260
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1831-1832
PRENTISS TO HOUSTON 1
New York, July 31, 1832
Genl S. Houston My dear Sir I have delayed writing you hoping to be able to finish the needful business preparatory to your departure for Texas- but in spite of all my exertions I am overpowered by the direful influence of cholera than which a more Dreadful disease is unknown- nearly all our business men have left the City and it is now quite impossible to induce any to return to transact business- I offer this as an excuse for my delay to provide ( with M[r] Jackson the needful funds for your Departure- I did not despair of this until today - nor should I now despair but for M [r] Jackson who says his friends are away and will not con- tribute-I however am Determined to push all to the test as soon as I can see them which will bee as soon as the cholera abates.- I have proposed to M[r] Jackson to obtain 400$ and I would procure 600$ in addition and remit to you without delay but as yet he declines- and states he will write to you I know the great importance of your business and at any other time than now would advance the money myself if I never obtained any part from others- As it is I think you had better wait a week or two at Nashville or until I write you again- when I hope to be able to advise you more favorably- Genl Mason has returned- was not in Texas-was at Matamoros and Saltillo with Col Aus- tin two months- He approves of our project but advises not to hasten the business- this however he did before we heard of the insurrectionary movements in Texas- He thinks no permanent arrangement will be made in Texas for three to six months- and thinks it is not important to move rapidly there- In this however I differ with him and think it highly important that we have good agents on the spot without delay With these im- pressions I shall do all in my power to prepare the needful for you soon- In the meantime I hope you will not depart from Nashville till you hear from me- Genl Mason has gone to De- troit-- Will return about 1 Sept. He could see no one here with whom to transact business but myself and our friend Jackson. Col Austin was or pretended to be ignorant of the late movement in Texas- He has been at Saltillo during the last 6 months and will not go to Texas before next November account of the meet- ing of the Legislature of Coahuila & Texas in Septr next for the purpose of electing a President of the U. S. of Mexico- Genl
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