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THE AUSTIN PAPERS
AusTIN TO SAMUEL M. WILLIAMS
' . [From Wllllnms Pape1·s, Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Tex.]
[Saltillo] March 12, 1831 This clays mail brought me yours of Feb. 8 and 22. The course adopted as to the Trinity business uccords with my views as you have seen by my letter of 19 Feb. I then foresaw all this. 1 You say in the letter of 8th that you are going to Trinity, but as noth- ing is said on the subject in the one of 22d. I presume you did not go. I should have regretted such a visit. No good could have resulted, and some harm might, besides it would have been deviating from the spirit of the policy which has preserved us so far, that is to have nothing to do with exfranious affairs, unless ordered especially by Govt. If anything is said by my colony in favor of one side, or the other, it will be taken hold of to class us as belonging to one party, or the other. This will do an injury-we belong to the law· and to the Govt and will obey when officially called on to do so. I have understood that Jorge [Fisher] is publishing or has pub- lished a book, against me. He is a second Dayton 2 and believes that nothing was wanting but a leader among the settlers to turn them all against 1ne. I fear the main object is to try and create parties in the colony and by that means ruin us all. I have fre- q,1ently said that, that colony hncl not nn enemy to fear except itself, if it remains united, and firm to me, NOTHING can touch it. I have written every mail since I have been here. The prospect of another 'revolution in Mexico is said to be getting more probable every day. Goel preserve this unhappy and distracted nation. I know not what is to become of them. If you keep united and har- monious in the colony, you are better off and have more Solid guar- antees for your rights, than any other part of this vast republic, your fate is in your own hands. Nothing need be expected from this Legislature-our iniciativa relative to the ports of Matagorda and Galveston was approved, and afterwards hung up: by manoeuver, of a strange character. The feel- ing against foreigners here is overwhelming, all I calculate on is to pass away the time quietly and of course silently and get back as soon as I can. . Remember t~at one of my contracts expires on 4 of June-have all finished by Arciniega bef?re then, for I assure you that nothing ''l'be controversy between :\fudero and Bradburn over the extension ot titles to 11ettlers Oil the 'J:rlulty. , Lewis B. Dayton, expelled troin Austin's colony In the wlnte.r ot 182:1. Set? Qunrtcrly of 'l'cxus State Hli,;torlcnl Assoclntlon, vrr, 41>.
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