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

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too ready lo consider Texas like all new countries rash and cruel in its measures. The death of St. Anna would ruin your country. Efforts arc making in this country by the friends of the unforlunalc who fell with fanning, but public feeling is against them. Fanning remains pitied like Travis, but this can not last the latter will gain by time but the fame of Poor Fannin must be lost by the excessive folly of the manner he conducted when dangers came- he was brave no doubt-but the way he lost 600 of the best force of the Country and his own useless life will when properly considered leave his name a Blank this case should be a warning lo your Country the caution of Houston makes him worth all the untried men in your armies-many men may Possess equal or even superior talents and still be unfit to command. the daring spirits of [those] who fight for you if indulged at all times no hope remains, but by a proper restraint you have nothing to fear- I do nol believe you will ever have a hostile .Mexican on your soil- the present attempt may explode in discord at home before the maturity of the armiment- Still you want all the help you can get to force the treaty already begun by invassion on your part if found necessary- if you can Harmonise and avoid offending against Public fecling you arc safe- you owe much to the high handed black deed of Santa Anna in creating a feeling in your favour and I hope will do nothing to produce a reaction- you stood on high grounds 3 months ago and il requires all the wisdom of your best men to preserve the station. Genl Chambers thinks Genl Houston is not displaced bul only provisions made unlill his wounds are healed- I hope this is the case- Mrs. Hollys late addition to the History of Texas is highly approved and I should say will find a brisk sale- There is so Jillie of what we hear entitled lo credit from your country that I should suggest the plan of some failhful person writing Regularly to the papers in N. orleans all of whom appear to. be friendly and supply the most of the news we receive. The wars under Bolivar were like yours greatly misrepresented and sufferd for the want of a regular agenl at proper points-

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Jos Ficklin

[Addressed:] Gent Stephen F. Austin Texas

The Texan agent in N orleans will please put this letter under cover

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