Preparations for uniforming & equipping this company were immediately commended and going on in a flattering way and when ready, the company was to be carried on two small Steamboats to Cincinnati, thence to proceed on a larger boat, before the 1st June but owing to the low stage of the Kanawha river in May a delay was occasioned, when unexpectedly the joyful news of the glorious victory of the battle of the 21st April and getting possession of Santa Anna arrived, inducing a general belief (not my own though, from the known obstinacy of the Mexican character), that the war was closed and further assistance unnecessary; and in consequence of those mistaken ideas and a notice issued by the Texas Agency some time since that further assistance was unnecessary, that company called, "Kanawha Volunteers," has remained al home and since my absence, I understood, for want of sufficient encouragement and perhaps aid of means dissolved. Satisfied in my opinion and strengthened by the news and conversation with Texas friends in Nashville a few days ago, H. K. W. Hill, George C. Childress, & Major Nixon, Esqrs., also the Revd. Mr. Bacon from Texas at that place, that much hard fighting will have to be done yet and that our Texian brethren will need all the assistance they can get and convinced from the character of the Virginians, during my long residence and extensive acquaintance among the, that from 500 to 1000 men, such as may he called hardy mountain boys composed of the best materials & families in the county, such as would not only do justice hut honor to any cause in which they embark, could be had at a call provided, some assurance could be given, that their services would be acceptable and that some aid in defraying the necessary expenses and facilities for conveyance & supplies of arms could be extended by the Texian Government or Agents thereof,-willing to undertake, attend to, lead, or engage myself in any way, should sufficient inducements be given my, or in support of my family by quitting my business (in the manufacture of salts) I have thus spoken frankly and expres.5ed my sentiments to your Excellency on this subject. I hope Sir, you will excuse this and not esteem this as unworthy the consideration as a man, although perhaps without the sphere of Your Excellency's profes.5ional duties, and I would be grateful to be favord as early as convenient with any
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