[2041] [WHARTON to SMITH I
13razoria Fcby 7th 1836
Dear Sir
On the morning of the 5th Inst l embarked on board the Schooner Tamaulipas, with two companies of soldiers one regulars & the other volunteers together with the munitions of war &c (which J purchased in New Orleans) for Mattagorda. The vessel was wrecked 011 the Bar & the troops after being much exposed for upwards of twcnty four hours succeeded in regaining the shore with the loss of one man drowned. The troops arc actively engaged in saving the cargo, and doubtless much will be saved, but the salvage will be very high as it is saved by great risk labor & exposure I expect that the cargo was insured but am not certain; however as agent of government J shall purchase il and therefore I shall require an authorization to do so, as at present I have none & only act for the best & in good faith I also think it adviseable that 1 should be empowered lo go on, or send 011 for such of the articles in my bill, as may be lost by the wreck; and also lo provide for the support & comfort of the troops now in my charge There can be no better lime than now lo inform you that the wreck was occasioned by the want of a good pilot, with a boat well manned and Lhal the rates pilotagc should be increased. The former pilots have resigned in consequence of the reduction of the pilotage Let the pilotage be five dollars per fool, & the pilot be bound in heavy penalty to keep a good boat well manned al all times; and we will have fewer wrecks, the character of the bar raised, the rates of insur.·ancc lessened and the country much benefited
Yours Respectfully John A Wharton
Gov H Smith
PS I am in this place to get the Judge to note the protest, order the sale &c and shall return forthwith [addressed:] To His Excclcncy Henry Smith Governor of Texas San Felipe
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