Letter from Genl Stephen F Austin to Capt. Henry Austin Dated Velasco June 27 1836 — Dear Sir—Texas needs every man who belongs here—the war is not ended— The armistice that was commenced and made on the battle ground of San Jacinto by Houston with the prisoner Santa Anna, saved the mass of the Mexican Army, as it gave to them the permission to retreat unmolested and take away all their arms etc— Genl. Cortazar has reached Saltillo by the last accounts with the army of reserve, previously formed by Santa Anna—(this army was to push his conquests to the Mississippi) and before this has no doubt reached the del Norte— Texas is now better prepared for war then she was before—the retreat or rather flight of families last spring has taught that it is better to die in battle— than to suffer a hundred deaths by the exposure and fatigue of flight— it has also taught grumblers etc that there is more safety in the rifle and musket, than in useless and vindictive criticisms and party animosity and selfishness— In short, I believe that the people of Texas are now determined to stand their ground and to conquer or die upon it— I hope you will return immediately and if you can bring some men do so, but no delay—and do try and impress it on those who come with you—if any come—that they cannot be Generals, Colonels, Majors etc.

My sister came down here the other day to embark for Orleans, but the vessel did not sail— I have not yet seen her— I shall advise her to stay at home and abide the fate of Texas— You will say to this that she can be of no avail here—not so—it was the panic caused by the flight of families last spring which came so near loosing Texas, and if my sister goes, it will have its influence on many others—I wish all of my name or connection to stay in Texas and abide the issue be it what it may— Your children ought to and must remain where they are in Lexington but you ought to be here Bring me a sword I had several, but in my absence they are all scattered—, The cabinet have managed to excite popular prejudice against them by entering into any arrangements with Santa Anna— It was most unfortunate—those arrangements however were begun by Houston on the battle ground the day after Santa Anna was taken— The cabinet are not to blame—so much as they have been blamed Texas was saved by the victory of San Jacinto and almost lost by the armistice made in the moment of victory with a prisoner— An immediate and rapid advance after that victory would have distroyed the whole of the Mexican army— But that is passed and ought only to be alluded to now, to draw lessons from experience and not for vituperation—, experience tells us all, stand your ground, fight it out, and trust to no armistice except one of two kinds—a final peace —or death— Farewell Love to cousin Mary and the children Yours most affectionately and truly

S. F. Austin