[From Williams Papers, Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Tex.]
L[eona]. Viacario April 2. 1831
Dr Sir.
I have nothing of much interest to communicate. I refer you
and Luke to my letters to Johnson and Williamson. I kept no
copy of either of them, and may need the one to Johnson after
my return, for which reason I wish you would request him not to
let it be destroyed.
There is nothing new from Mexico of a political nature—Mexia
has arrived there from New York and will be here in all this month,
on the subject of the land company formed in New York.
Genl Teran writes on 21 ult. that he agrees with me in opinion
that Bradburn has misconstrued the law as to tonnage duty—that
he will examine into it and give an order to have all but the first
refunded to S Rhoads [Fisher] and I have no doubt it will be done-
he says that he probably will be here this month on his way to
Mexico where he goes to visit his family.
I wish you to take the copy of the oficio that Jorge [Fisher]
wrote about the free negroes, and burn it, that is I mean the copy
that was signed by me, in case I ever signed any which I do this
recollect to have done, and carefully keep the copy and letter on
that subject which is in his hand writing don't neglect to do this
before you forget it, and send him no papers of any sort—you did
very right in not sending those he wrote for.
Padre Muldoon was still in Matamoros on the 21 March, but
anxious to get on. I presume he will wait untill the Genl decides
whether he goes to Mexico or to Texas.
This is holy week, of course nothing done in the Legislature, tho
we have had any quantity of processions etc—the one last night
which began at 8 and ended at 11—was beautifull—about 800
females walked in two lines each with a wax candle—the night
was calm and dark—the lights made a fine display in these streets,
some of which assend near 200 feet in half a mile.
We are at a law to prevent foreigners from retailing—at first I
thought it would pass—I now think it will not. I shall oppose it
in its present shape.
I am promised an officio to Arciniega by next mail in answer to
the consulta about the restriction—he may go on and put them all
in possession, without any fears. I shall have no difficulty of any
sort with Boss [Teran?]. Close all the 4 of June Colony as fast
as possible. I ought to go to Mexico with Teran if he goes, but how
can I, without money, and required at home. I am undecided as
yet as to this point, and rather think that if I had 500 dollars I
would go on. Much depends on the organic law for the territories.
I have written many sheets on this subject and on slavery to
Mexico but there is nothing like being personally present. Let me know
by return of mail (if time will permit) what Luke and Johnson
and others think of my views about a territory and the manner
of managing the slave question—don't fail in this, there will be
time for it [to] get here by 1 of May. As to the Trinity business
Madero has the right side of the question—of that there is no
doubt—and in the end he will come out, if he is prudent. I am
compelled to touch that matter cautiously for the colony has much
at stake—too much to be embarked in the cause of another. It is
a hard and unpleasant situation to be placed in. Some use may
be made of the big colonizing business of New York, but that
must also be touched prudently. In these matters say little or
nothing, and nothing deffinite, as many smooth words without meaning as
you please. By Rodrigues I sent forty titles, on which I have
paid forty dollars cash which you must collect. Send out the
Gonzales titles without delay get Pettus to attend to it.
Tell Arciniega that I have recd his letter of 8 March and will
attend to all his requests. I fear that Hunters application is
hopeless, on the subject of augmentations this Govt, will not yield.
Matamoros is in a hubbub about its port. I shall try another
iniciative on Tuesday (Monday is post day) for Matamoros and
Matagorda. I have written direct to the Vice President and
minister as to Galveston and Matagorda some time ago, also to others
in Mexico—Poca importa—they cannot build a wall across them
all, as I told the good folks here which they took very ill,
for they say the law ought to be a wall—I answered so it is, but
the law of nature has a just right to break down all walls that
are violent and notorious public nuisances.
The act of the Ayto, which you sent me would have been very
important if anything could have been done with the judiciary, but
it is impossible. Shew Johnson and Williamson the article of the
constitution about Jueces Arbitros, and remind Luke of my
recommendation to him on that subject.
All harmony is at an end in the legislature, the Menudeo [retail]
law has split us into three or four odd sort of lumps.
Remember me to Sarah and Eliza and my nephew Austin and
Mr Hunter. I recd Austins letter and am much pleased with it,
would have written by this mail but have not time—will try and
bring him the poney and rigging he writes me for.
The Govr has issued an order as I am told, to the Chief of
Department to report what colonies are commenced and how many
families are recd in each. Be very particular as to this, and make
out a corrected list, for the one on the old book is very incorrect-
one fourth of them have left the colony and ought not to be counted.
The certificates ought to be numbered differently, for otherwise
mistaken ideas will arise—by examining the Genl law of 14 April 1828
you will see the importance of keeping a regular and correct list
of the colonists and it will be still more important if the Menudeo
law passes.
This paragraph to yourself only
I expect Henry Austin is in the colony by this time—-tell him
to select his land without delay—he had the promise of tracts in
the 10 League East of Brazos and must have the preference, but
the best way is to give out the idea that all that land is hung up
untill I return. I also want a good tract for Mrs Holly, widow
of the late Doctor Holly, who will remove to the Colony next fall
certain, and be the most valuable acquisition we have ever yet
received, in the female line, or probably will receive. I shall get
home the last of this month. I am glad to hear that Bowie is
married.
P. S. Since writing the above I have had a long conversation
with the Govr relative to Texas. [He] is a very just man, and
will not consent to an unjust act, if he knows it. I am fully
satisfied that the rights of the people east of my colony will be fully
respected in the end provided they do not attempt in any way
to seek redress by force or violence—that will totally ruin them,
and they had better submit to temporary evils than bring greater
ones on themselves. I am much better pleased with the Govr than
I ever expected to be. During the session various causes and
considerations prevented me from being as intimate with him as I
have been since—also the statements of others misled me as to a
part of his character.
I hope my ideas as to a territory are not misunderstood. I think
I stated distinctly in my letter of 31 March, that the people of
Texas ought not to move that question at present. I wish the Genl
govt, to move it, we shall then have the advantage of making terms—
that is we will agree if it suits us, and if not refuse, just as it may
be expedient. I have more confidence in the present
administration than I had—my faith in Boss [Teran?] is unimpaired and all
will be right in the end. If the official publication is made in the
U. S. papers stating that my colony is not included in the 11 Article
of the law of 6 April, have it published in the Mexican [papers.]
If no notice has been taken of the retail law, let it pass off in
silence.
Take care that the Ayto. do not entangle themselves by raising
arbitri[os] not authorized by law, as I see they are about to do—
the resolutions adopted as published in the paper of 14 April are
illegal—the Ayto. can collect half the Taxes authorized by the 8
chapter of the ordinance as you will see by the law that was passed
the last day of the session but you cannot tax anything not
mentioned in that chapter. Be very cautious on this point. I
proposed to give the Ayto. power to raise 8000 dolls, and assess the Tax
as they might deem proper—it was objected to on the ground that
no such discretionary power can be given, and I was compelled to
accept of the law as it is or fail in toto
S. F. Austin
Shew this letter to Johnson or such parts as you please.