WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1852
365
Government, I foresaw that unless Col. Austin was sent there was no hope of success. I gave to him my cordial and sincere support and he was one of the Gentlemen Solicited, and with him Mr. Wm. H. Wharton and Dr. J.B. Miller; Col. Austin alone went on to Mexico. Previous to my leaving San Felipe de Austin I had a free friendly and confidential interview with Col. Austin in which I assured him if he succeeded in obtaining a State Government, that I would never oppose him, for any Civil office in the state, but render him my cordial support thereafter. This I was induced to do because he was aware that I had not sup- ported him for the Presidency of the Convention and while he was absent he might suppose that I would countenance intrigue against him, which I resolved not to do, but to support and sustain him in his absence. The following facts will show how far I regarded the assur- ances, which I gave him on that occasion. All the circumstances of his mission you are familiar with. I deplored Col. Austin's misfortune but never imputed aught to any want of capacity or fidelity on his part. When his im- prisonment was known in Texas you are aware that it caused great sensation, and dissatisfaction with the people of Texas. Then was the first time, that reflecting men in Texas discovered the necessity of preparation for resistence. Owing to a com- munication from Col. Austin Mr. Wade Bynum and W. H. Wharton, were sent by the people of Austins Colony to Nacog- doches and the Red Land. I was then resident at Nacogdoches. When they arrived the people gave them every encouragement at the place last named, and I started to accompany them to San Augustine. On the way Mr. 'Wharton declared his dissatisfaction with Col. Austin and after some discussion we met Dr. Richardson and some other Gentlemen from the U States. It seemed from what they told us, that there was no alternative but resistance to Mexico. The news from Mexico was unequivocally hostile to the Texans. News had arrived of Col. Austins return to T'exas, but Mr. Wharton and he had not met (I think) So soon as we had departed from the gentlemen ·whom we had met, I implored Mr. Wharton to return to the Brazos and be reconciled to Col. Austin and extinguish all heart burnings. This he would not heed but repeated his previous declarations, and at the same time insin- uated pretty plainly, that I did not wish him to go to San Augustine, as he might eclipse me with the people. Here my
Powered by FlippingBook