responsibility all devolved. I believe thal if the shot from Lhe Brutus had not fallen short it would have struck our quarter. 0 P Kelton-Surgn [3238) [BRYAN to BURNET]
Agency of Texas New Orleans June 1st 1836
His Ex the President of the Republic of Texas. Sir
We expected to be able by this vessel to forward our ac- counts, but the pressure of business upon us has prevented, by the next conveyance you will receive them. For the dificulties under which we labour, and the great responsibiJities of this agency we refer to Mr Tripletts letters. We have given him a memorandum statemenl made on his arrival shewing our responsibilities Eighty Thousand Dollars, our accounts & vouchers will shew as balanced, the exact amount, it will nol vary much from the estimalc handed him. His desire to vacate the office to which he has been appoin- ted, will shew you the dificulties with which we are surrounded, & the labours that have been necessary thus far to maintain the credit of the Government. Your Excellency will we think now be fully satisfied that none but a resident of New Orleans, and one well acquainted with the affairs of Texas, can assume with safely the office of Genl Agent. It was our hope that Mr. Triplett would have continued. IL would have taken from us a responsibility that we would gladly have avoided, and insured a regularity in Govern- ment affairs highly desirrable. As affairs now stand, unless funds are obtained to meet our obligations, no man could be found (of sufficient character) that would assume the office unless he was placed in the situation we are, so involved in the fate of the country that we must rise or fall with it. Whoever may hereafter be Genl Agent, all that is necessary to regulate the foreign business of the government is that power should be given to some one individual to controul the subordinate agents. We leave it to our friends who have wrillen lo your Excellency, & to the opinion of those who have visited N Orleans, lo eslimate the manner in which the business of this Agency has been conducted. Our accounts shortly to be forwarded will be the best evidence we can off er:
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