New Orleans July 11th 1836
To Messrs. Austin, Archer, and Wharton
Late Commissioners of Texas
Gentlemen
Enclosed you will find a copy of an application made by me to acquire
the right of a Colonist of Texas, The original, I in person handed to
S. M. Williams esq, at Velasco, as he, at that period was acting for S. F.
Austin Esq, my object in tendering a copy is for the purpose of obtaining
a certificate of citizenship under that date, I trust that through your
influence the right applied for, will be unhesitatingly granted, You well
know Gentlemen I have been strictly devoted to the interest of Texas; That
through your instigation I declined receiving consignments of Merchandise
and consequently, that chance of resource was entirely cut off, Leaving me
for the present ruined in commercial prospects, which I should not value
if my credit had not been deeply injured by the unjustifyable proceedings
of your Cabinet, At the period the agency of Texas was accepted by me
her prospects were so deeply shrouded in doubt that you were refused by
several the aid I promptly rendered— You will recollect one person only,
was willing to accept the office (and only one) on condition that I would
take all the responsibilities, all the trouble, and he the profit, and the
title— When I refused the proposal, it was far from my belief that a
Cabinet representing an enterprising and honorable population would sanction
the proceedings of a few treacherous, interested persons, to bring disgrace
and ruin upon the only person who disinterestedly stood by them through
their days of darkness— In a few days I trust to submit to your perusal a
correct statement of all the transactions between the Government of Texas
and their agents in New Orleans
Wm. Bryan