Louisville Nov. 3. 1836
Dr Sir
I came here a few days ago, from a sort of necessity, to await further
Communications from Texas if they are intended—
On the subject of recognition I think Genl Jackson will still wait a little
to observe the Course and character of Civil affairs in Texas; this being
the only matter at present upon which any real doubt or solicitude
remains; our Independence of Mexico being pretty generally looked upon as
established—
The great misfortune of the delay to recognize consists in its bringing
too near together, for the action on them by this Government of the two
questions—recognition and annexation.
A decent time you know ought to transpire after the disposition of the one
before taking up of the other for reasons which will readily Occur to you—
I am strongly persuaded however still, as I was many Months ago, that
an interposition by this Government with Mexico, based upon terms to
quiet her claim to Texas would be the safest and shortest mode of settling
all the difficulties; (that is if recent events of which I will speak directly
have not spoiled all the influence which this Government might otherwise
have had with Mexico)— The objection with some that such a mode of
accommodation, would be selling us to the U States, is altogether Nominal
and without the least substance. It would in fact be a sensible compromise
by an honorable third party of an unsettled question which might under the
influence of mutual passion run on to an indefinite length and involve both
the disputants in all manner of inconvenience loss and suffering— I think
our Government would do well to think of this alternative, at any rate, in
case the expedient of recognition and annexation should seem likely to be
postponed too long— In the latter Contingency instructions shd. be given
to their Agents here, to solicit the interposition of this Government in the
mode suggested—
What do you think of this?— if in your opinion it deserves any
Consideration, please mention it to Doct. Archer that it may also receive his—
he being as I understand a member of Congress
The recent events to which I have alluded as probably affecting the
influence of the U States with Mexico, are the departure of Gorostiza from
Washington and the circumstancs under which it appears he left which
were those of great dissatisfaction— There is I think no doubt he
required the recall of the U S troops from beyond the Sabine, and on that
point found this Government immoveable—as well as on the other in regard
to the restraining of Volunteers from going on to Texas— Some antici-
pate a rupture immediately between the two Governments— I confess I
have no hope of it, when I consider the weakness of Mexico Compared
with this country But who can do any thing more than guess in the dark
about such matters?—
I am sorry to inform you that up to the last accounts I have had on the
subject, the Sale of Land Scrip was very dull— This is truly disheartening
I am anxiously looking for some account of the proceedings of our
Congress— Every thing depends on their harmony of procedure and propriety
of deliberation—
Please to give my respects to Mr Perry and his family
P. W. Grayson
Genl S. F Austin Texas