Jan 14 1836 to Mar 5 1836 - PTR, Vol. 4

We cannot, as you know, approach this government formally or apply for recognition of Texas independence without a different commission. The question is now sprung in the papers in regard to the annexation of Texas lo the United States, and I shall keep it alive, for it serves lo call allenlion lo us. As 1 wrote lo you from Velasco. if a belief obtained here that we were carrying the war beyond the Rio Grande for cupidity, conquest, pillage, plunder or any other motive than lo make our enemy acknowledge the independence of Texas, it would drown our cause beneath all depth in -. Write often. My wife and child are well. Yours, Wm H. Wharton To Governor Henry Smith [2043) [BARRETT ET AL ADDRESS]

To the People of Texas.

Council Hall, San Felipe de Austin, Feb. 8. 1836.

The advisory commillee, appointed by the general council, lo act in the absence of a quorum, are of opinion that all informations regarding the conduct and opinion of public agents and officers, should he generally diffused amoung the people, with a view to preserve the purity and safely of a free government. The two following documents · are, as they purport lo be, from Henry Smith, late Governorof the provisional government of Texas. The general council, to whom and of whom his communica- tions are generally made, must, as heretofore, decline the ungentle- manly and indecent style of language, in any observation they may make concerning his late conduct. The insult is ttpon the people's representatives, and of consequence, upon the people themselves. The tenacity with which Henry Smith hold upon the empty title of governor, while it amuses the man or real dignity, shows the total unworthiness of the former for that office. Henry Smith is not the governor in this government. By his communication of the 9th of January, he declared that, unless certain base conditions prompted by him to the council, were compiled with withing a given lime, all

287

Powered by