[3264) (TRIPLETT to PRESIDENT and CABINET)
New Orleans 2nd June 1836
To the President & Cabinel of the Republic of Texas- Gentlemen
Enclosed I send you a statement from the agency of the responsibilities of your government here- By which you will sec the lotal amounts lo about $80,000-thc present necessities Lo about $20,000. The latter amount I could have made up very easily, if 1 could have ventured to guarantee Lhe signing of the script as sent down to you, and I presume it can be done whenever it comes-The gentlemen acting here, have manifested becoming zeal and devotion to the cause, and have done what they could to keep on the operations of Lhe government-But funds are indispen- sible, lo an amount to which they cannot be reasonably expected to raise them-and as for myself, I cannot venture lo involve my private fortune-common prudence, and duty lo my family forbid it. The situation in which I am, involves a responsibility which is exceedingly unpleasant While I am nol disposed to shrink from the performance of any duly which can aid the cause of Texas, without involving myself in difficulties, I consider that if any one can be found who is disposed to go furlher, I ought to give way lo him-the interest of Texas requires il-ancl furthermore, that inter- est will require the Genl Agent to reside in New Orleans unless the revenue of the country is such as to admit of arrangements, based upon means to meet the accruing demands-Then the general agent might reside any where. When financial skill has to be exer- cised however, he should be here. Consider me as holding the agency, merely while it is admissible for the wanl of a better arrangement-that I am disposed lo serve Texas as far as my pri- vate interest will allow but al the same lime that I expect the government will make another appointment as soon as in their opinion it can be suitably filled. I shall proceed with my northern correspondence, and exercise the functions as far as practicable, until notified of a change. This change however, I shall calculate will be made within a month, with this condition, that in case I have entered into any contracts or engagements, my powers con• tinue until they are completed so far as they arc concerned.
II
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