Washington March 31. 1836

Wm. Bryan Esqr Texas agt. N. Orleans

D Sir.

Your various communications addressed to us since leaving New Orleans were not received until last evening. They are the first accounts we have had from you. For the attention and zeal for our sacred cause evinced by them be pleased to accept our heartfelt gratitude, your conduct in every respect since acting as agent so far as has come to our knowledge has met our most cordial approbation. The scarcity of funds of which you speak has distressed us not a little. We have agents in New York and elsewhere busily engaged in endeavoring to make monied negotiations. Most of the capitalists have been awaiting the present Texas Convention. If that declares absolute independence all will go right immediately. We are disappointed at not hearing from the convention before now, and expect the declaration of independence dayly We have just received very favorable propositions from New York in regard to a loan of a large amount. It is bottomed however on an absolute declaration of independence by the convention. As soon as we get news of this we will proceed to N York and contract the loan We will raise funds if we give 10 pr, cent and mortgage every thing we possess on earth even to our wearing apparel On this you may rely but we cannot accomplish the matter until we hear from the convention In Gods name Do hold on in the good cause and strain every nerve to keep up the public credit until we can relieve you the public feeling is all on our side and that of the government too but this is confidential Genl Austin and W H Wharton were very sick at Nashville which prevented our getting on sooner but we could have accomplished nothing by being here or in New York with out having a declaration of independence to shew Again we conjure you to persevere and sustain the public credit until we can relieve you which shall be as soon as possible

S. F. Austin. W. H. Wharton

B. T. Archer—Coms. for Texas.