the subject of our approaching difficulties, in Augl. last, giving him all the informal.ion we then had, with regard Lo all points, necessary Lo form a correct knowledge of our own & enimics situation & resources. In conclusion I asked of him permission Lo use his name in our proposed military organization, by the Convention, knowing him to be one of the most intelligent & accomplished, officers of the U slates army, & believing that his services would be acceptable Lo our fcllow citizens of Texas, in the field, as well ashy the moral influence ii would produce in Lhe United slates of the North- You will sec that he does not decliri<-! the nomination, and, I am satisfied, if tendered him by your body, he would accept- at least no harm can result to our service by it, & much good may, and the safe 1..'?... profit.able course, should now he taken, when the choice is before us- you will see that he tenders his services lo Inspect & fowd. military arms & stores for our use, and I can vouch for his honesty & honor with my life & fortune- I will now suggest lo you, to fowd. orders by express lo N. Orleans & Mobile, for heavy Battering Cannon- say long 12s. 18s-24s & 32s- t.wo pieces each- Brass, if to be had- and from 2 lo .500 Round Shot for each one- And by all means from 2 to 4 mortars offrom 12 to 2t/. lnclws calibre & 2 to 300 Bombs each If you cannot get money or credit for them I hereby authorize & empower your body lo raise a Committee, & sell, hypothccale or otherwise dispose of all my properly in Texas, consisting of Thirty six negrocs, now on Cany creek & Brazos river, Lo meet the purchase of the same- Do not say, that when San Antonio falls, we are safe, and will never need these arms. Take the parting advice of the great Washington, and in times of peace prepare for war- but realy these are Limes of war- the ending of which we know not, nor can the wises I foretell the issue- lf you do not succcccl, al least let us not neglect any measure, which may in the least way conlribule to a fortunate conclusion- l had much rather expend the last shilling I had on earth, & beggar myself & family, by nobly doing my duty i11 all resp,icts, than fail, by !aging back & wil.hholding what small pittance, it may be my fortunate lot now lo hold. This properly, and indeed any olher, will not oe worth ownino-, if we do not succeed- Wh)' then shd any one hcsitall'·~ b . With arms, suited to the service we may be called 011 lo perform, we arc men, & may command success- Without them, it is al !t-ast questionable- With two 12s or JHs hallning pieces, Bexar would
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