Velasco Monday 27 June 36
Dr Sir,
After rolling at anchor nearly all day I have just landed— My head still
has the sea sick motion, so I can say but a few words in reply to your
request, in your note to the president, to give you the news from the U.S.
There is a general and pritty universal and ardent interest all over the
U.S. in favor of Texas— This feeling pervades both houses of Congress
and the cabinet.
I believe that nothing was wanting to procure a recognition of our
independence but official manuscript accounts of the battle of San Jacinto and
the actual state of things in Texas—Some proof of our capacity to sustain
ourselves etc. Nothing of the kind was rec'd—nothing but newspaper
accounts had reached there when I left.
Grayson and Collingsworth took accounts to N. Orleans that no more
volunteers were needed. This will do great harm and must be immediately
counteracted if we expect any more aid from there.
The reports about treating with Santa Anna etc have injured the cause
of Texas beyond anything you can conceive of.
Our course now appears to be a plain one. The country must rally
en masse and meet the enemy. It seems that their creed is extermination.
If so, ought we to have faith in such an enemy or to extend mercy or favors?
A great error (as I think) has been committed in not communicating
with the agents of Texas in Washington City. I recommend that a report
or an account in an official form be sent to them by every opportunity of
every important event that transpires.
80 men ought to be at Galveston tomorrow in the schooner San Jacinto
from Orleans—the men are from Cincinnati commanded by Capt. Allen,
a fine fellow. 300 more are on the way from Lexington and Louisville—
1000 more would have been on—but the report that "the war is ended" will
stop them.
In Gods name no more armistices or treaties with prisoners.
In the Mississippi I saw a vessel direct from Matamoros which confirms
the news rec'd here as to the advance of the Mexicans 10,000 to 12,000
strong. There is no doubt of it—all Mexico is in motion. No treaty made
with Santa Anna will be respected by them. Gen Urrea is commander in
chief. Gen Cortazar was at Saltillo with 5000 men and coming on by
forced marches. Gen Filisolo had rec'd orders to halt his retreat and
fight etc. Such is the substance of the news from Matamoros—also that
an expedition was fitting out by water. I shall try and be with you in the
army as soon as I can, as a private soldier— every man in Texas must
shoulder his arms. Farewell
S. F. Austin
Gen M B Lamar
Majr Gen. M. B. Lamar
Permit me to suggest that it would be best to avoid (if possible) any
harsh treatment towards Gen. Santa Anna's person. In the present
excitement perhaps this will be difficult, tho. you know more of the temper of the
times than I do as to the matter.
S. F. Austin