Dear Stephen F

Dear Stephen F. Austin,

> We have been reading about you for a few months . You were

> very inspirational how you protested against the Mexican goverment .We

> were wondering if we could learn more about you with these questions:

> Were you very athletic? Did you get picked on in school? Were you

> scared when you were at war? Were you nervous when you were the

> commander of the Texians?

> SIncerely,

> Hunter, Cody, Tiffani, and Sarah

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I will have to answer these questions as "Bob" who has read a lot about

Stephen F. Austin rather than as Mr. Austin.

I have read nothing that indicates that Mr. Austin was athletic, but they

didn't have the organized athletics we have today. Everything I have read

indicates that he was a part of a wealthy family and, because of that, he

didn't have to do physical things. He didn't have to work in the fields or

do physcial labor like many children of his day had to do.

There is no indication that he got picked on in school. Remember, he came

from a prominent family and went to "wealthy" schools.

Mr. Austin would have been nervous during the military campaign in November,

1835, against General Cos in San Antonio de Bexar. Remember, Mr. Austin

basically had no military background but was asked to lead a major military

offensive. I guess if I were him, I would be scared and nervous because I

would be leading men, some of whom would die....and I would know I didn't

know what I was doing. Can you imagine having that responsibility? I

can't.

Thank you for your really great questions! They really made me think in

order to answer them.

Bob Heinonen

Texas Heroes

574 Altwein Road

Blanco, TX 78606

(830)833-0809