WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1852
364
To Guy M. BRYAN 1
Huntsville Nov 15/52 My dear Sir Your letter reached me in Washington City and with other papers was removed from my table in my room, I have not since been able to obtain either it or the other letters. Nevertheless it has been my intention to answer it, and to give you a simple narration of facts, so far as my relations existed with Genl Stephen F. Austin from the time when I first came to Texas, up to his death. I did hope with many of our Citizens that I would have seen you here, during the recent Canvass when I could have communicated with you personally and prevented me from the inconvenience of writing, for at times I suffer much from an infirmity in my right arm, and from which, I am not at this moment exempt. · After my first arrival in Texas I soon visited San Felipe de Austin but Col Austin not being there, I had not the pleasure of reporting to him in person. I visited San Antonio and on my return, I called upon him and was introduced. From me he obtained a very fine horse and I received in exchange League No. 3 in his Colony. As well as I recollect, it had been relinquished by a Mr. Smith. I also received from him a small horse and some Cash I think. We parted, and I left him with the kindest feelings and favorable impressions. This occurred in Jany 1833. I saw him no more until the first of April following when we met, both members of the Convention at San Felipe de Austin for the purpose of forming the Constitution of a state. Col Austin and Mr. Wm. H. Wharton were Candidates for the Presidency of the Convention. I had been acquainted with Mr. Wharton in Tennessee and gave him my support. He was elected. During the session of the Convention Col. Austin and myself harmonized on most subjects. We both endeavored to be conservative, and to exclude every thing from the Constitution that we thought would be in any way objectionable to the Congress of Mexico. When the Constitution was framed and adopted, it was necessary, to select persons to bear it to Mexico, with a memorial praying its approval by Mexico. It was determined to send three persons. In this posture of affairs there was a manifest design by the enemies of Col. Austin to exclude him from the Mission; they had made some progress in their designs before I was aware of the fact. As my object was in good faith to obtain a State
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