San Antonio de Bexar December 15. 1822
Dear Sir
as soon as I arrived here as Governor of this province I endeavored
to promote its welfare. I directed the inhabitants of the Colorado
to appoint an alcalde of their own choice to administer justice, and
organize the militia to oppose the Karankawas or other intruders
who might attack their persons or their property. I provided the
wants of some distant settlements who petitioned for the protection
of the Government. The presence of several Indian chiefs in this
place gave me the opportunity to bring to an understanding nations
who had been heretofore at war. Though the plan of colonization
is not yet known. I am confident it shall be drawn up upon liberal
principles and will afford to industrious emigrants the advantage of
a rich soil fit for every kind of crops. I expect shortly a strong
reinforcement of troops and intend to visit with them the province
and leave detachments at the most important points to protect the
settlers and travellers. While I am waiting with anxiety the means
of contributing to the final happiness of this section of the Empire
I feel myself somewhat disappointed in my expectations in seeing a
band of villains Spaniards and americans actually engaged in
stealing mules and horses and so bring them with impunity to the United
States. The existence of this set of robbers cannot be but prejudicial
to the inhabitants of both countries, there fore I take the liberty
to ask your opinion upon the measures which are better calculated
to stop such criminal a traffic. Should you find yourself authorised
to help me in obtaining this desirable object, I shall have reason to
congratulate both your philanthropy and my own good fortune.—-If
you have any command for this place or for any other where my
credit might be of some service to you, sir, please dispose with
confidence of
[José Felix Trespalacios.]