fundamental law of the land, as such, it became the duty of every citizen to retain it, until it was changed. The country acted upon this principle at that time-I did so, as it was my duty to do, and it seems that I am now denounced for so doing, and isolated expressions are raked up, without any reference to the peculiar circumstances and temporary excitements of these days, or to the idea which was entertained by many, of trying to keep the seat of war beyond the limits of Texas, until the country was better prepared, and by that means save the families from the devastations of invasion which they have suffered. I was appointed, and not at my solicitation, by the said November Convention, to go to the United States as a Commissioner in conjunction with Dr. B. T. Archer, and W. H. Wharton, Esq. I obeyed the call of my country, thus expressed, and labored faithfully and arduously in the cause, as did both of my colleagues. Our services were of a nature that it is difficult to explain or appreciate-we made loans that were beneficial, and did not hesitate to pledge our private property-our accounts have been rendered lo the government and are matter of record-we labored assiduously to enlighten and inform the public mind, as to the origin, principles, and objects of the contest with Mexico, and in every respect obeyed our instmctions. The estimate in which my own services were held by my colleagues is sufficiently shown by their request that I would be a candidate for President, and by their support of my election. And yet it is now charged upon me as a sort of crime that I obeyed the call of the November Convention, and left Texas at all, and it is also said that nothing was done by the Commissioners but to eat fine dinners, drink wine &c. Such is the kind of slang you inform me will destroy my election. The people ought to be competent to analize these matters, and judge for themselves. They are however liable to be misled, by wrong impressions, but ·will do justice in the end, and I assure you that it ,vill be no personal mortification to me, individually, if I am not elected while such erroneous impressions exist. I have one proud consolation which nothing can deprive me of, and that is the approbation of my own conscience, and the certainty that all I have done since I came to Texas in 1821, will bear the test of the most rigid scrutiny. I do not pretend by this to say, that I have not erred in judgment, and perhaps from
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