appointment I would feel that I was abusing that confidence for it would be impossible for me to do justice to myself and to my country holding such an appointment. I agreed a few days since to accept of an agency which that Government was pleased to charge me with to aid volunteers &c because it was impossible but that we should have some person to do so and I am willing so far as possible to aid in such public service when I can be useful without pay or remuneration I am unqualified to fill office to myself and my Country, not that I believe I have not sense Enough to learn what other men learn but because I have not made it my study, and now have not time from my private business to qualify myself without neglecting it and with the interests of many are from my relations in business connected. I owe them a duty and must fulfil it. It is not pedantry in me nor a disrespect for that body which induces me to decline the appointment. I would have most cheerfully accepted but for that but for the reasons above mentioned which I trust will be found good in any thing which I can be servicible, I will take pleasure in serving.
Your Obedient Servant Thos F. McKinney
[1648)
[McKINNEY to GOVERNMENT]
Quintana 29 Dec. 1835
To the provisional Govt of Texas
I take much pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your adoption of the report of the committee to whom was refered the letters of Genl Mexia & others. realy it releaved my feelings very much indeed. You may imagine my situation & feelings how very disagreeable when on the morning previous to receiving your instructions Gent Mexia placed in my possession subject to your orders the very articles which you ordered me to take possesion [ of] & detain. When I received your orders I was much pressed with business & had not a moment to reflect. Mexia does not know & I hope never will of the order. In him as a private citizen I have not the greatest confidence, that is of his moral character, but to our cause I have abundance of evidence that he is wholy devoted & could have been & can yet be very useful to us by uniting himself with the Govr. of Tamaulipas & others who have
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