San Felipe 21st October 1835

Genl. S. F. Austin

Dear Sir

In continuation of my correspondence I will explain to you that you will find in Our news Paper your Letter from Gonzales on 13th couched in Discouraging terms. I will Inform you that I had no Intention of Publishing that Letter and very much disapprove of it Mr Borden who has always heretofore exercised discretionary Powers, over our Public Papers Borried your letters under promise to examine them and with hold from the Press such as was Improper for publication when I found it had gone out in the Paper, it was too Late to recall it, I will only now cause to be published in our next the flatering prospects, of the Present time to counteract any Effects, of this paper.

Our House has Grown a little thin of members [There] have several left within the Last few days, generally with an understanding to return to the Convention. Govnr. Zavala, has still chills and Fevers he joins us occasionally and is of opinion that the three officers (Prisoners,) here are not to be relied on as, friends to the Americans not one of them but still says, they are Gentlemen and may be trusted on Parole he advises, the retaining of them till Bejar falls and says further that the return of Capt. Saviego will not benefit us, to use his Term that he will Blacken our name. The officers appear well satisfied at their treatment but want leave to Return which the Council has Unanimously Refused

The Council feals Great Solicitude for the Success of the cause in which we are Engaged and it has now become necessary to adopt some measure to cash the Drafts Drawn on us by the contractor and Captain of Companies. We have Passed Resolutions authorizing Comdts. of Companies to Draw on the Council for supplies for troops on the Road to head Quarters we have also addressed a letter to Beason stating that such Drafts— would be Honoured and have forwarded copies to Nacogdoches, how these Extensive and Very necessary demands are to be met, the Council has requested me to make known their wishes to the members of the Convention in Camp for their advise and for their approbation so far as we have gone.

We will this morning authorise our Commissioners to go to the Red Lands to collect all Public dues from the Authorities there so far as that Quarter has not a use for and to Contract for Loans of money as we are told Money has been proposed by men in that Quarter we will make a Simular appointment here pledging the Public Faith and Revenue of our Ports as security. I am not certain that we can do much here something has been talked of Loaning but whether they Really will or not is uncertain on tomorrow we will make an experiment. Majr Saml Whiting offered me $1000 it will be well for you to receipt for it and forward it to this Place as I am confident we will need it in a few days a[s] yet all calls have been Punctually met.

Govnr Zavala is of opinion that we should proceed to make appointments and collect duties according to U. States tariff the Council feals the necessity approaching, but fears the responsibility of such a proceedure as the People of our country have been looking forward to the acts of the Convention and would not likely recognise the Council in such acts of Responsibility of this particularly the council requests to be instructed by the members in camp provided they cannot return shortly to make a sitting of the convention. Something will have to be done shortly to replenish our finances If San Antonio holds out and as money is the spring of every thing it will be by no means amiss to have a surplus on hand, It will Give confidence. The members in camp can suggest other plans perhapse, we are but a few and would like to hear of their views and will do every thing to forward our comon Cause. It is also in contemplation to Pass a resolution requiring all dues for Lands to the State to be paid in to Persons appointed by the Ayuntomientoes of each Municipality and put a Note in the Paper requiring all persons of Austin to make payment to Gail Borden jnr. how far this may meet the necessities or whether in time you [know best?] Our committee is now in sitting on the subject of mails I believe they will report in favor of two routs being established Immediately one to the Red Lands and to the Sabine the other to Liberty I have thought this essential as it has only been for want of Information that troops have not been from the Eastward some time ago and at this juncture it is more Important as all is on the tiptoe of Expectation. There is great Delicacy manifested in taking steps of Legislation [as] far as we do but we fear very much the convention cannot meet as soon as proposed and If so it will be Indispensable for the members in camp to Give us their approbation and recommend further assumption of responsabilities.

R. R. Royall President council

[Addressed:] Genl. S. F. Austin Commander in Chief Head Quarters Near Bexar—By Ths Barnett Esqr—