 22, 1836

Order N. 13. Theo. S. Lee Qr Master Sir,

You will forthwith proceed to Liberty & as far as lies in your power collect or cause to be collected all the cattle that were donated also those that were seized for the use of the Govt You are also authorized to purchase to the amt of 500 head of Beeves giving Govt paper for the same taking care to take & keep dupli- cate accounts of your purchases. In collecting the Beeves donated & seized upon you will be governed by Col. Wheelock's order. You will have all the Beeves you can procure driven west of the Brazos river between that & the Colorado & there herded until further ordered. You will take the necessary means to procure a sufficiency of help to carry this order into effect & it is to be presumed that you will use the most vigilcnt means to accomplish it I have the honor to be Sir Your ob St &c A Huston Qr l\fr Genl

\ 1.

[3769] !JONES to HOSKINS]

Velasco 22nd July 1836 I do here certify that the within named men were a part of the men who came from Tampico with Genl. Mahia and also that the most of the men quartered on J.C. Hoskins did proceed immediately to the Texas army and served in the same and I do further certify that I believe the within acct. of $78 to be a verry reasonable charge for the trouble and expence that they were to J. C. Hoskins. Edward S. Jones Provisional Government of Texas To ] . C. Hoskins 1835 To Room Rent for Capt. Allens company from the 4th December to the 11th-6 days. $6 .00 To Boarding Capt Allen and 11 of his men & officers for 6 days at $1 each per day 72.00

\ 1

$78.00 The Auditor of Public Accounts will please allow the above

acct.

A. Somerville Sec. of War

[3770] [McGEHEE to ANDREWS]

This is to certify that the Ranging Corps under the command of Col. E. Burleson made use of six Bushels of Corn at one dollar and fifty cents per bushel property of Michael Andrews. Colorado July 22, 1836

John G. McGehee Capt MR Corps Ewd Burleson Col. Comding Rang.

•

[3771] [MILLER ET AL to HOUSTON]

[July 22, 1836] .

The undersigned officers and soldiers of the Regular Army having almost unanimously chosen Major Genl. Sam Houslon, who led them to victory on Lhe plains of San Jacinto, do request the bearer Maj. George W. Poe, to slate to you our sincere wish lo have your presence in the Army, and authorise the officer who bears this, to express to you our feelings and views on this subject.

W. P. Miller l\"lajr. [and signed by llS other officers and men]

[3772)

[SANTA ANNA to HOUSTON]

General Sam Houston

Columbia July 22nd 1836

Much esteemed Sir Embracing the opportunity offered by Capt. Geo. W. Poe-I send you copies of the agreements into which I have entered with the Cabinet of Texas and also of the letters that I have directed to President Jackson & General Urea in order Lhat you may be informed of their contents. Besides the light these documents afford, the same Capt., bearer of this will inform you of all the particulars that have embarrassed my departure for Mexico, which in my opinion you can easily remove wilh your influence in order that Texas may owe you its complete happiness-Your return has appeared to be very apropos al the same Lime very important because it seems to me your voice will be heard & properly respected.-All that I have said to President Jackson I repeat to you on this occasion. By ordering my prompt return to Mexico according to the agreements you will do the greatest service to Texas as was your intention from the beginning although your good wishes unfortunately were not complied with on account of your absence which is to be deplored- Hurry yourself then to come among your friends lake advantage of the favorable time that presents itself & believe me in all circumstances your affectionate & very grateful servant.

Anto. Lopez de Santa Anna

(3773] [ALLEN to FELLOW CITIZENS]

Head Quarters Texian Army, Victoria, July 23d, 1836.

To my fell ow citizens in arms and the

Volunteers from the United States. Gentlemen,- It is with much delicacy I address you on a subject, touching the deepest intere:sts of our country, but my feelings are such, I cannot forego making a few brief remarks, and call your attention to a consideration of them, and hope you will grant me that indulgence-I have learned that this Army have resolved to bring General Santa Anna here, and try him by a Court Martial for his life, for the savage and murderous deeds he has committed. That he deserves death no one can doubt; but is that the true policy for us to pursue at the present? I cannot think it is, and it appears lo me you could not have been acquainted with all the circumstances relative to a negotiation with General Santa Anna, or you would not have taken the course you are about to pursue. You are no doubt aware that a treaty has been made with the President, General Santa Anna, by this government, which was commenced (as I have been informed) by your Commander-in-Chief, General Samuel Houston, for the cessation of hostilities. There has also been a private treaty made, the object of which is to make a permanent and amicable settlement of all our difficulties between this Government and Mexico. There has also been an application for mediation by General Santa Anna and this Government to the Government of the United States. General Austin has also written to the President of the United States on the subject, giving him a full statement of all the facts and circumstances, attending the negotiation with General Santa Anna, from the commencement up lo the time he wrote. These I know to be facts as I copied the documents. General Santa Anna in his letter to President Jackson and his conversations with General Austin, gives clear, lucid, and cogent reasons, why it is to the interest of Mexico to acknowledge the independence of Texas and thus bring the war to a final close; and he urges the President of the United States in the strongest terms, to mediate between Texas and ~lexico, by which our difficullies may he fairly sellled. Some may urge that we cannot treat with General Santa Anna,

being a prisoner of war, and that the United Stales Government under such eircumslanecs will not notice the President General Santa Anna's application. This may be so, but the experiment is worth trying. Should the Government of the United Stales accept the application for mediation, and General Santa Anna be allowed lo return home, the maller perhaps might be soon sellled, as the party of General Santa Anna (as is well known) is the strongest in Mexico, and he no doubt would in a short time place himself al the head of the Government. IL is al least more than probable. In a convention with Gen. Austin, he told me he had repealed conversation with the President of the U. Stales and many of the members of Congress- much sympathy was by them expressed in behalf of Texas, and a strong solicitation of feeling that the difference between the contending powers should be settled, a peace established, and he General Austin is of the belief, and has no doubt that the Government of the United States will accept the mediation, and try to bring about a lasting peace, and put an end lo the shedding of more blood. Within sixty or ninety days, we may calculate lo have an answer from the Government. I sincerely hope and lrusl that there is not a man among our citizens, who is so wanting in patriotism, as lo desire to see this war carried on, if it can be otherwise settled through negocialion, and I cannot believe there is one lo be found among the brave, chivalrous, and philanthropic volunteers from the United States, who have come lo assist in our holy and righteous cause, that can desire lo see us plunged further into war, if by negotiation we can obtain our peace. As the negotiation and application to the Government of the United States for that Government lo mediate between Texas and Mexico, has been commenced I trust, your resolutions may be stayed until we hear the result of that undertaking. I look upon this maller as one of great importance, touching the most vital interest of our country. I view it as I would an important maller of business or speculation, and calculate the changes for and against the operation. By putting an end to Santa Anna, what do we gain? Nothing but the satisfaction of knowing we have punished him for the inhuman and murderous deeds he has committed upon our countrymen, but by preserving him we have a double chance of bringing our difficulties lo a final adjuslrnenl by the aid of the United Stales Government. The experiment is al least worth trying as it has been eom1m:nded. [ foci assured that

I I

1 \ ' ' I I

the voice of the people generally will be with me, when they become acquainted with all the circumstances. Putting General Santa Anna to death cuts off all hope of negocialion,- we have no alternative left but to fight our way through- a prolonged war will destroy our country for a while, and make bankrupts of many of our citizens-these are weighty considerations and ought not lo be lost sight of. I a pecuniary point of view, we are illy prepared for war-we have not money, nor have we good credit; so far what has been done has been done by individual enterprize- I have advanced nearly $25,000 to carry on this war- I am unable lo advance more-there are others who have advanced a much larger sum, they are now like myself unable to do more except in personal services; therefore we embrace the opportunity of negotiation while we have it in our power, and if we cannot ,...succes.5 in that, our only course left is to fight for the rights we wish to establish and let our watchword be Independence or Death. In the meantime while we are awaiting an answer from the United Stales Government, our Army should continue to organize, and should the answer not be favorable to our views our contemplated expedition could be extended towards Matamoros and the Rio Grande in cooler weather than it now is, with success, and with that view we ought to be ready and prepared as far as in our power for the worst; and in fact so the enemy are making a show of hostility, perhaps our best course would be to pursue the war with vigor, which might' more effectually bring about the much desired negotiation-but of this however I am not a judge. It also appears lo me that we ought to make a friendly treaty with the Comanche Indians, whereby we can co-operate with them and have much of the country on the Rio Grande in Tomaulipas, Coahuila, Chihauhua laid an entire waste, by encouraging a trade with them and buy all the horses, mules, sheep, and cattle they can plunder from those States. Should these steps be taken, if we have lo resort lo further fighting, it would be much more difficult for the Mexican Army lo march against us-the wilderness would be extended, and the supplies of stock cut off, while at the same lime the supplies of stock for our army would be increased and really it appears lo me, that if we cannot succeed by negotiation, we can by such a course. It cannot fail to bring the Mexicans to their senses by which they may be easier humbled, and much more readily grant us our Indcpendencc.

I l I I

I i I I

I am but one humble individual among many, but I hope my voice may be heard- I believe il to be the voice of the people, and let me again beg of you to stay your resolutions, relative to the disposition of Santa Anna, until we have an answer from the United States Government. However it appears to me under any circumstances, he ought to be retained and disposed of by the next Congress, in such a manner as it may be deemed best for the true interests of Texas. From one who is deeply interested in the true interests of this my adopted country, A. C. Allen. [3774] (ANDRADE to TORNEL] En esta ciudad he recihido una communicacion <lei Sr. general D. Jose Urrea en que me inserta la que V E. le dirijio el 4 <lei corriente contrayendose a que se me pidan aclaraciones sobre la desocupacion de Bejar: nada masjusto, Ecsmo. Sr., que satisfacer a la nacion y su gobierno; y al efecto me diriji a V. E. con mis comunicaciones de 23 del procsimo pasado y 8 <lei corriente, por las cuales estara el Ecsmo. Sr. Presidente interino impuesto <lei por que evacue a San Antonio de Bejar, asi como el por que no pude cumplir coa las ordenes que se me clieron para permanecer en dicho punto. La nacion lo estara tambien con la publicacion de esos Ecsmo. Sr. documentos y otros que no dejan duda de la situacion en que yo me encontre en Bejar, asi como en mi marcha a Matamoros cuando mancle las fuerzas que me entrego el Ecsmo. Sr. general Filisola. Al Ecsmo. Sr. Presidente interino le tributo mi reconociniento por la consideracion con que se sirve honrarme en la nota que V. E. dirijio al Sr. general Urrea, y que tengo el honor de contestarle, tributanclo a V. E. mis respetos y consideraciones. Dios y libertad. Monterey 23 de julio de 1836. - Juan Jose Andrade. - Ecsmo. Sr. Ministro de la guerra y marina.

...

(3775) [ARCHER to MASON)

July 23th 1836

Genl. J. T. Mason,

Your letter address'd to Genl. S. F. Austin, directed lo my care, has been duly delivered. I stated to you in Orleans; that during the winter of the present year, Genl Austin and myself were in the Town of Louisville Kty. where Genl, Austin was informed that a Book was in press in tl1e Town of Cincinnati, Call'd the History of Texas; And you suspected to be the author of said book which information was given lo Genl Austin in the Town of Louisville; And to me in the Town of Cincinnati. I Have no knowledge, that Genl Austin made a single remark in relation to the Author, of said History touching his character as a man of lmth. The remarks in relation to the author were made by me in Cincinnati; If any one is responsible for the matter, connected with the Book aforesaid, I am the man Permit me sir, in the kindest feeling to remark, that my letter address'd to you in Orleans, of date 5th of July, should, and I trusted would, be perfectly satisfactory on the subject of the Book and that no imputation can fall upon you from any remark made in relation to it. B. T. Archer [Addressed:] Genl. John T. Mason New York Mail

(3776] [BRYAN to AUSTIN]

New Orleans, July 23th 1836

Hon S. F. Austin Dr. Sir.

During my absence to Natches Mr. Ellis addressed you on the twenty eighth ulto per Sehr Pennsylvania, relative to the change of Agents and the effect it has on the commercial community in this city, I was immediately called upon for settlement of accounts and urged to make immediate payment and lo meet my personal responsibilities for the Government of Texas I have noticed ~Ir. Ellis' remark respecting the Five thousand Dollars you deposited with me I hold myself bound to fulfill the understanding we had and throw myself on the just views and influence of the Late Commissioners, to protect me

...

from Ruin. On receiving the appointment of Agent my commercial pursuits were relinquished and my Lime from that date was exclusively devoted to the interests of Texas. Whal has been my reward?- Disgraced by the proceedings of your Cabinet, without receiving a word of Explanation! In the Commercial Bulletin of yesterday you will perceive the proceedings at Washington, which leaves no doubt but the independence of Texas will soon be recognized, It is not believed by our most respectable Mexican Merchants that a force will be sent lo Texas this Season- Your attention has been so often Called to My situation, I say no more on the subject and look for generosity from the Executive of Texas. Per Sehr Flora you-Dr Archer and Col Wharton will receive packages of papers, Also I send you two of this date. No late arrivals from Mexico. By the arrival of Mr Hameean, I had the pleasure to learn your safe arrival and trust to receive advices from you next vessel Wm. Bryan Gov Viesca has rec. letters by an Arrival from Tampico this morning which informs him that a revolution has already commenced in Zacatecas we also have news that an apology has been made to the U S Government thro the papers for the Insult to the American officers at Tampico and the Commanding officers of the post dismissed. We also have news that the Mexican Govert are Making efforts to raise another army by kidnapping Young and Old and forcing them into service. they will also attempt to raise Two Million Dollars by forced loans. each Merchant to pay from 1000 to 1500 dollars or go lo prison all Foreigners are Arming for self defence against the rabble dates to the 7th July [Addressed:] Gen'l S. F. Austin Velasco pr brig Good Hope (3777) [BURNET PROCLAMATION] By the President of the Republic of Texas, for the election of a President, Vice President, Representatives and Senators to Con- gress. To all to whom these presents shall come greeting. Know Ye, that I, David G Burnet, President of the Repub- lic of Texas, by and with the advice and consent of the Cabinet do

decree and proclaim, that on the first Monday in September next, there shall be an election throughout this Republic at the several places, in the respective precincts, districts or counties, for holding elections for a President, Vice President, and members of the Sen- ate and House of Representatives of the Congress of the Republic of Texas. And all officers heretofore authorized to hold elections in their respective counties or precincts are hereby required to hold the election on the day above named for the said officers. And in case there should be in the County or precinct no person authorized to hold the election, then the voters will pro- ceed, before opening the polls, to choose three managers, whose certificates as to the result will be received. In the precinct of Austin there will be elected one Repre- sentative to Congress. In Brazoria Two, Bexar Two, Colorado one, Gonzales one, Goliad one, Harrisburg one, Jasper one, Jefferson one, Liberty one, Matagorda one, Mina two, Nacogdoches two, Red River three, Victoria one, San Augustine two, Shelby two, Refugio one, San Patricio one, Washington two, Milam one, and Jackson one. The returns to be made to the judges or managers of the election at the Capitol of the precinct within three days from the elec~on who will issue the necessary certificates to the persons elected. And from the Senatorial district of Bexar there shall be elected one Senator. From San Patricio, Refugio, and Goliad one. From Brazoria one. From l\tina and GQnzales, one. From Nacog- doches one. From Red River one. From Shelby and Sabine one. From Matagorda, Jackson and Victoria one. From Austin and Colorado one. From San Augustine one. From Milam one. From Jasper and Jefferson one. And from Liberty and Harrisburg one. And whenever two or more precincts compose a senatorial district, the managers of the elections at the capitols in the precincts last named in this proclamation, after having received returns of sena- torial votes shall make their returns in five days to the managers of the election in the capitol of the precinct first named, who shall issue the corresponding certificate to the person elected senator And as there are now in the army, in the service of their country, a great many persons who might thereby lose their right

of sufferage, therefore all such persons entitled lo vote can do so by holding an election and sending the returns to the managers of the election al the capitol of the precinct of which they are citi- zens. The name of each voter being taken down in writing and forwarded with the returns. And as some of the precincts are depopulated by their temporary abandonment on account of the invasions of the Mexi- cans and the inroads of the Indians, therefore all such persons thus absent are permitted to exercise their right of sufferage by meeting together wherever they can in any number, holding an election and making the returns in Len days lo the Secretary of State, in which reh1rns shall be stated the names of the persons voting and the result thereof. The returns of the votes for President and Vice President are to be sealed up by the managers of the elections at the capitols and directed to the speaker of the House of Represen- tatives. And as it has been impracticable to publish the Constitu- tion in time to give the people ample opportunity to examine it, and as it is believed that some parts are objectionable, therefore the managers of the election are required to ask of each voter whether hs is willing to clothe his senators and representatives with constitutional powers to revise and amend the same, and finally to adopt it. Also whether he is in favor of the adoption of the Constitution as it now stands, or of its rejection, or revision and amendment by Congress. And as it is conceived important to the interest of the country that the people should determine whether they are in favor of annexing Texas lo the United States, therefore· the mana- gers are required to put the question direct to each voter and make return of the number of votes for or against it. The Senators and representatives so elected are required to meet on the first monday of October, in the town of Columbia. Done at Velasco 23 day of July 1836, and of the indepen- dence of the Republic of Texas the first. David G. Burnet

[3778) [HUSTON to SECRETARY OF WAR]

Office of the Qr Mr Genl Quintana July 23. 1836.

To The Hon. The Secty of War Dear Sir,

A few days since I was informed by Mr. Jack a member of the Cabinet that there was some cattle in the neighborhood of Liberty belonging to the Govt & that I ought to send some person in whom I could rely to secure them, stating also that the people in that part of the Country were anxious to do something for the Government and that a quantity might be bought & I understood from him that he thought I ought to send immediately. I accord- ingly issued the order to Mr Lee, not knowing that there had ever been any order from the Govt regarding the cattle previous, and ordered my Clerk to take the directions of Col. Wheelock who said he had a knowledge of them. I understood from Col. Wheelock that the cattle that were seized were about to be run out of the country- It is well known to every man that knows my manner of doing business, that countermanding orders given by superior offi. cers of the Govt would never be done by me if I had a knowledge of the fact. I suppose our Govt were about to sustain a loss by not collecting these Beeves & therefore ordered Mr Lee to do so Sir I have the Honor to be Yr ob St &c A Huston QrMrGenl [3779] [HUSTON to SECRETARY OF WAR and l\'IILLARD]

Office of the Qr Mr Genl at Quintana July 23. 1836.

To the Hon. The Secy of War & Lieut, Col. Millard Comdg Dear Sirs

On the night of the 22d inst my office was entered by some villian and robbed of most of my public papers, also a quan- tity of private letters &c also of leaves extracted from my Day

Book 3 of which were entirely Blank the others containing impor- tant accounts there were no less than 6 persons lodging in the room at the time I have the honor lo be Sir Your ob St A. Huston (3780) [JACK to GRAYSON and COLLINSWORTH)

Department of State Velasco 23rd July 1836

Messrs Grayson & CoUinsworth Gentlemen

I have seen Mr. Clay's report relative lo Texas, but am not advised whether any action has been taken thereon since it was received. The report admits the physical ability of Texas to sustain her Independence, but they seem to want evidence of our power (civilly) to perform the duties and obligations of a Nation. This evidence can only be furnished by time or they must take us upon trust. Al the same time they will doubtless recoUect that we spring from the same origin, that we have imbibed the same principles and have been educated in the same schools of republican and liberal institu lions of their very distinguished statesmen, who can boast of being members of the best Govern- ment in the world. We have called a meeting of our Congress. The elections are lo take place on the first Monday in September, and Congress will meet on the first Monday in October thereafter. Being satisfied that our plan of being attached to the United States would be much advanced by giving lo that Government the strongest possible evidence of our earnest desire, we have ordered the managers of the election lo take the vote of every citizen on that subject. As lo the result, there cannot be, at this moment, the least possible doubt. The question has advanced in popularity since you left here, and nothing is hazarded when I say, that nineteen out of twenty, most earnestly desire it. So much as indeed, that few would be disposed to enquire by what right the United Stales obtained Texas? We believe that will be our ultimate fortune, and

we fondly hope the time is not distant. It is said that Genl. Gaines has or will establish his head quarters at Nacogdoches. Should this be true, and the claim of the U.S. to the Neches, admitted by Mexico, it would have a most unfortunate influence on the balance of Texas; and I, for one, am prepared to say, "if you take part, take all." In Mr. Grayson's last and only letter, which I have received, he desired to know if possible what may be the probable Texas debt? I have conversed with a number of Gentlemen on this subject, who are well informed, and the current of opinion, seems to be, that it does not now exceed eight hundred thousand dollars. You have no doubt received a copy of Santa Anna's letter to President Jackson. The fond hope is cherished, that something valuable may result from this, and that the further effusion of blood may be suspended by the friendly interposition of that Government. Do you think a negotiation could, in any way, be opened through the Mexican Minister at Washington; Suppose you sound him indirectly, and, if possible, learn whether Mexico will consent to appoint commissioners, to meet ours, on neutral territory for the purpose of settling the terms of a peace, based upon the recognition of our independence. I am inclined to think this measure is very likely to succeed, but still it can do no harm.

Allow me to conclude with assurances of the highest personal regard

Wm. H. Jack Secy of State.

{3781]

{JACK to TOBY]

Department of State Velasco 23rd July 1836

To Thomas Toby Esqr Texas Agent Sir

Enclosed you will find a power of Attorney, of a special character, authorizing you to issue scrip, for this Government, for

lands to certain individuals therein named, who made contracts of loan with Messrs Austin, Archer and Wharton. You will also find a copy of iny letter to them, from which you can easily discover, the nature of the difficulty between the Government and the contractors. You will observe the proposi- tions which are made at the end of that letter, and if they accede, your power authorizes you to issue Scrip for the land to the Corresponding amount. The relinquishment of preference or priority, over other purchasers, or claimants, is a sine qua non; the object of this Government being to put all upon an equal footing. This relinquishment, you will be careful to insert in the Scrip, in order that no further difficulty may arise in relation thereto. You will also insert, that the holders of the Scrip, are to pay the surveying fees etc. As evidence, of which I send you one of their blanks. Herein you will find a form, such as, we conceive, con- forms to the spirit of our contract. We earnestly hope, that every difficulty may now be obvia- ted, and that you may be enabled, to realize immediately the balance of the loan, which will amount to about one hundred and eighty thousand dollars. We regret exceedingly that the matter has been so long unadjusted, but we feel confident, that the contractors must be satisfied with our exposition. The propositions now made to them, must be acceded to or rejected without delay, as longer negotiation is to be avoided. We hope that you will able to sell, by virtur of your former power, a sufficient amount to answer our immediate exigencies. If you would prefer it, and think it would render sales more speedy, you can send blank scrip, down to us, which will be signed and returned immediately. In your last letter, we remark that you have advertised, that all audited claims will be received in payment for scrip. This is entirely too general, and will have a very unfavor- able influence. Audited accounts, and orders upon the Treasury, will be sent up, from this country, to large amounts. Scrip will be taken up, and the holders, anxious to _raise cash, will force our lands out of the market.

We desire that no audited accounts shall, in future, be received in payment, except such as have been or may be ordered by the Government; or such as are created, in New Orleans or other foreign cities, for supplies &c. . Having confidence in your zeal, ability and integrity, en- tirely unshaken, and unimpaired, I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your Obt Servant Wm. H. Jack

Secy. of State

[3782) [PERRY to BURNET]

New Orleans 23rd July 1836

To His Excellency David G. Burnet Sir

I hold the acceptances of the old Agent, William Bryan, for about two thousand dollars some of which, are some time due & the residue will he due in a few days. The present agent wd pay them if you will be so good as to transmit to me an order from either yourself or the Secty of the Treasury or Messrs Thos Toby & Br to pay .at sight the acceptances above alluded to. I feel assured that your Excellency & the council, will grant my implied right knowing as you undoubtedly do, that there are more who have materially identified themselves wilh the great & good cause of your interesting country, who are more or less injured by it; indeed most of the Banks will not grant a single facility to the friends of Texas, add to this the fact that the sum which I will receive of the present Agents will be immediately applied to aid the cause of Liberty beyond the Sabine. If the scrip which the agents expected per the Julius Caesar had arrived there would have been a considerable amt. of funds in their hands now. The scrip should he made smaller-say half & quarter sections, and thereby he within the means of every drayman labourer, & hodman in the country; these men who may now be enemies to your country would, if they had a small sum invested in its soil, become friends; for "Where my treasure is, there is my heart also" this is, as near as I can recollect, the language of the Scripture. There is another fact that deserves the attention of the government: Viz. There ought to be a Rendezvous placed some

fifteen to twenty miles below this city with comfortable board & lodging for the volunteers; then by a request to the Commandant of Fort Jackson a Drill sergeant could be procured whose duty wd be lo parade & drill them every morning and eveng by this means they wd become partially but very beneficially disciplined during their stay, whereas now they lounge about without a place to rest their heads, they often drink & meet with enemies of Texas, who dissuade them from their patriotic purposes & send scores of them back home, all of whom are thus either cold or partially enimical to your cause. This was a great oversight, indeed the business, of Texas, from some cause or other, was never more than half done; and ind[ torn J this, view of the cause, I congratulate your Sir, and the country, upon the fact that with the smallest means you have produced the greatest results-and further remark that when I say "not more than half done" I do not mean to eensur any person connected with your affairs. It was rather the result of misfortune than malintention. I have the pleasure & the honor of giving passage to about One hundred & fifty fine looking fellows, (volunteers) on board the Brig Good Hope, which vessel has been devoted to the cause of Texas since her arrival in this part of the country. Have the goodness my dr. Sir to make my respects agreeable lo the gentlemen of the Cabinet and also to excuse this almost uninteligible script and accept my best regards &c Stuart Perry Please also to advise the agents to pay me for such Papers as I may have taken for the passage of volunteers and persons connected with the cause of Texas SP. [3783] [TOBY to BURNET]

New Orleans July 23, 1836

To His Excellency D. G. Burnet Esq. President of the Republic of Texas

Dear Sir Enclosed we hand you a copy of an anonymous letler addres.sed Lo the Editor of the Bulletin-Whether it can be relied on or not is a

question. Still we are told by one of our ~lerchanls who has seen the ori!rinal that is from a respectable merchant in Matamoras a Mr H W 1fowell -We also enclose a teller from Gen] Houston which was enclosed in il but came by way of Tampico. Two vessels having arrived here this morning-The report that everything was tranquil at Tampico but a bad feeling existed agaiinst the foreigners there-the dates are to 14 Inst-We are confident they intend eventually to enter Texas-but if Urea & his men were destroyed it would in all probability prevent & slop their purposes- Enclosed we hand you the report of the proceedings in Congress on 4 Inst-The Good Hope has on board from 152 to 200 Volunteers-We have shipped by her 8 casks Tin were containing camp Kettles Coffee Boilers, Tin cups, mess pans, Tin canisters pr Shot & canteens. 345 Sacks corn 83 Do Beans 3 Cases containing Cotton & Duck Shirts & pantaloons, and wrote to Col ~!organ at Galveston to hold the s~me subject to the order of the Executive- By the Julius Ceasar, we shall send you the paper ordered for the printing establishment at Brazoria-and she will also have on board some volunteers- We must urge upon you the necessity of sending up the Scrip to place us in funds to meet the demands of the Government-I am

Yours Respectfully Thomas Toby & Bro

Mr. P. P. Rea New Orleans Dr. Sir,

Copy 1st July 1836

Through the medium of your paper I think it highly necessary that the Govt. of the U. Slates, as well as the Texians should be informed of what presents itself so odious in my opinion in the character of General Urrea the Mexican Commander in Chief, too unpardonable to be overlooked, & should be immediately attended lo by the U. States. We have at this moment here 6 or 7 Indian Chiefs, Cherekees & other tribes with their Interpreters from Texas those Indians arc on a mission to the General, & have had several private meetings with him, there exists no doubt, of the business they have come on, and have made propositions to the General, Lo join the Mexicans against the Tcxians, which appears now to be concluded, as Colonel Waterchea is to be dispatched tomorrow to

their Camp, some distance up the river, where they have 30 or 40 in number, lo be used as spies or runners. I had occasion to Call on Ge11l Urrea at his quarters on business wl,ere I met there 3 of the Indians with their Interpreter making inquiry of the Strength of their Tribe, the General being anxious to ascertain what force they could muster with the other tribes. The commissary of this place has orders to purchase 800 or 1000 hourses for the cavally which he is now doing. Every movement appears lo confirm the belief that the negotiation is completed, with a promise lo the Indians of land & Cattle, should they assist & succeed, in exterminating the Population of Texas: as to honour with any of the Mexican Commanders it is absurd and a stranger to them, they have never been taught virtue & their carrier is nothing less than a dislike lo any thing that has a tendency to moralize their people, when we see a setting side by side al the ~lonty Table, a General of this place with a Highway Robber and a murderer, who has been broughl before the Tribunal, tries and proved Guilty, who has been seen to have made bets with the same rips of the Earth before his door on the fate of a poor Chicken, when at the same time personally acquainted, with the Character of the man, I ask, after this & scenes much worse what can be expected from such Generals, what is it to them how many treaties they violate: look at his conduct in retaining as prisoners the two Texian Plenepotens or Comms. Capt Carnes & Teal who were ordered on here, to Matamoras by Genl. Rusk, or Houston, for the exchange of prisoners &c, confining them in a Cuartel among the Soldiers, without bed or bedding or even a blanket, & at night confined in a very small filthy apartment enough to suffocate a dog, how was the passport obtained for Capt Teall through the General's Interpreter Mr Murphy, a foreigner, whose disreputable Character is so well known, that he could not obtain a situation as clerk in any situation where he is known, his own Story (Murphy's) is, that Cpt Carnes gave him ten dollars to obtain the Passport for Teal and three men, but not before he had informed the Genl. Urrea; he was paid Ten dollars by Captn Carnes, to procure the same, what was the reply of the noble Genl: I will give it to you for the Capln. Teal, but it will not be of any service, which turned oul to be true, as Captn. Teal, had not proceeded 90 miles when he was overtaken by 25 Dragoons with an order from the Genl. Urrea, lo be brought back, all thrown into prison where they now are: is this becoming a General's deportment to act in this manner, for the sake of gratifying his opinion to make the Ten dollars, acts the Scoundrel:-Under arms here 3000 Soldiers I now close, trusting you will not overlook the

Indiansbusines.5, & give it a full statement, as the Mexican GT or Fl. Urrea will not pay any attention to treaties or honour, but treat with tJ1em in an underhanded or secret manner. Yr Obdt Sert P.S. I not give you any signature as I do not wish to appear on this postscript- [ 3784] [WHARTON STATEMENT] Mattagorda Committee to press some waggons and teams to transport arms and ammunition etc. to the main army which they did, and told me that some of them belonged to R. H. Williams. I ordered Lieut. McFarland lo take charge of them & his receipt to the owners is proper. John A. Wharton Brazoria July 23rd 1836 On or about tJ1e 23rd of March last I requested the

[3785] [BURNET to HARDIN]

Executive department Velasco 24 July 1836

To the honble William Hardin Sir

We have it in contemplation to remove the Mexican offi- cers (prisoners) from Galveston Island-There are two objects in view-security and economy. It has accurred to me that they could be safely, conve- niently and clearly kept" at Liberty. Will you be good enough to report to Col. James Morgan comdg the Island, whether you could conveniently organise a company say of (not given] men to act as a permanent guard on the principle of military service which would exempt them for the time, from any call to the army-and also welher a suitable building or buildings, at Liberty, could be had for the accomodation of the prisoners, some 30 or more, and the guard-and also whether provisions could be procured for government paper for their subsistence.

Col. Morgan will be instructed to send the prisoners or not according to the nature of your report. And I request you will make out and forward the report as soon as may be convenient.

Your able Servt David G. Burnet

[3786) [BURNET to TOBY]

·Executive Department Velasco 24 July 1836

To Messrs T. Toby & Brother Gentn.

It becomes very important for us to increase our naval

forces by all possible means.

The abstraction of the Liberty from the Service is pecu- liarly unfortunate at this time, as the enemy are making an extra- ordinary effort to enlarge their Maratime power. Capt Wheelwright will return to New Orleans, in the hope that the Schooner Liberty may be released from her embarass- ments, and speedily fitted for Sea. If this be possible, I beg it may be done. You will employ all the means in your power to effect it.

Your Obt Servt David G. Burnet

[3787) [HUSTON lo RUSK]

Office of the Qr Mr Genl Quintana July 24 1836

To Brig Gen. Thos J Rusk Comdg the Texian Army Dear Sir

From the little knowledge I have of Colonel Wheelock's enterprising spirit and energetic manner of doing business, I have endea'vored to get him into my Department. The Government have refused lo commission him they have also refused lo commission me an Asst Qr Mr Genl. I have been much troubled to get energetic men into this Department: consequently nothing can be done. Every Branch of operations is completely lied up.

Col l\·lillard will inform you Col Wheelock has shown much spirit & anxiety in getting matters arranged to facilitate the move- ments of the army and is worthy the gratitude of his Comclg Genl. I have the honor to he with much respect Yr ob St &c

A Huston Qr Mr Genl

[3788) [GAINES to HITCHCOCK]

Camp Sabine, 25th. July, 1836

My Dear H.-

1 had the pleasure to receive by the last express from Jesup your very kind and acceptable letter of the 12th. of June. It is the first I have had from you since your departure from Natchitoches. How anxiously I had been looking for your return with an act or some other evidence of the recognition on the part of our Government of the Hurculean infant Republic of Texas and with authority for me to retain you on my staff as an Asst. Inspector General. I could not describe to you in words what I shall, vhenever a fit occasion offers, speak in the more emphatic language f acts, if my enemies do not by a combination which I feel will ltimately do me honor rather than permanent harm, put it out of .ny power for a time to act - Or in other words to do acts, which whilst they contribute to reward modest merit, will at the same time ensure the public service every quality of the head and the heart calculated to do honor lo, and advance the best interests of the Service. If you cannot be with me I wish you to he placed on duty wherever it may be most agreeable to you. You will do yourself and the Service and I may add your friends in the South and West much good by being located for a year or two in the City of New York. I have in my mind an important duty to assign lo your superintendance in that great city, which I will communicate to you soon. I need not tell you that it is connected with my system of Rail Roads from the two great military and central states of Tennessee and Kentucky to each one of the grand divis.ions of the national frontier. I may without egotism or arrogance call this a magnificent scheme and if I live nearly so long as several of my ancestors lived, I shall live lo see the work in complete operation. A

work, as I have often predicted and as I think I can prove to the satisfaction of any liberal minded military man or citizen that it will contribute to render the United Stales invulnerable in war whilst it will by the unavoidable obstacles which the war with European powers having great Naval forces will give lo our foreign commerce, and by the consequent argumentation of alJ means of domestic or interior commerce, produce a revenue nearly sufficient to pay.the expense of the war. Or al least to pay the expense of all the transportation of men and materials of war from the interior and Western states to the national frontier, and above all, the proposed work will, on the return of peace, when the other expensive means of national defense become useless and burdensome, these rail roads with steam power applied to vehicles of land transportation, taking as they will the natural trend of commerce from the seaboard lo the Central and Western Stales, produce a revenue that will in 6 to 12 years repay into the Treasury every dollar expended in their construction. They will then if it be desirable give to the U.S. or to the state in which they •are located, I care not which, a revenue which will supercede all other means of taxation. And moreover, these railroads will be the means of adding from 50 to 100 percent to the value of every acre of cultivatable land in every county or district through w.hich they will pass. If all this is true, as I contend it is certain as the data upon which a man has hitherto built a mill or factory of almost any kind - then I shall be pardoned for saying my system is magnificent in the extreme. I call it my system because I have labored for many years (10) to bring it into notice and until recently I could find no one who would so far rick his reputation as to give me any assistance; deeming the whole scheme too wild and visionary to be listened to even with patience. You and I, and it may be added, the Government, have committed a great error in supposing that the battle of San Jacinto, brilliant and unprecedented as it was, should have put an end to the War between the Mexicans and Texans. It occured to me soon after your departure, and I expressed the opinion lo the Sect'y. of War, that the chivalry of Mexico would doubtless fly lo the rescue of their President, Santa Anna. Late accounts from Victoria, the hdqrs. of the Texas Army, state that the Mexicans are al Matamoras in great force and that a division had crossed the Rio Grand - but their operations were checked by the Cholera. The Texas Army is upwards of 2500 strong and had the assurance of being 5,000 strong by the first of next month. They are in fine health and well

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