San Felipe 21st October 1835
Genl. S. F. Austin
Dear Sir
In continuation of my correspondence I will explain to you that you will
find in Our news Paper your Letter from Gonzales on 13th couched in
Discouraging terms. I will Inform you that I had no Intention of
Publishing that Letter and very much disapprove of it Mr Borden who has
always heretofore exercised discretionary Powers, over our Public Papers
Borried your letters under promise to examine them and with hold from
the Press such as was Improper for publication when I found it had gone
out in the Paper, it was too Late to recall it, I will only now cause to be
published in our next the flatering prospects, of the Present time to
counteract any Effects, of this paper.
Our House has Grown a little thin of members [There] have several left
within the Last few days, generally with an understanding to return to the
Convention. Govnr. Zavala, has still chills and Fevers he joins us
occasionally and is of opinion that the three officers (Prisoners,) here are not
to be relied on as, friends to the Americans not one of them but still says,
they are Gentlemen and may be trusted on Parole he advises, the retaining
of them till Bejar falls and says further that the return of Capt. Saviego
will not benefit us, to use his Term that he will Blacken our name. The
officers appear well satisfied at their treatment but want leave to Return
which the Council has Unanimously Refused
The Council feals Great Solicitude for the Success of the cause in which
we are Engaged and it has now become necessary to adopt some measure
to cash the Drafts Drawn on us by the contractor and Captain of
Companies. We have Passed Resolutions authorizing Comdts. of Companies
to Draw on the Council for supplies for troops on the Road to head
Quarters we have also addressed a letter to Beason stating that such Drafts—
would be Honoured and have forwarded copies to Nacogdoches, how these
Extensive and Very necessary demands are to be met, the Council has
requested me to make known their wishes to the members of the Convention
in Camp for their advise and for their approbation so far as we have gone.
We will this morning authorise our Commissioners to go to the Red
Lands to collect all Public dues from the Authorities there so far as that
Quarter has not a use for and to Contract for Loans of money as we are
told Money has been proposed by men in that Quarter we will make a
Simular appointment here pledging the Public Faith and Revenue of our
Ports as security. I am not certain that we can do much here something
has been talked of Loaning but whether they Really will or not is
uncertain on tomorrow we will make an experiment. Majr Saml Whiting
offered me $1000 it will be well for you to receipt for it and forward it
to this Place as I am confident we will need it in a few days a[s] yet all
calls have been Punctually met.
Govnr Zavala is of opinion that we should proceed to make
appointments and collect duties according to U. States tariff the Council feals the
necessity approaching, but fears the responsibility of such a proceedure
as the People of our country have been looking forward to the acts of the
Convention and would not likely recognise the Council in such acts of
Responsibility of this particularly the council requests to be instructed by
the members in camp provided they cannot return shortly to make a sitting
of the convention. Something will have to be done shortly to replenish our
finances If San Antonio holds out and as money is the spring of every
thing it will be by no means amiss to have a surplus on hand, It will Give
confidence. The members in camp can suggest other plans perhapse, we
are but a few and would like to hear of their views and will do every thing
to forward our comon Cause. It is also in contemplation to Pass a
resolution requiring all dues for Lands to the State to be paid in to Persons
appointed by the Ayuntomientoes of each Municipality and put a Note in
the Paper requiring all persons of Austin to make payment to Gail Borden
jnr. how far this may meet the necessities or whether in time you [know
best?] Our committee is now in sitting on the subject of mails I
believe they will report in favor of two routs being established Immediately
one to the Red Lands and to the Sabine the other to Liberty I have
thought this essential as it has only been for want of Information that
troops have not been from the Eastward some time ago and at this
juncture it is more Important as all is on the tiptoe of Expectation. There is
great Delicacy manifested in taking steps of Legislation [as] far as we
do but we fear very much the convention cannot meet as soon as proposed
and If so it will be Indispensable for the members in camp to Give us their
approbation and recommend further assumption of responsabilities.
R. R. Royall President council
[Addressed:] Genl. S. F. Austin Commander in Chief Head Quarters
Near Bexar—By Ths Barnett Esqr—