Brazoria 20th January 1837

Gail Bourden [Borden] Esqr.

Dear Sir

For some time passed I have been collecting materials for the life of the late lamented Genl. Stephen F. Austin. The task was originally under- taken in conformity with the wishes of the deceased; and it was upon him that I relied for a greater portion of the matter which was to impart interest and value to the work; but before his public duties would allow him the necessary leisure to examine and arrange his papers, "the insatiate archer" came—and laying low the brightest example of human enterprize and virtue, has imposed upon his Biographer the painful necessity and duty of seeking information from other sources. What we have lost in loosing him, remains to be supplied as far as possible, by the contributions of friendship and public spirit. The claims of General Austin upon the affections of the people of Texas were of the strongest kind. He was not only the founder of our Republic, but there is scarcely a blessing which has flowed to the country that may not fairly be attributed to his untiring efforts for its welfare; whilst almost every calamity and misfortune which have befallen it, might have been averted by an adherence to his wise and prudent counsels. The world has afforded but few examples of superior intelligence and sagacity; and as for disinterested and extended philanthropy—his long sufferings for the weal of others—his patient endurance under persecution—his generous forgiveness of enemies—and his final sacrifice of health, happiness and life in the service of his country, all conspire to place him without a modern rival amongst the first of patriots and the best of men. Now that he lives no more to serve us by his counsels, or to receive the reward of labors, let us manifest our gratitude, by doing justice to his memory—let us make a full and faithful record of his good works, and following the example of his own generosity give each venial error to the stream of Lethe. To pay due tribute to departed excellence, is a pleasing performance to the generous mind; and not to do it—to deny just homage to exalted worth—evinces a sad insensibility to virtue. Surely no one who casts his eyes over our broad and beautiful Prairies, and reflects that he has come to the bright inheritance through the toils and afflicting vicissitudes of one whose home, for our benefit, has been the wilderness and the dungeon, can for a moment refuse his small contribution toward erecting a monument to the memory of the noble benefactor? And of what shall that monument consist?—of marble?— No—- The best and purest superstructure which can be reared to the honor of General Austin, is the record of his actions—the history of his life; and he who shall contribute to this object by preserving any anecdote and interesting fact illustrative of his character, will not only render service to the cause of truth and justice, but will be making some small return for the many blessings which we are all enjoying from his labors. Permit me, therefore, to ask the favor of you, to announce in your valuable paper, my intention to compile his biography, and that I shall be pleased to receive, by voluntary contribution, any information which may be servicable to the undertaking. The labors of General Austin were extensive and important; so intimately connected with all the interesting events of his times, that a faithful account of his life must necessarily embrace a large portion of the history of our country. It will be perceived therefore that the materials appropriate to such a work, will not be limited to any particular epoch, but will include what ever relates to past wars—to the aborigines—to the thrilling events of our present revolutionary struggle for Independence— and indeed to every subject and circumstance in any wise connected with the country and worthy to be remembered in its annals. His correspondence was extensive; and if collected, will go great way in explaining our political history; such letters as may be entrusted to my use will be carefully preserved and returned to the proprietors whenever demanded; and for all well authenticated facts and valuable documents, proper acknowledgements will be made and due credit given to the contributors. Be so kind as to act as one of my agents in receiving and collecting materials for the object proposed; and also state in your journal, that all contributions intended for my use, may be address to the Care of Col Henry Austin of Bolivar, to yourself at Columbia and to Mr. Perry below Brazoria. As Boswell said of Doctor Johnson, we ought not to "loose one drop of our immortal friend"; and it is to be hoped that the early followers of Genl. Austin—the hardy adventurers, who blazed their way through the bottoms of the Brazos—will not permit the soul stirring scenes of former days to fade from memory, or go unchronicled, before the witnesses are called upon to follow their faithful Pioneer to other and more beautiful Prairies of the spirit land.

Mirabeau B. Lamar

[Note on back] : In setting up the above in type, correct the orthography, but preserve my punctuation. M. B. L.