[From Williams Papers, Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Tex.]
Mexico 26 August 1834
Mr. E. W- Gregory
Dear Sir. I enclose you a letter for my brother in law Mr.
James F. Perry, of Brazoria which I must beg the favour of you
to forward by the first safe opportunity
I am still in confinement but expect a favourable change in my
situation soon
The political affairs of this country are all quiet I have no doubt
that the political intentions of the President Gen Santa Ana are
sound and patriotic, he wishes to get a general congress togather
in January next, freely elected by the people, with the powers of a
National convention in order to reestablish the Constitution which
has been so dreadfully outraged by all parties that none respect it. I
do not think he has designs to change the system of Government.
At least not in its principal features. He has put a stop to the system
of banishment and imprisonment, and recalled all the banished a
very just humane and necessary measure.
The past events in Texas have cost me very dear. I was
precipitated into them by the excitements and circumstances of the times It
is a consolation to me that I am the only one who has suffered by
them and that much good has resulted to Texas and also to the
Mexican republic from those events. The evils complained of in
Texas have been remedied by the government on the one hand and
on the other the people of the country have become convinced of the
dangers of political excitements and of listening to political fanatics
and political adventurers they will consequently be on their guard
against such dangers in future. My motto always has been Fidelity
to Mexico, opposition to violent men or measures it is the only
sound rule for Texas. I am more convinced of it now than ever, tho
I never doubted it notwithstanding it would seem as tho I had in one
single act and for a moment departed from it, but I never did.
When I left Texas in April 1833 the people there were determined
to have a state. As the agent for those people it was my duty to
promote that determination but neither the people of Texas nor
myself have ever in the least failed in our duty as Mexican Citizens
and there never has been any kind of design or plot to separate Texas
from the Mexican republic. All the rumors and reports and
suspicions that have been circulated about me and about the people of
Texas on this subject are uterly false and without the least
foundation in truth
S. F. Austin
Mr. S. M. Williams
I annex a copy of a letter received by Mr. G about a hour ago in
great haste
Yours Henry [Austin]
[Addressed:] Mr. S. M. Williams McKinney & Williams Brazoria
Texas