18 August 1832
Dear Sir
It appears that the Inhabitants above here are all in confusion
and I am vary much afraid unless some Incouragement is given
to them they will not Remain. The affair of the Indians killing
Reed has alarmed them vary much, and Ruis will Leave the
garreson in five days as I am informed and unless there is something
done I hear the Setlers above there will all Leave about that time
and in this being the Case we should become a Frontier—- Smith is
coming over and perhaps you could Recommend some plan to them
to prevent there Breaking up If you can satisfy them and Keep
them there I should be vary glad
John Williams and his party appears to be Troublesome to the
Inhabitants above and they Look upon him to be a vary dangerous
man. I vary much fear that Williams is a vary Bad and
Troublesome man and particularly at this time he is now sent down a
prisoner you will be able to Learn from the documents all about
this for I have not Enquired into the particulars If you can doo
anything to satisfy the people above there It wood be a vary good
thing to Keep them from Breaking up your sincerly etc
J P Coles [Rubric]
[Addressed:] Col. S. F. Austin Town of Austin