convoy four vessels laden with provisions &c for the Govemment of Texas, and arrived off the Brazos Bar on the eve of the 25th In consequence of heavy gales we lost our convoy, which however have since arrived safely off the Bar. The Liberty is filled with three months provisions-manned by forty men-has three guns mounted-one medium 12 on a pivot two heavy sixes in the waist and two 12 lbs Gunrrndes spar[?]. Since my arrival Mr T. F. McKinney has put me in charge of the Government Sehr. Invincible, with order for Copcno, to which place I shall proceed this morning, having on board some volunteers for that place. I am compelled to take from the Liberty one half her crew and put on board the Invincible she having not a man aboard The Invincible requires much fixing before she wiU be suitable for war, and I would beg leave to suggest that she be immediately ordered to the mouth of the Mississippi as soon as she returns from Copeno which will be in about five days with good luck-Her guns are not mounted (all of them) But as I have been but a moment on board I cannot give you the particulars. We can only get men by going to New Orleans. Mr Wells the purser of Liberty can give you the particulars and all the necessary information, whom I beg of you to dispatch as soon as possible. Officers and crew can be obtained without difficulty or trouble by sending the vessel to the mouth of the Mis. I can only name Mr. Dodd 1st Leut and Mr Sevey 2d and Mr Wells purser, as officers of the Invincible that I can take from the Liberty. With regard to myself, I can only say that Mr Cumings placed me in charge of a larger vessel as soon as one could be obtained. The Invincible is one that I desire the command of, and hope you wiU not consider it presumption in me lo ask the same of you. You are sufficiently acquainted with me to know if I merit the situation. Whatever further information you desire Mr Wells the bearer of this can give you On my return from Copeno I shall await your orders at Velasco-until I am regularly commissioned and receive your orders I shall he at a loss what to do. With my best wishes for the prosperity and welfare of Texas and yourself J subscribe myself your obt Svt and friend. J. Brown P.S. Dear Sir, In leaving the Liberty, by the advice of Col. Wharton I have placed her in charge of Wm. S. Brown, Who shall be her future
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