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

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transportation to Texas. In this position, I endeavored to make them believe that I could obtain the means from the Commissioners on their arrival but I hit upon a more certain plan which has been crowned with complete success. I invoked the aid and friendship of my old acquaintances, and friends of "old la11g syne" and have raised a subscription of $8,000 to effect the object. Everything is in train, their accoutrements, and clothing are being made, and transportation will be furnished them when all is ready; say 1st of April. I have had great assistance in this matter of raising subscription from Major Whiting and [illegible]. In our intercourse with the Gentlemen here, we found many of your own personal acquaintances & friends who in many instances, I am bold to say, subscribed for your sake, as well as on account of the good wishes for Texas and its glorious cause. Major Whiting and myself have been asking the banks for a loan of $200,000 for Texas upon certain conditions favorable to the (I hope by this time) Republick of Texas. It only waits the assent of the Commissioners to place it in the coffers of Texas. We are almost worn out by the protracted delay of the Commissioners. They ought, I humbly conceive, to have divided and come on by 3 different routes. They could have done more in this city in two days, than in six weeks in the Western country. St. Anna's Ambassador, Sr. Don Erostisa has arrived and report says that he comes to sell Texas, and to protest against the people of the U. S. Army on defence of Texas. He published a proclamation of St. Anna's Govt. declaring all the ports of Texas in a state of Blockade. Would it not be good policy for the Texas Govt. to declare all the ports of Mexico in a state of Blockade also? We have more means to carry the blockade into execution, than they have. We are also now (Whiting and myself) in treaty for a 14 gun Brig which we want to persuade the Commissioners to buy and equip, instead of the Steamer or to buy her at all events. Sam Swartwout says it must be done. [Addressed: l Major Gen. Sam Houston Com. in Chief Texas Army politeness Mr. Pickney I am very respectfully David B. Macomb Lieut. Col. Corps of Artillery Texas Army

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