New Orleans Jan. 21, 1836
Mr. T. F. McKinney
We, that is Archer and myself, expect certainly to leave tomorrow for
the upper country—
W. H. Wharton started on the 16 for Nashville—we remained to close
the business of the commission in this City, which we have done in a very
advantageous manner, as I think, for the interests of Texas—we have
effected a second loan of $50,000 for land at 50 cents pr. acre—some
difference between this and the monclova legislature which gave land at about
50. dolls, pr. League— This loan produced us 40.000 dolls, prompt
payment in hand
The news from all quarters is cheering and prosperous for Texas—
nothing is wanting but an immediate declaration of independence, and union
and harmony at home, without this all is lost— There has been the most
perfect harmony in the commission—we all agree as to the main principles,
and especially as to independence— I hope that in future there will be
union, more so than there has been,— If there be good faith in some of
those who have been the most restless I think there will be—John Wharton
assures me that on his part, there will be no more restlessness and his
brother says the same— I know what reply you will make to this—but my
object is the country, our country, it is, or ought to be the paramount object
of all, and without union and harmony, our country is lost.
There are rumors here of disturbances at San Felipe, which discouraged
the friends of Texas injured her credit, and caused our enemies to exult—
If substantial and deliberate men are elected to the convention, and
violent demagogues are permitted to stay at home, all will go right, for such
men will legislate for the country, and not themselves or for a party.
In well organized Governments, parties are usefull for they operate as
checks, but situated as we are in Texas they are ruinous, and ought to be
discountenanced— I have always tried to keep them down, and have been
much censured by my friends for yielding, rather than encourage party
feelings— I may have been wrong, for party spirit never gives credit to
any person for purity of motive— The situation of Texas is now critical,
and a great effort is necessary to establish union and harmony- The
country ought to go unanimously for independence. Public opinion all
over the U. S. expects and earnestly calls for it— Much harm has been
done heretofore by those who have endeavoured to precipitate this Measure,
by violence, partial meetings, and forestaling public opinion by manage-
ment etc. I think they are now convinced of the impropriety of this course,
and will pursue a different one, and a rational one in future—at all events
let us all labor to promote union and harmony—
No news from W. I fear he is dreaming somewhere. God grant that his
dreams may be less injurious to Texas than some which were drempt at
Monclova—
Love to the Ladies— S. F. A.
[Addressed:] Mr T. F. McKinny Quintana Col. J. A. Wharton