Columbia 24 June 1835
Mr J F Perry
An attempt has been made here to day to involve us in an immediate
Revolution, by sending troops forthwith in obedience to a call by the chief
of Police to fight the federal force a report and resolution were produced
Cut and dried in Caucus last night, Compromiting us at once— I moved
as an amendment— That the further consideration of the subject matter
before the meeting should be postponed until the great body of the people
of this Municipality could be convened to express their sentiments as to
the expediency of a measure involving the Security of the rights and
property and the safety and lives of the families of the people this was
not admitted by the agitators as an amendment, when it was determined
to put the Report and Resolutions to Vote first and then take the Vote upon
my motion, on division 2/3 were against their report— They then without
taking a vote upon my motion, so modified their resolutions as to effect
the same purpose which being agreed to They appointed a commitee
to draft a report and resolution to be proposed to the meeting on Sunday—
Archer Wharton Jack and Henry Smith.
It was proposed to add me and R. Williams I declined to aid in
forestaling the sentiments of the people. Thinking the meeting on Sunday
ought to be left free to appoint their own committee and the people will
reject their report on that ground if it be put to them
You and Pleasant McNeel must be here all the McNeels Grey, Crosby—,
every one who can give a vote, for the cast is to be made which will lose
or win all our hopes in Texas The court is adjourned until Monday I
am still quite unwell with the cold I took below— 12 oclock is the hour—
best remembrances to Emily cordially and truly your friend
H Austin [Rubric]
[Addressed:] Mr Jas F Perry Peach Point