San Felipe 18th October 1835 (Sunday)

Genl Austin

Dear Sir

Some members have been aded to day to our Council by late Arrivals to the Consultation and some have obtained leave of absence. Our Present Members are about 16.

We have taken upon us in the present times (Pregnant as they are with Emergencies) some Responsibilities, agents from the upper settlements, have arrived and we have dispatched them with Commissions, and Instructions, to three Captains one to act as Ranger with ten men east of Trinity one with 25 between the Brazos and Trinity and one with 25 between the Colorado and Brazos offering $1.25 pr day to each Ranger till Otherwise Provided by the Consultation. We will dispatch to N. and Ayish Bayou tomorrow a delegation to, the Chiefs of the Indians and the American setters with Circulars Printed for their Information and signed by the whole House, in these we declare an opposition to the Great land speculation etc. tell them our true situation and urge them to turn out. On the part of the Indians we Delegate to our Commissioners the Power to council with them and give Pledges of the Public faith to Respect their rights to land with assurances, that the convention will conform. This I am confident is at least as far as was Intended to be delegated to us, but the times seem to require it, as to the part the Indians will act the Com. are Instructed to assertain and be Governed by Circumstances, we hear Rumours here of there being only 40 men coming from that Quarter and of threats from the Indians but it is only Rumour The Chiefs have not arrived nor are they heard of. I have been urged to go myself But I believe it will be over ruled as I think is best, and Esqr. Garrett of the Red Lands Mr Hood and Mr Menard will be apointed it will be disposed of this evening, the cannon is here and perhaps tomorrow we will be able to get two yoke of Oxen to take it on Capt Wm. Hall left today to go to Gonzales or Colorado to forward corn Meal to head quarters. You should I think be more full about supplies for a long time and say how much—Members from Cow Bayou and that Quarter say there will be 40 men from that way tonight or in a few days. On the subject I wrote you relative to Jno Williams I would think—on reflecting more, had best be well matured before we act and the present press for .men and uncertainty every where of Immediate success it may be best not to proceed as I proposd or not till the convention meets but be that with you.

The Prisioners are here and I think it Doubtfull yet whether the Council will consent to the Captains release unless by request of Capt Collins- worth as they say he would be reasonably, mortified and that If they get liberty and the like occur On us we can not effect an Exchange but would be Imprisoned. They have the liberty of the town.

If you still desire it please write again or a word from Capt C. or your statement of his,wish, the subject will be submitted tomorrow to the house. R. R. Royall President of Council

19th Octr 1835

Some troops have arrived from the Trinity and Col Pettus says, he will be able to forward the cannon to day. 5 Wagons have been dispatched from Columbia and 2 from here with provisions Arms and Amunition under charge of Geo. Huff with a Guard of 10 men. Genl Briscoe has arrived from Mississippi Via Nacog. he says he counted 80 men leaving Nacog. but citizens Generally said 150 as also John Dust stated the same. Esqr Garrett thinks he will be abble to turn out more of this you can be informed by Gentlemen from that Quarter who know him and his associates Hood and Menard they are alive to the cause and will do their Best. Genl Briscoe States that Jno Dust said he had talked with the Cherokees and other associate tribes and they Intended to be neutral also that his opinion was that If we were Vanquished they would turn against us. that at Present some of their families are gone out Hunting appearing Entirely Indifferent. It will be one or two days before our Commissioners can leave on act. of not being able to get the Printing done sooner, since my last a few days ago I find the members here by being kept Buisy are More Contented and will Probably continue so and depart only with leave till those in the army may find it advisable to return. But I think it will be necessary for you to state the wish of those in camp how far we may consistently with their Views go in matters necessary to the forwarding of our Views to cause protection of the Army and security of the frontier.

R. R. Royall

Some days since I wrote to Matagorda to Fisher the Present Chairman of Com. to forward 10 sacks coffee some shugar 5 Sacks salt and what Powder they could spare from the place—I hope he will attend to it.

R. R. R.