San Felipe de Austin, Sept. 21st. 1835.

Gentlemen—

I received the information last night of the expedition that is raising to march on to Labacca and without delay have sent expresses to Harrisburg, Trinity and the upper country with copies of the paper which I enclose for your information— Frank Johnson starts tomorrow for Nacogdoches; I have requested them in that quarter to raise all the men they can and march on without delay. There must now be no half way measures— War in full— The sword is drawn and the scabbard must be put on one side until the military are all driven out of Texas. I presume you have received the circular from the committee of this place dated the 19th inst.; Mr. Brigham took it down— it was written in consequence of information received from Bexar which was of so decisive a character that the committee deemed it a duty to take a clear and [un]equivocal position at once and to let the country know its opinion— I am happy to say that in this quarter and in the upper country so far as I have heard, all are united and all for War; I hope you will inform me of what is done so that there may be as much concert as possible, you will see by the enclosed paper, that a corps of reserve is proposed. This was done because I expect, that some will come on from Trinity and some from Bevil' settlement who cannot be in time for the advance, and it was necessary to give them some center to report to, so as to receive direction and organization; until there is some head to order; we must all try to labour in concert, so as to support each others movements as much as the distance and circumstances will permit. I will remain here for a while, or go on to Labacca as may be deemed most advisable. I seek no command and wish none, but am ready to do all the good I can to unite opinions and raise men, and to fight in person— I go into this war cheerfully and with very different feelings from what I had in any of our past difficulties— we are now right our basis is sound and just, and will be so declared by an impartial world; we are defending our constitutional rights against military usurpation—

I hope you will communicate your opinions to me fully and frankly.

S. F. Austin.

To the Committee of Safety &c. of Columbia.