[From the Williams Papers. Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas.]
New Orleans Augt 22d 1835
Since you left I have heard, by way of Natchitoches, that matters are
getting on pritty well, in our country, considerable excitement tho. not
more than might be reasonably expected under the circumstances of the
times— Everything depends on a great emigration this fall and winter—
remember this— The New York folks have much at stake, and ought to
exert themselves to send out families without delay— their best plan is to
send an agent, or to operate by means of influential men in the Western
Country— The plan of sending out irish or german redemtioners is a
bad one—it will not do— you know the kind of settlers needed in
Texas— We need efficient and active and intelligent men who will take
character and means to the country— Much, and perhaps all, may depend
on the emigration this fall and winter—
I wish to take a large interest in the bank, as I told you— This we will
arrange when you return— Keep in view that that measure cannot succeed
well unless many of the farmers etc in Texas are interested— Do not
fail to call on Mr. Learning, and my friends in N. York, and be very
prudent as to everything. The vessel goes tomorrow— remember me to
White
S. F. A.
I was told confidentially to day that a letter had been written to Texas
from here (I know not by whom but guess) stating that I was a blind
agent of Santana's etc. The object of certain persons, as you know, is to
try and make tools of the people of Texas to build up themselves— Texas
ought to act on the defensive and not be the tools of either of the political
parties of Mexico— She has just as much to expect from one party, as
from the other, and no more from one than from the other— She must
rely upon herself, and to do so, she needs strength— emigration gives us
strength and everything.
S. F. A
[Addressed:] Mr. S. M. Williams Mobile Mr. Hodge