Mar 6 1836 to Apr 20 1836 - PTR, Vol. 5

such would be received, where not-his own individual responsibil- ity. These notes are failing due and not a dollar of public money to meet them. No ratification of the loan has been received. No authority to the Agent lo receive whal money there is in the bank has been transmitted and it is apprehended (that ere) this shall be attended lo the credit of the Government will be prostrate and the Agent injured in his credit and private business if not involved in ruin. Had the Government attended lo the all important matter of sustaining the public credit the proceeds of the loan would have been now at the disposition of the Agent who could by discount- ing at this moment of unpresedcntcd pressure for money the paper now out have raised the credit of the Texas Gov lo such high repute as to have made all fulure purchases on the faith of Texas Government on long credit and have left the balance of the money disposable for the payment of the troops. Our only hope now is that the ratification of the terms of the loan and a check of the bank for the funds in deposits may arrive bcfore the operalion of protesting commences. You Mr. Byrom arc loo well acquainted with fiscal matters not to know that public credit like a woman's reputation once lost is seldom regained, never without time and difficulty. I solicit your immediate attention to these subjects as one involving all our interests and all our hopes in an eminent degree- I take the liberty to call your attention lo the insecurity and improvidence of au lhorizing numerous receiving and disburs- ing agents of the public money without connection with or ac- countability to the chief or foreign Agent of the Government. Champaigne and laced uniforms ,vill not kilJ Mexicans though they be merged in charges for naval or military stores, and it would be absurd to expect that young and inexperienced officers unac- quainted with business would disburse money .placed in their hands to fit out an armed ship or equip a regiment with that economy and judgement indispensable for the success of such a cause as ours which can only be sustained by the most prompt and vigorous exertions and the most frugal use of the scanty means at our command. The commissioners have in my opinion made a most judi- cious selection of Agents in Mr. William Bryan and l\lr Edward Hall, Gentlemen of sound integrity and sufficient capital not in- volved in extensive business or speculations and whose books ac• counts and vouchers shew them to be well acquainted lo the nc-

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