Lexington, Wednesday, June 1st. 1836
Dear Sousin,
I have yours from Maysville, and hope this will be in time to meet you
at Louisville. If you want men it seems to me all important that you
should Come here forth with. 4 or 500 men are nearly ready and anxious
to go, but neither Col: Lewis, nor Col: Wilson has yet arrived— great
discontent and want of Confidence prevail—some have gone off in disgust—
others will follow without some efficient Movement— Your presence would
reanimate them. The greatest enthusiasm did exist, but the want of a head
is manifest. Col Lewis has been sick in Cincinnati—did not write for a
long time—and now a letter says he will go Eastward without Coming
here—much disappointment on account of it. Col: Wilson went to make
arrangements for his family—was expected back a week ago—not a word
from him—it is thought he is sick—the bad weather hinders every thing
and every body. A fine Company in Bourbon county want to go, but there
is no one with authority to encourage them to do so. Your presence would
do all in an instant. Capt Postlewhaite takes the Fayette Company—Ladies
Legion. 200 are in barracks here since some weeks—others are joining—
while some go off. There is Much Confusion. Enthusiasm Could instantly
be kindled— Young Woolley—Gause—Rogers, and others are first rate
young men—all enthusiasm, but somewhat depressed from the above
Causes.
Miss James has painted your flag on silk—Sun Washington and all—it
is beautiful—it is to be presented by Henrietta—with an appropriate speech
written for her by myself— Friday afternoon— How interesting to have
you here! It is to be in Mrs Harts lawn. We tried to have it to day but
the weather has been so bad Could not be got dry. and it rains fast—
All the Military were to parade. We tried to hurry it because some of the
troops are to start tomorrow in the Car— There is an encampment and
rendezvous in Shelbyville—another is in Louisville—some have gone on
there— A Letter is here from Col: Harrison of Louisville to Col: Wilson
wanting information about starting etc there is no one here to give it.
Mr. Ficklin was in here just now—is trying hard to get them off—thinks it
all important that they go quick or they will not go at all— Mr. Bryant
followed—thinks your Coming for a single day, if you Could spare it—
would be effectual. They and Mr. Hunt make great exertions, as does
Gen McCalla and others. Dr Dudley opposes all he can, as does Mr
Wickliffe.
I think with you about monied men. It is my experience. We must not
look to them for generosity. None of them have come forward here except
Mr Norton who gave $100— As to our family money matters— I see no
hope in any quarter—so must e'en put my shoulder to the wheel a little
longer I shall do it cheerfully in view of the end. I have another boarder
and can have enough. Perhaps you did not get my last letter to
Washington. I wrote you I have taken the house adjoining mine, making with that
room enough. If your sister, in view of placing her daughter at school (at
mr Leacock's, a very good one) I should be glad to have her pass the
summer with me and her family or any [others] of our Texan friends— I wrote
Henry to that effect. He is still in N. 0. trying for funds. Mr Erwin has
made already $50,000 by Texas lands, he has gone out to [illegible]-—
while we lose all we have without realizing a cent. Our time will come—I
hope— Bradford from Fannings Corps arrived here last night—have not
seen him, If you have the New Constitution of Texas please send or bring
it without delay— Am closing the last chapter—terrible struggle to get the
book out. We have a grand Close—with Houstons proclamation. Dr
Overton of Nashville is here. I have a parcel of clothes made up by us for
the army—Dont know what to do with them— No proper authority to
receive them. I furnished the silk for the flag—Gen: McCalla the Staff and
spear head. I have expended about $30 of my own funds for work and
materials besides what we have done and what has been given. I have not
a doubt but all will be well.
M A H [Mary Austin Holley.]
Mr Charlton Hunt gave $100 and a horse to Col: Wilson. And was
very active here and elsewhere. Since writing—It has been suggested that
at the presentation of the Flag in Mrs Harts lawn—you being present to
make a speech—1000$ or more might be collected You had better come.
Gen: McCalla just came in—says come by all means. What a pity you did
not come from, Maysville. he has written by this mail—
About coming here, I have endeavored to spread out the matter before
you— You must judge. A gentleman of family of Herrodsburgh brought
his Son, a youth of 17 to put him under the especial care of some officer—
as he would go. Young men and boys can hardly be restrained from
going—they run away from their parents when they will not consent.
Santanna is on Galveston Island— Bradford says the Devil could not get him
out— Is Mr Wharton with you— Let him come and harangue his old
Comrades here—
Please have this letter delivered immediately. Should Gen: A have
passed on to N Orleans, please let it follow pr steamboat.
[Addressed:] Gen: S. F. Austin Louisville
[Readdressed:] New Orleans Louisiana