the demanding of an appeal may render it necessary to fill the appointment. These are my views, and I believe the cabinet present [concur] with me. Will you then, Sir, accept the office of District Judge, for the district of Brazoria "ad interim." Your compliance will confer a favor on the Country and on
Your friend and Servant David G. Burnet
(2724]
[BURNET to RUSK]
Harrisburg Tuesday 12 April 1836-Afternoon
Col T. J. Rusk My dear Sir-
Col Thomas will address You and Genl Houston officially, giving You the views of the Cabinet on the present mortifying juncture in our affairs- You are before now in formed of the enemy passing the Brasos- he has on this Side about 500 men, or had them yesterday afternoon, and was Still Crossing- He has Captured Some 30 of the finest horses in Texas- taken from Mr. Kyrkendal and Mr Perry- You will readily perceive that we are a little disquieted at the this point- but we will hold on- a flying Cabinet is an odious term, which we by no means covet- And now my dear Sir, let me ask You what is the Army, the hope of Texas, [illegible] Is not this [illegible] to be arrested in their onward progress or is Texas to be overrun, her Seaports occupied, and fortified, by a Contemptible Mexican force of 1300 men? Have we So far forgotten our wonted boasts of Superior prowess, as to turn our backs to an equal number of a foe that has given us every imaginable incentive to action, vigorous prompt daring action. I hope it will not be- Our friend the Commander in Chief has heavy responsibil- ities resting upon him. It were perhaps hyperbolical to Say "The eyes of the World are upon him-" but assuredly the People of Texas are looking towards him with an ardent and anxious gaze- They regard his present conduct as decisive of the fate of their Country- I do certainly consider it as of vital importance to the Country and pregnant with momentous consequences- The cry has for Some been for a battle- A further retreat without a fight,
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