San Felipe Sept. 5th 1835

Sir,

A meeting of the people of this place, with a number of very respectable citizens of the surrounding country, was called this day, to adopt the most appropriate measures for welcoming you to your adopted country and to the bosom of your friends and country for this purpose, the undersigned, a committee appointed by the meeting to carry their wishes into effect; have dispatched Mr. J Borden one of their body to wait upon you, and request you to have the goodness to inform them, at what time it will suit your convenience, to meet them at Capt Aliens, to the end that they may have the honor of accompanying you into the town of San Felipe, where you will meet many of your long established friends, all prepared to receive you with open arms and with acclamations of Joy.

We tender to you our respect and most exalted consideration.

Wyly Martin

J. H. Money

A. W. Ewing

Geo. Ewing

Joshua Fletcher

Thos. Gay

John P Borden

Col. S. F. Austin

[note]

The sentiment of congratulation expressed by the committee appointed by the citizens of the municipality of Austin was responded to by all the people of whatever party throughout the country. This meeting as well as those held at Brazoria, Columbia and other places, can but faintly express at this day, the feelings of Joy and pleasure on the return of Austin. They looked upon the event as one which would settle all their doubts as to what should be done, and as one which would, as it proved, unite all parties of which the committee was composed.

Peach Point 6th Feby 1844

G. Borden, Jr

[note]

As evidence of the feeling which prevailed, we need only have recourse to the many congratulatory letters written to him from all parts of the country from the best and most distinguished citizens. Even his enemies and some who had threatened in his absence to brand him with infamy were constrained to greet him as the only physician that could correct the disorganized system and restore a healthy action to the body corporate.

The entire confidence which all parties had in Austin's superior knowledge in whatever related to the country, his zeal and untiring perseverance to promote its interest, and his integrity and virtue were sufficient reasons for the influence which his return was calculated to produce upon the community. The question may have occurred to those unacquainted with the peculiar situation of the country at that time, Why was not Austin placed at the head of the provisional government? Because the disorganized and unsettled condition of the country required his action in another sphere. His extensive correspondence and presence among the people exerted a far greater influence than he could have done at the head of a government little more than nominal. This may be inferred from the earnest and general solicitation of the people that he should take command of the first army. They said "his presence in the field will inspire a confidence in the hazardous enterprize."

Again when it was thought necessary to send commissioners to the United States, who but Austin could better head the mission which, was intended to lay before that people the true grounds of the contest, and thereby, interest them in our favor? It is unnecessary to speak of the importance of this mission. Twenty-five or Thirty thousand people without any preparations for war without resources contending against Eight millions. If a Frankland [Franklin] was called upon to interest the European nations in behalf of the thirteen colonies, who in Texas more suitable than Austin to be entrusted with the important mission. The administration of government could be intrusted to others. But it must not be supposed that Austin withheld his aid in directing the Executive and legislative operations of the country: His opinions were asked for and sought by those departments, and the numerous communications made by him to the provisional government on every subject touching the welfare of the country prove how much the administration of affairs was indebted to his experience judgement and skill.

Those acquainted with the condition of the country at the time, knew and appreciated the influence which he exerted as Secretary of State under the first organization under the constitution, and which office he accepted at the earnest solicitation of men who were convinced of his preeminent abilities in negociating a connection with the United States which was so much desired at the time. It should be remarked that the friends of Texas looked upon Austin as the man best qualified to bring about the annexation to the United States, a measure to which he lent all his energies and which was the occasion of his death.

G. Borden, Jr.

Peach Point 7th Feby 1844