Louisville Apl 22nd 1836

Dr Sir,

It was with great regret that I found myself compelled to leave Lexington on yesterday-morning, without seeing You, it being late when I awoke, the railroad car about to start, and my business at home urgently pressing, all which will I hope amount to a sufficient apology.

I got here in the stage this morning after riding the whole night and as you May well suppose am in no very felicitous condition for writing. Yet fearing that unless I do so now you will have no opportunity of receiving a letter from me, before you leave Kentucky, I hasten to give you such information as I possess with regard to Texas and her affairs. The rumor that Col Fannin has fought his way to Gen Houstons army, seems to gain credence, the statement that Houston Quitman and Young Crockett have taken on a large force is not doubted, and that volunteers are pouring into the relief of the Country from every quarter of the western and southern— States is uncontradicted. My Brother who we were informed only started with thirty Men, I learn had certainly forty, and probably upwards of fifty, for it was found after he got on the Boat which carried him, that there were many going who had given no previous information of their intentions to do so, desiring for reasons only known to themselves, to keep their intentions secret, until that moment, and the boat getting off before he could make a Count, no one learned the exact number he carried with him, and even after he had gone, some came in from the Country to go.

24th you will perceive that I was unable to finish this letter on the day I commenced it, which was owing to professional engagements.

I am pleased to tell you, that on the day before yesterday Mr Stanberry arrived here with upward of forty volunteers from Cincinnati, and has been joined by enough here, who were unable to get off with my Brother, to Make out about fifty, as he informs me. I also learned from him that two other companies from Wheeling and Pittsburgh would shortly be on, and that a Mr Ludlow of Cincinnati was preparing to raise a Regiment, which he Mr Stanberry Seemed to think would be an easy task. So we see that the work goes bravely on,—Col Harrison has heard nothing from Gen. Chambers as yet, but I hope soon will hear, he informs me he can easily obtain the necessary quota of Men, if he can only get Money to buy horses etc, write to the Gen to come on immediately, for I assure you that Harrison project is worth his most vigilent attention, if the Battalion is raised I venture to predict, that it will be one of the most efficient and useful in the service.

I very much wish you could enlist my friend Gist in the cause. I mean not as a private, but as an officer of Rank, for in him you would take to your country, an intelligent and amiable Gentleman, a brave man, and useful Citizen, and were he to join you, he has the means and I am very confident would use them with a liberal hand, to fit out a respectable force, both as it regards numbers and usefulness Let me hear from you, immediately, and as often as you may have leisure to write.

If you find that a Company or two can be raised in the neighborhood of Lexington, I would advise you, if I might advise at all, to connect them with Harrisons command. So as to make out one effective battallion ready for the field as soon as possible which you can no doubt accomplish by urging upon those who may take the lead in getting them up, the propriety of going as soon, and in as great force as possible,

Mortimer R. Wiggington

Col. Lewis

P. S. Please bear in mind that my brother Alfred M. Wiggington will be in Texas when you return and that you cannot do me greater service, that [than] by obtaining him some situation in which he can be useful the one you mentioned will be most suitable. M. R. W.

Col—Lewis Lexington Ky

If Col L. has left Mr Ficklin is desired to forward this to him. M. R. W.