[488] [TRAVlS to SMITH]
San Felipe, August 5th, 1835
My Dear Sir:-
1 have this moment received your letter of the 3d inst., and I thank you for its contents. It breathes the advice of a true friend and corresponds with what has been my opinion all the time. I very reluctantly consented lo publish that document al the earnest request of numerous friends, particularly Nibbs and Wharton, etc. I wrote it over once or twice, and still it did not please ne. Mr Wharton proposed to alter it, and I have given him directions to do so; but if the card had not gone out I should certainly be silent, for I know my motives were pure. I know I acted by the consent and approbation of the political authorities. I know that the people here all favored the measure, and I went into it believing it to be right and that it would meet the approbation of all- and, as you say, time can only determine whether it was a good or bad measure. I was only an individual actor in the business. I joined the volunteer company which had collected for the purpose of taking Anahuac and was elected its commander without my knowledge or solicitation. I see no reason why I should be singled out as the responsible person. Indeed, most men in this part of the country are satisfied with my course, and the public generally will be, I think, when they reflect on the matter, knowing the facts. Conscious that I have not intentionally erred, I bid defiance to any who may be disposed to persecute me, and feel assured that I have numerous friends lo sustain me in it. Do consult with J. A. Wharton as to what is best, and do it according to you united judgment. If that pledge in the card could be gotten over, I should feel satisfied to say nothing; but as I do not see how that can be done, suppose you publish the resolutions with a dozen lines of explanatory remarks in my name. At all events let what is published be short and not in the lone of an apology, as I feel that I have none lo offer. You have my views of a convention in my letter of the 3d inst., sent by Wharton l see no reason to change them. It may <lo lo wail a Little, but it seems lo me important that the whole
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