[3863) [RUSK to CLAY]
Head Quarters Texian Army Coleto 3d August 1836
Dear Col
Col Johnson arrived safely with the Company you Started out from Lumpkin they are here in fine spirits and seem much pleased I have concluded to send him back to you with this communication It is erroneously believed in the United States that War is ended and that we do not need any more Soldiers and this fatal mistake is not only indulged by very many intelligent men in the United States but has siezed many of our citizens and particularly a weak vascilating Government which we unfortunately have at present but of the falacy of this opinion there is no sort of doubt the Mexicans are now quarrelling about the settlement of their own political affairs but are using every effort without distinction of parties to fall upon us in the Fall with a tremendous force in point of numbers. it is true they are weak and inefficient troops as we have clearly demonstrated to the world in our engagements with them but it is also true that they are the most haughty vain and ambitious people on the face of the Earth and they particularly pride themselves on their military distinction as a nation and they never will acknowledge our Independence until the pride of Mexico is humbled and all we need under the heavens lo effect this is an Army of from three to four thousand men with sufficient supplies in relation to supplies we are very badly off in all articles except Beef of that we have an ample supply and the Army under my Command have lived mostly on that for the last three months I know your influence amongst men and particularly monied men we shall need all the volunteers that can come and shall greatly need supplies The Government we have will go out of power in about Six weeks and our friends in the United States may confidently expect an efficient Government. the War will evidently carry the line·far beyond the Rio Grande in relation to the Country this side you know it well the Country beyond is a very fine Country and will render Texas almost a paradise I have not time to describe it but it will be a great acquisition to the Country and will make Texas capable of sustaining such a population as to ensure at no very distant day an efficient & good Government & make her one of the richest Countrys on earth One fact I will mention since
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