[1413) [SMITH to AUSTIN et al] To Honorable, lhe Agents of Lhe People of Texas SlephenF.Austin, Branch T. Archer and William H. Wharton Esqrs Gentlemen The following will be handed you as your private instructions on Lhe part of Lhe Government of Texas. You will proceed direct lo the United Stales of the North wilh the least possible delay and enter the same by way of New Orleans. Your first object there, will be to procure and fit out from Lhal or any other city the contemplated armed vessel[s], calculated for Lhe protection of our commerce and Sea Coast. They should be well officered and manned and provided for, from four to six months cruise. They should be directed to proceed direct to Galveston Bay or Brasos, report to the authorities, receive commission, with orders for their government 2d To see thal the necessary arrangements are made for lhe procuration of provision, arms, and munitions of war and that they meet with safe despatch. 3. If Thomas F. McKenney should fail lo contract a Loan of One Hundred thousand Dollars in the City of New Orleans, or elsewhere, as he has been commissioned to do, you will, if possible, proceed to effect it for the immediate use of the Government on the best terms that you can, and arrange, if necessary, that it be refunded from the first permanent loan made for this Government. 4 You wiU receive all monies proffer [e] d as donations, and all contracted for as loans and deposit them in the Banks contemplated by law, and have the same entered to the Credit of the Government of Texas, and subject alone to its orders-which orders or checks shall be drawn in favour of the Treasurer, signed by the President of the Council and attested by his Secretary. Checks to some extent might be negociated here through our Merchants and endorsed in their favour. You will also receive donations of every description, tendered by the patriotic; and forward them as circum- stances may direct, with advices of the same. Finally, You will proceed lo to the City of Washington, with all convenient speed endeavouring at all points to enlist the sympathies of the free and enlightened people of the United States in our favour by explaining to them our true political situation
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