New Orleans, Jan 7, 1836.
I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon, but it is not certain, as
I may not be able to visit Lexington until I return from the Eastward as
we are very much pressed for time. I am bound to Washington, New York
etc. in company with Docr. B. T. Archer, and W. H. Wharton Esqr. We
are commissioners for the Texan Government. Our principal object is to
raise money means and men to sustain our cause.
The War for Liberty goes on prosperously, so far, in Texas. It must,
and will, end in Independence—a full Declaration will be made in March.
That of 7th November was the first step, preparatory to the second and
final one. The fact is, we have no other remedy left. By the last accounts
the Central Government is established, and the Federal system totally
destroyed. The Texans may, therefore, for the future, be considered an
independent people, intirely separate from Mexico. We are young to set up for
ourselves, but we are the sons of that great nation which has astonished the
world by its deeds, and progress in the cause of liberty, light and truth.
When I left Texas there was not an enemy within our limits, nor east of
the River Bravo del Norte. Gen. Santanna, however, is marching on in
person with all the force he can collect to anihilate us. We have no fears,
but we must be ready for him. We need all the aid we can get in men and
money, provisions, arms and ammunition.
Large contributions have been made in the United States for the
extension of Christianity over the South Sea Islands by means of Missionary
societies. Is not our cause quite as important and sacred? We are trying
to banish from our homes religious intolerance and despotism, and to
establish in the place of it, liberty and freedom of conscience. How many
thousands of pious families of all denominations might find a home and
become the proprietors of the soil in Texas—the best soil and climate
accessible to north Americans—if religious toleration were once firmly
rooted there! Religion, morality, the arts and sciences, the great sources
of liberty—which is in fact, the cause of mankind—all unite in calling
upon the free, the generous, the enterprising and the pious, to step forward
in aid of Texas. We expect aid from the religious portion of the
community, and that the pulpit will pour out its fervent prayers to a just God
for his blessing on our endeavors, and send its eloquent voice to the people
in the cause of all free churches—the cause of truth and justice.
Our fate will probably be decided in three months. Santanna is making
a great effort. If he fail, it must be his last. Now is the time to aid us—
now is the time of salvation. We need everything—provisions and money—
and men well armed, officered, and provided. Their expenses will all be
refunded at the close of the war, with interest, besides donations in land,
The opening is a great one, if it were only a matter of speculation—it is
glorious in its cause. A new republic is about to rear its independent
banner over a country but lately a wilderness— There is magnificence in
the idea—prosperity freedom and glory in the results.
We shall stop one day at Louisville. I should like much to visit
Lexington. Some of my much cherished schoolmates and companions of happy
days still reside there: John McCalla, Pierce Butler the Todds etc. please
remember me to them. Tell my Cousins E_________ and H____________
I hope it will not be long before they can live in Texas with such comforts
as they merit. If we weather the storm untill June all will end well and
prosperously. I have no doubt we shall, for we rely on aid from the
people of the U. S.—but it must be prompt.
There is a Louisiana Battalion; a Georgia Battalion; a Mississippi
Battalion; an Alabama Battalion; and a Tennessee Battalion; why can
there not be a Kentucky Battalion? It would be a fine opening for a
military man of standing—a Lafayette service. They might go by land from
Natchitoches, or by water from here. The former I prefer, as Mexican
cruisers are on the coast. We are fitting out some to meet them, but our
money is rather short.
I have written hastily and must close, for I am at the end of the paper,
but not at the end of the subject. It is a copious one, and I am perhaps
rather enthusiastic in the view I take of it. My whole heart and soul is
devoted to it. I am well.
S. F. A.