Nacogdoches March 4 [1827]
Dr Williams
I expected to have started home this day, but Ahumada has
determined to visit the country as far as to the Sabine and insists on
my accompanying him. I go with great reluctance for my thoughts
and feelings are all in the Colony and I am heartily tired of this
country
It is perhaps a fortunate thing for me that I have learned patience
in the hard School of an Empresario for I assure you that in this
place I have had full use for all I possessed Things are all settled
here and I think tranquility is fully and firmly established but;
matters were in a dreadfull and a critical situation, and nothing
but the greatest prudence has prevented the most serious
disturbances—Gains and a few others blamed Ahumada and me, and me
in particular for the course I have advised, but I have a
consolation that to me is worth more than the approbation of any man,—
in the consciousness that I have done right—Fields and Hunter are
certainly killed by the Cherokees and all the other leaders of the
party have escaped over the Sabine and I advised a mild course
with those who were compromitted in a secondary degree and
Ahumada himself was in favor of such a course and adopted it
and for this a few men here blame me, but they are but few, for
the whole country in general are gratified, and the Mexican
character stands higher here now than it ever did before—I hope the
people of the colony will be satisfied with me for next to the
approbation of my own conscience, theirs is worth more to me than all the
world beside.
How comes the Garden? remember me to Mrs. Calvit and Mrs.
Long, has the promise which you was called on to witness been
complied with? if it has not you may tell that man to prepare for
the worst—I have been very unwell with a cold and am several
ounces lighter than when I started—remember me to Mrs. Picket
1 would write to her but this is the last scrap of paper I have or
can get remember me to my friend Westall and family and Pettus
and Mrs. Cummins and all others—
Brother and Col. Milam send their best respects to Mrs. Long.
The old Gefe and myself have appointed the 15 of this month
to start home and I hope to be with you in all this month.
War between England and Spain and cotton looking up a little.
You cant imagine my anxiety to get home and had I not
promised Ahumada to go to the Sabine with him on our first arrival
here I would start for San Felipe tomorrow, don't neglect to touch
up Mr. . . . [sic] about his promise. My feelings are deeply
interested in that business and he shall do what he has promised and
perhaps a good deal more that I mean to make him do—I will stop
least I may go to bed in a bad humor for it is past 12 at night so
I bid you good night
Austin.
[Addressed:] Mr. Sam M. Williams Administrador de Correos
San Felipe de Austin