Texas Aysh Bayou 19th July 1826.
Conl Austin
Sir Although I have not the pleasure of your acquaintence, yet I
hope you will take no exceptions at my attempting to hold
corrispondence with you, on a subject, which I deem important to every
emigrant in this section of country.
The peculiar manner in which business has been transacted, for
some time, in this settlement, and also at Nacogdoches has, by no
means been satisfactory. Charges against individuals for
immaginary crimes hitherto unheard of in a free country. Threats of
banishment against several of the best and most worthy farmers in the
District of Nacogdoches who happen unfortunately to be, not of the
ruling party. These are the rewards we receive for leaving our
native country and coming to participate in the liberties of Mexico
The other day one James Williams, while in a state of intoxication,
made use of some ungarded expresions to the constable Johnson.
He, Williams was arrested, brought up before the Alcalde, Sprowl,
prosecuted, tried, and convicted, for speaking inflametory words
against the government, and has since, as I am informed, received
sentence of banishment.
I have good reasons to believe that depositions have lately been
taken against me for charges of simmiler nature. It is said by my
enemies that these depositions, has been, or shortly will be, forwarded
on [to] the seat of government, and that I am to have a secret trial.
James Gaines is believed to be the prime mover of all these
questionable measures. Who, if suffered to pursue with impunity, the
course which he has adopted, must ultimately, render the Americans
in this section of country odious to the Mexican nation, considerably
retard the progress of emigration and in the end produce consequences
the most dangerous to society The people are compleetly in a
ferment, and what will be the consequences I am unable to say. But this
much I will venture to predict. Anull arbutary power, and
tranquilety will be restored, It is said that James Gains has threatened
to emancipate all Elisha Roberts' negroes, (about 30 in number)
These are only reports, I know not as to the truth of it. but it has its
effect in acting to the general confusion, and exciting the suspicions of
credulous man.
The people are willing and ancious to obey the law properly
administered. But it is mortifying to the feeling of an American to stoop
to arbetary sway. I atribute none of our present difficulties to any
person but James Gaines and his understrapers.
I hope sir that you will have the goodness to inquire into our
condition, minutely; and make such statements to the proper authority
or take such other measures as you may deem most expedient to
restore tranquilety, and afford us that protection of person, property,
and civil rights, which the Mexican Nation has promised to the
strangers who come and settle in her teritories.
Jno A Williams [Rubric]