San Felipe Nov 5th 1835
Dear Genl.
I would say something of the proceedings of our Convention were it not
that you will get the most important transactions in the hand bill of the
first days proceedings— Yesterday, however, the day was principally
occupied in discussion on the resolution offered by Mr. Wharton appointing a
committee "to make a declaration to the world setting forth the reasons for
which we take up arms etc" Though the discussion was lengthy and
animated yet coolness and moderation pervaded throughout the debate.
Your opinion as to what you believed should be the course to pursue
was introduced as well as several plans all of which were referred to the
committee on the subject. Whatever may be the decision it will be
unanimous. My opinion is, however, that a large majority will declare for the
principles of the Constitution of 1824—
Unanimity and good feeling I believe is the order of the day—and I
trust all will go well.
I am waiting to see what the Convention will do on the subject of raising
money before I attempt to obtain it on your own account. I believe they
will raise it. They ought to do it I am certain—
Last night was a cold and stormy night, and I thought of you and the
army—that perhaps you were in the broad prairy without cover and
perhaps destitute of wood. I regret to hear your health is not good; and fear,
the hardships of the Camp and what is worse, the labor of the mind will
endanger your health.
Had a conversation with Genl. Houston today—I believe he has the
interest of our country at heart. He made the best speech yesterday I have
ever heard; the whole tenour of it went to harmonize the feelings of the
people and to produce unanimity of sentiment.
I think there is little doubt of much aid and assistance from the United
States.
Had the favor this evening of seeing your letter to Dr R Peebles in which
you advise to suspend for the present, any farther locations in land. Little
business has been done in the land office for some time past, and I can
assure you no advantages has, or will be taken of those who are in the
field.
Mr. Jack however can tell you what has been done. Now on another
subject.
I have written to brother Tom, that without we had more materials in
our printing establishment, it was impossible to do work to any extent that
it was all important, as well for ourselves as the interest of the Country to
send an agent immediately to N. Orleans for the purpose of getting what
articles we want, and extend our subscription list, without a great
patronage, can not stand the heavy expense of carrying on the office— We have
sufficient weight of type, but not proportion Mr. Baker can not be spared,
because he is our only translator—I can not go for the reasons of my
pressing business, as well of other things, as the improvement of the
printing office. This is, therefore, to request you to give Thomas a furlough so
soon as you think he can be spared that he may go to the U S for the
purposes above named. My reason for saying so much to you is, that I
discovered from his last letter he was determined not to come home till after
the campaign; and unless you thought he could better serve the country by
forwarding our printing establishment, he would not consent to come from
the field.
Excuse me for troubling you with so long a letter, and believe me
G. Borden Jr [Rubric]
[Addressed:] S. F. Austin Commander in Chief American Army San
Antonio