The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 14, July 1910 - April, 1911 Page: 318
348 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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318 Texas Historical Association Quarterly
thinks the fighting will be over before we get there, and speaks
cheeringly of the prospects. I feel more energy than I ever did
in anything I have undertaken. I am determined to provide for
you a home or perish. . . . Fare you all well till you hear
from me again, perhaps from Natchez.
[In a letter written from Nachitoches, December 13, 1835, he
says:]
About 20 minutes ago I landed at this place safely after con-
siderable peril. About 20 men from Tennessee formed our squad
at Memphis, and all landed safely at the mouth of Red River.
Major Eaton and Lady were on board the Pacific, to whom I sup-
pose I was favourably introduced by Mr. Childress, from that how-
ever or from some other reason Gov. Eaton paid me the most
friendly and assiduous attention. . . . I have not met with a
more amiable and agreeable man than the Governor. By his per-
suasion a Major Arnold from Tennessee (a cousin of Gen'l Arnold)
and myself left the rest of our Company at the mouth of Red River
and went down to Orleans for the purpose of learning the true
state of things in Texas as well as which would be the best prob-
able rout. The result was that, the war is still going on favour-
ably to the Texans, but it is thought that Santa Anna will make
a descent with his whole forces in the Spring, but there will be
soldiers enough of the real grit in Texas by that time to overrun
all Mexico.
The only danger is in starvation, for the impulse to Texas both
as to soldiers and moving families exceeds anything I have ever
known. I have little doubt but that the army will receive ample
supplies from Orleans both of provisions and munitions of war,
as the people of Texas have formed themselves into something like
a government, which will give them credit in Orleans. I have had
many glowing descriptions of the country by those who have been
there. . . . We have between 400 and 500 miles to foot it to
the seat of government, for we cannot get horses, but we have sworn
allegiance to each other and will get along somehow. . . . The
smallpox has recently broken out here very bad, but I fear the
Tavern bill a great deal worse. Such charges never were heard of
and we have to stay here probably several days before we can pro-
cure a conveyance for our baggage. I suppose we shall join and
buy a waggon.
Write to me to this place all the letters you send by mail, per-
haps the general intercourse from here to Texas, will enable me to
get them conveniently. Write me in Texas by every private oppor-
tunity, and I will do the same. .. . I send this by Mr. Sevier
who promises to put it in the postoffice at Bolivar or Middle-
burg. . .
P. S. The Company of young men that left Jackson before I
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Texas State Historical Association. The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 14, July 1910 - April, 1911, periodical, 1911; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101054/m1/348/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.