usual official form, addressed to the President by letter, but handed to Mr. Potter, and by him introduced to the house.  The letter of the Governor only was read.  It spoke of the loan for $200,000, the contract for which was communicated, but that, with the other documents, was referred to Messrs. Collinsworth, Gazley, Hamilton, Childress, and Goodrich.  Thus the subject was smuggled out of sight of the house, a course seemingly inauspicious to the confirmation of the loan.  Indeed, I learn there will be serious opposition to it, arising from the wretched selfishness of members, who regard the terms of the loan as too favorable to the lenders, the land being too low, in their opinion.  To national faith and credit they are insensible.  I begin to find myself uncomfortably situated here.  I am told I am regarded as a spy in the camp, and viewed with jealousy.  I have fancied I perceived less cordiality towards me than was at first manifested.  I must therefore be guarded.  I have shown the contract to Zavala.  He thinks the interest low, and that we have given too much for the land.

The Constitution was first committed on the 2nd to the following:  Potter, Stewart, Waller, Grimes, Coleman, Fisher, Bunton, Palmer, Gaines, Zavala, Everett, Hardiman, Stapp, Crawford, West, Powers, Navarro, McKinney, Menefee, Mottley, Menard.  Others have since taken a hand in it.  And it will have to undergo much alteration and revision to make it respectable in language and arrangement.

Tuesday, March 8, 1836

Fine weather.  The Convention are diligent in their meetings, but get on slowly with business.  Too much talk.

(The manner in which Gov'r Smith's communication was yesterday introduced was thus:  Potter enquired if the committee appointed to wait on the officers of the late provisional government had acted.  The chairman replied that notice had been given to them.  In the course of the remarks that arose the loan was alluded to by Collinsworth as a matter that required action, and which was not before the house.  He said it was doubted whether it would be confirmed by the house or by the lenders.  Potter suggested that the documents in possession of the executive would give all the necessary information.  Governor Smith was behind the bar, and said in a low voice to Potter that he had had no opportunity of making a communication.  He then (on Potter's offer to present them) gave his papers to Potter, who presented them to the house.  Ordered to be read.  Potter undertook it, but could not get through.  Dr. Stewart, the late secretary of the Governor, read them.  The letter of the Governor only ordered to be printed.  The rest laid on table -- referred.)

Collinsworth today reported on the loan favorably, Indian treaty, etc.  No action on the loan.  (See my pencil memo. of the proceedings.)