313
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
JOHN P. AUSTIN TO AUSTIN
Duplicate
New York, January 1, 1830
My 1 DEAR Sm,
I took this liberty some few weeks since, which letter I hope cnme ~afe to hand. I now confirm its contents, and remark that nothing has been done Publicly, at ,vashington, relative to the Texns Country; as the President wns silent on the subject in his message, so also have Congress been thus far, and it is perhaps probable that any thing in contemplation, either on the part of the administration, or the Congress, will be delayed until lnte in the session, to gain time, for 1\1:r. Poinsett's return to Washington, or for further advice :from :Mexico. Persons however high in office, it is said, nnd others at head quarters whose opinions are entitled to some credit have, I /.:now, expressed opinions favorable to the obtainment of that Province, and it is admitted to be understood thnt this Government have determined on the measure provided it can be reasonably obtained. But when the thing will be formally moved is uncertain and may depend on many circumstances which are not within my reach to divine. The project is now making some noise in the English papers, nnd perhaps will call forth a protest from Spain. Yet it appears probable that sooner or later and I believe e1·e long, the change will be brought about some how or other by amiable negotiation. There seems (as far as I have been able to learn) a considerable disposition to speculate in the Texas lands, which can only be accounted for on the supposition that they will soon belong to the U. States. January 9th. Since the above I have reason to believe, (by in- formation received from persons who have good means of judging at Washington) that the Texas negotiations, although in embryo yet; are still going on, and something has no doubt been fixed on by this Government, that is, the acquisition for reasonable con- siderations, and I further learn, that this Govt. will probably not be satisfied with the sovereignty of that territory alone, but must have something more, that is all the lands they can get, to reimburse the payment and satisfy the people, and make the measure popular. I am also informed, it is (or more properly speaking) will be de- termined among other things that, all grants whatever, having relation to that country ( and particularly land g1·ants) will be strictly scrutinzed and if found informal, or not duly given, or the conditions of the said grants not fully complied with, will not be recognized as valid by th-is Govt. Those of a fair legal character 88370--28--21
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