imprudent council, but I do say, that no man has labored with purer intentions, or with a more ardent and disinterested desire to promote the prosperity, and happiness, and liberty of Texas, and I also say, that I consented to become a candidate al this election with great reluctance. I have been absent from Texas, on pub(jc business, for about three years. During this time, my individual affairs have been neglected, and much of the old colonizing business remained unclosed. It was my wish and intention to devote this year lo those objects, al the same Lime giving all the aid I could, as a citizen, in the public cause. You requested a reply lo your letter-I have given a long one, and you can make any use of it you think proper. · Respcctfully, your fellow citizen,
S. F. Austin.
Peach Point, August 18, 1836
(4027] (BURNET Lo HUNT]
[August 18, 1836 J Our army is moving westward, and is impatient under the lassitude of an idle camp. They want employment, and we have consented lo give il to them. An expedition against Matamoros is resolved on, and we are now busily engaged in arranging matters for it. The troops will probably commence their march in about lwo weeks. Some will go by water from Copano, at which point we shall assemble our transports as soon as practicable. This important movement being determined upon, it becomes necessary to provide for every possible event that may grow oul of it should disaster befall that army; and should our enemies derive courage, and energy, and activity from the fact, well calculated to arouse and animate a more pusillanimous people, a competent force will be wanted al home, and for that force I look to you and your gallant associates. You are, therefore, requested, in pursuance of the agreement heretofore entered into between this government and yourself, lo organize your forces with all convenient expedition, and lo bring them forward as early as possible. Your men should be made lo understand that they are lo enroll as regular soldiers, at least for llw continuance of the war;
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