Austin regrets ever meeting Soldier of Fortune

As the two men parted on Aug. 25, 1822, Stephen F. Austin asked General Arthur G. Wavell to act on his behalf while in England. The polite and symbolic request was the young empressario’s way of thanking the Scotsman for his help and hospitality. But the soldier of fortune took the simple gesture to mean the future “Father of Texas” had made him his partner. Austin went to Mexico City in the…