which will noL only endanger the agency but the safety of the public vessels now filling out, such proceedings, arc not only calculaLcd to cause disaffection Lo Lhe cause buy lay Lhe parties liable to a pcnaltie and Lhree years imprisonment. It becomes the duty of the agency Lo protest against such measures in which I have noL the least doubt Lhe government will sustain us. I have the pleasure lo enclose a leller from Thomas F. McKinney who is well acquainted with the siluaLion of Lhis office and whose opinion will no doubt have much weight with you. He has turned the Invincible over Lo the agency Lo be fitted out, which I shall do withouL one dollar of the Public funds Lo meeL the Expense. In respecLfuUy calling your allention to the situaLion of this office, I would remark that we are in advance of the government to considerable amounts, and shall have at least Lhree Lhousand dollars of cash bills to pay within a few days. lL cannot be expecLcd of me that I should endanger my own privaLe credit by making loo great advances as my crcdiL as I am now situated, is completely Identified with the government. The expenses of maintaining volunteers here, and forwarding them to Texas will require considerable sums, and should the agency be unable to meet those demands much dissatisfaction will arise, as I am weU satisfied LhaL you appreciate the absolute necessiLy of sustaining the agency, You will excuse me for urging upon you immediately the allention of its wants. I have as yet no reply lo the several comrnunicaLions I have had the honor to address you, and wail wiLh much impatience Lhe orders you may give in relaLion Lo the powers and duties of this office. By the BruLus you will receive a field Howitzer with carriage and harness complete. She has also a supply of Powder &c, invoices of which shaU be duly forwarded. The Expenditures of the Brutus & Invincible have been conducted with the Strictest economy, those of the Indcpcndcncc were placed by the 1-Ionl. commissioners under the direction of captain Hawkins for which we do not consider ourselves responsible. We have advices to day from Mexico which say Santa Anna has but 2000 troops and that it is impossible for him to invade Texas. The invincible will noL be detained here over five days. I have Lhc Honor to remain most Respectfully Your Obt. SevL. William Bryan Genl. agent.
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