Monterey 15 January 1834
Mr. Geo: Fisher
Matamoros
Dr Sir. The affairs of Texas, which have given me labor and
vexation enough for 13 years past, are likely, as it seems to keep
me in difficulties for some time to come. The fact is, that during
the last year of general convulsions, it has been almost impossible
for any one, who occupies any space in Society, to Keep clear of
extanglements of some kind. I have been arrested by an Order from
the Minister of War, on an accusation made by the State
Government, and I leave to morrow, I presume for Mexico.
All I can be accused of is that I have labored diligently and
faithfully and with pure intentions to cover the wilderness of Texas with
an agricultural and usefull population and to make it a State of the
Mexican Republic, separate from Coahuila. This is no crime,—it
is quite the reverse.
I have sent some claims in that Comisaria, to D. W. Smith, to
collect, and as you are the Comisario I recommend them for pronto
despacho.
I am much pleased with the new Comandante General, Don Pedro
Lemus, and I recommend him as a man of high honor and liberal
principles and a Gentleman.
The letters I wrote to Texas from Matamoros in your favor
caused a great excitement there, in many, against me—if you go
there you must be very prudent and accommodating as to Custom
House matters,—the best way is to let the Custom House alone
for a year more, and then go there,—or before as an Individual and
remove old impressions. I am getting tired of the whole matter
of Colonizing—all work and trouble and no profit or credit, for
many of them, that are benefitted by me, abuse me. The Basis
of the policy which the State of Tamaulipas ought to adopt
should be—the Country needs population, and all their laws should
tend to encourage immigration to that State, from the interior
and foreign countries, especially the latter.
I received one letter from you in Mexico.
S. F. Austin.
A true copy of the original in my possession, which I certify
Geo. Fisher.