Lexington, Wednesday, June 1st. 1836

Dear Sousin,

I have yours from Maysville, and hope this will be in time to meet you at Louisville. If you want men it seems to me all important that you should Come here forth with. 4 or 500 men are nearly ready and anxious to go, but neither Col: Lewis, nor Col: Wilson has yet arrived— great discontent and want of Confidence prevail—some have gone off in disgust— others will follow without some efficient Movement— Your presence would reanimate them. The greatest enthusiasm did exist, but the want of a head is manifest. Col Lewis has been sick in Cincinnati—did not write for a long time—and now a letter says he will go Eastward without Coming here—much disappointment on account of it. Col: Wilson went to make arrangements for his family—was expected back a week ago—not a word from him—it is thought he is sick—the bad weather hinders every thing and every body. A fine Company in Bourbon county want to go, but there is no one with authority to encourage them to do so. Your presence would do all in an instant. Capt Postlewhaite takes the Fayette Company—Ladies Legion. 200 are in barracks here since some weeks—others are joining— while some go off. There is Much Confusion. Enthusiasm Could instantly be kindled— Young Woolley—Gause—Rogers, and others are first rate young men—all enthusiasm, but somewhat depressed from the above Causes.

Miss James has painted your flag on silk—Sun Washington and all—it is beautiful—it is to be presented by Henrietta—with an appropriate speech written for her by myself— Friday afternoon— How interesting to have you here! It is to be in Mrs Harts lawn. We tried to have it to day but the weather has been so bad Could not be got dry. and it rains fast— All the Military were to parade. We tried to hurry it because some of the troops are to start tomorrow in the Car— There is an encampment and rendezvous in Shelbyville—another is in Louisville—some have gone on there— A Letter is here from Col: Harrison of Louisville to Col: Wilson wanting information about starting etc there is no one here to give it. Mr. Ficklin was in here just now—is trying hard to get them off—thinks it all important that they go quick or they will not go at all— Mr. Bryant followed—thinks your Coming for a single day, if you Could spare it— would be effectual. They and Mr. Hunt make great exertions, as does Gen McCalla and others. Dr Dudley opposes all he can, as does Mr Wickliffe.

I think with you about monied men. It is my experience. We must not look to them for generosity. None of them have come forward here except Mr Norton who gave $100— As to our family money matters— I see no hope in any quarter—so must e'en put my shoulder to the wheel a little longer I shall do it cheerfully in view of the end. I have another boarder and can have enough. Perhaps you did not get my last letter to Washington. I wrote you I have taken the house adjoining mine, making with that room enough. If your sister, in view of placing her daughter at school (at mr Leacock's, a very good one) I should be glad to have her pass the summer with me and her family or any [others] of our Texan friends— I wrote Henry to that effect. He is still in N. 0. trying for funds. Mr Erwin has made already $50,000 by Texas lands, he has gone out to [illegible]-— while we lose all we have without realizing a cent. Our time will come—I hope— Bradford from Fannings Corps arrived here last night—have not seen him, If you have the New Constitution of Texas please send or bring it without delay— Am closing the last chapter—terrible struggle to get the book out. We have a grand Close—with Houstons proclamation. Dr Overton of Nashville is here. I have a parcel of clothes made up by us for the army—Dont know what to do with them— No proper authority to receive them. I furnished the silk for the flag—Gen: McCalla the Staff and spear head. I have expended about $30 of my own funds for work and materials besides what we have done and what has been given. I have not a doubt but all will be well.

M A H [Mary Austin Holley.]

Mr Charlton Hunt gave $100 and a horse to Col: Wilson. And was very active here and elsewhere. Since writing—It has been suggested that at the presentation of the Flag in Mrs Harts lawn—you being present to make a speech—1000$ or more might be collected You had better come. Gen: McCalla just came in—says come by all means. What a pity you did not come from, Maysville. he has written by this mail—

About coming here, I have endeavored to spread out the matter before you— You must judge. A gentleman of family of Herrodsburgh brought his Son, a youth of 17 to put him under the especial care of some officer— as he would go. Young men and boys can hardly be restrained from going—they run away from their parents when they will not consent. Santanna is on Galveston Island— Bradford says the Devil could not get him out— Is Mr Wharton with you— Let him come and harangue his old Comrades here—

Please have this letter delivered immediately. Should Gen: A have passed on to N Orleans, please let it follow pr steamboat.

[Addressed:] Gen: S. F. Austin Louisville

[Readdressed:] New Orleans Louisiana