from some other reason Gov. Eaton paid me the most friendly and assiduous attention.... I have not met with a more amiable and agreeable man than the Governor. By his persuasion a Major Arnold from Tennessee (a counsin of Gen') Arnold) and myself left the resl of our Company at the mouth of Red River and went down to Orleans for the purpose of learning the true state of thing& in Texas as weU as which would be the best probable rout. The result was that, the war is stiU going on favourably to the Texans, but it is thought that Santa Anna will make a descent with his whole forces in the Spring, but there will be soldiers enough of the real grit in Texas by that time to overrun all Mexico. The only danger is in starvation, for the impulse to Texas both as to soldiers and moving families exceeds anything I have ever known. I have little doubt but that the army will receive ample supplies from Orleans both of provisions and munitions of war, as the people of Texas have formed themselves into something like a government, which will give them credit in Orleans. I have had many glowing descriptions of the country by those who have been there. . .. We have between 400 and 500 miles to foot it to the seat of government, for we cannot get horses, but we have sworn allegiance to each other and will get along somehow.... The smallpox has recently broken out here very bad, but I fear the Tavern biU a great deal worse. Such charges never were heard of and we have to stay here probably several days before we can procure a conveyance for our baggage. I suppose we shall join and buy a waggon. Write to me to this place all the letters you send by mail, perhaps the general intercourse from here to Texas, will enable me to get them conveniently. Write me in Texas by every private opportunity, and I will do the same. ... I send this by !\fr. Sevier who promises to put it in the postoffice at Bolivar or Middleburg.
P. S. The Company of young men that left Jackson before I
did passed through here about 20 days ago.. . .
Micajah Autry
177
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