[From Bexar Archives]
Dear Sir I feel it my duty to inform you that there is and has
lately been a very considerable quantity of contraband passed on in
the Direction of Bejar and I beleave both Mexicans and Americans
are ingaged in that traffic— There are two roads formed within a
few months which cross the Guadaluop below this place one about a
league, and the other about three leagues below this Town— I have
no troops at my command—and therefore it is out of my power to
detect it without it should come through this town which they
always avoid— This contraband is not owned by people under my
Jurisdiction; neither do they wish it to pass through this
neighborhood, least they should be blamed for incouraging it; And you well
remember the censure which has been thrown on me at the Labaca
on account of contraband of which I never took any part— And
now again passing so near me compells me to give you this
information; and hope there may be mean[s] taken to prevent its coming
through our vicinity
The threats of the Indians I fear will greatly retard the settling
of the country; but should a Campaign be sent against them in a
properly manner I think there can be an end put to them at once.
Could a few troops be furnished us at this time, it would greatly
add to the settling of the colony, and there by strengthen the country.
I would be truly happy to recieve a line from you respecting the
Indians and the probability of our geting some troops at this place
etc.
Five days ago another family arrived here from Missouri; consist
of a man and his wife and seven children. "We have now in the
Colony thirty families.
Green DeWitt [Rubric]
Gonzalez 8th of may 1829.
His Excellency Ramon Muzquiz Chief of the Department of Texas