Matamoros 18th April 1831
Col. Stephen F. Austin
Leona Vicario
Dr Sir, Your favours of the 15th ulto and 19th inst. were duly
received. The letters which you enclosed in the former, were
transmitted to the U. States in compliance with your request.
It is truly gratifying to me, to learn, that there is yet, some
prospect of defeating the Law; which the Hon. Legislature of your State
has attempted to pass; prohibiting Foreigners from the privilege of
retailing their merchandise a copy of which, you did me the honor
to transmit—for your politeness and attention, I beg leave to return
you my sincere thanks. If such a law as contemplated, should go
into effect, it would most unquestionably, militate materially against
the interest of my countrymen. Its practical operation would have
a similar tendency towards the natives generally. It would throw
the whole trade into the hands of a few capitalists; who, availing
themselves of the monopoly, could compel the consumers to pay
almost any price for their goods, that their consciences would permit
them to ask: in a few words it would benefit the few to the obvious
detriment of the many. I have never understood that you was an
advocate of that law; nor has any such report been in circulation
here, your letter gave me the first report of its supposed existence.
The laudable effort made by your Legislature, in behalf of this Port,
will be duly appreciated by every friend of equal rights and free
trade. It is to be hoped, that the open hostility, manifested by the
citizens of Vera Cruz, against the growing prosperity of this section,
may be tranquilized; and that the interested selfish motives, disclosed
in their application to the General Congress to close, the Port of
Matamoros may be responded to, in the language of denial.
The natural advantages, which this place possesses, in point of
health, over the Southern Ports; the superior facilities in the
transportation of merchandise into the interior; its contiguity to the
frontier, and to the U. S.; and its importance as a military port,
claim the consideration and protection of the general Government.
Those common advantages to the nation, should not be easily yielded
by those entrusted with its affairs; nor sacrificed by the cupidity of
local jealosy, and self-aggrandizement.
I have been informed, from a quarter entitled to credit, that the
Commercial Treaty, concluded by the American Charge des Affaires
at Mexico, with this Government, has been ratified by the Senate of
the U. States, that the American citizens are placed upon an equal
footing with those of the most favored nation; and that the principle
of reciprocity has been fully recognized and established, by the
respective Governments.—by the next arrival I expect to receive that
document.
The latest accounts from Europe, represent the powers that be, in a
high state of excitement and commotion—A general war is
anticipated on the Continent.
I have been confined to my room, by severe indisposition, for some
months past; in consequence of which, I have not replied to your
communication of the 15th ulto until now, I herewith enclose you a
letter from capn Henry Austin of New Orleans. He directed me to
enclose it under cover to some friend in Saltillo, as he apprehended
there would be danger of its being intercepted in its progress,
provided it went to your address. I have therefore enclosed it to Mr.
Judah, an intelligent merchant of that place, and beg leave to
recommend him to your particular attention and regard.
D. W. Smith [Rubric]