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

1 request that the papers relating lo Mr. Millard do occupy your immediate attention, and that your proceedings on them be reported without tmnccessary delay. Your Obt Serl David G. Burnet [Addressed:) Brig. Genl. Thomas J. Rusk, Comg. Head Quarters Coleto (4081] (ELLIS to JACKSON] Mexico, August 26, 1836. Sir: As soon as 1\-Ir. Duffield the bearer of dispatches from the Department of State to the Legation of the United Stales in this place reached Natchez, I repaired to New Orleans in the course of four or five days on my journey hither. At that place I found no means of convenance, and on the assurance of Com. Dallas who had politely proffered to give me a passage lo Vera Cruz I thought it aclviseable to proceed to Pensacola as the most expeditious mode of reaching my destination.- I arrived here on the 28th of April, and not long thereafter entered upon the discharge of the duties of my office. I found the country under great excitement, and exulting in the victorious successes of Santa Anna in the early parl of the late campaign against Texas. AL that time there was scarcely a man in the Republic, but what confidently believed that province would be overrun by their supposed invincible troops, and that all the Inhabitants would be driven out of the country. The reverses experienced by the Mexican arms were of so distrious a character as not to gain crerlit with the people, until the accumulated evidence upon the subject irresistibly forced conviction on their minds. After this the excitement increased, and against foreigners lo such an extent, that we were apprehensive lest some outraae shoulrl be attempted against them. - You are aware that the Pr:sidenl of this Republic al the time he look command of the Army in ptrson was greatly beloved by the troops, and had more influence in the country than all others besides. Since his misfortunes in a Military point of view and his capture & imprisonment his popularity has l,een on the wane, aml I really doubt whether the ITTeat body of the people desire his return. It common rumour he rrue, I am sure the leading

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