106
.THE AUSTIN PAPERS
from the supreme Government, through Genl. Cos, demanding certain per- sons, in Texas," especially Mr Zavalla, of :Mexico, whose surrender, or posi- tive evidence, of his not being in Texas, is made a "sine que non" to all further negotiations, and I regret to say, that the next upon the list de- manded .is W. B. Travis Esq, the next in order are Robt M Williamson and Mosely Baker Esq•· together with the individuals concerned in "abusing" the Government Messengers, and "Violating" their dispatches the next in order demanded, is S M Williams Esq. and Judge Johnson, All the North Americans above named, were first demanded by the Comdt here in a letter sent here from "San Felepe", signed J H. C Miller urging the prompt demand of these individuals, Co. U [Ugartechea] in consequence of such pressing advice, anticipated the order which should have originated from Gen 1 Cos, to Col U promptly ~ommunicated this act to Genl. Cos, asking his approbation which he as promptly received. The worst features in this, to me painful state of things, have arisen since Mr. Gritten le/t here, especially the "sine qua non" or condition precedent to all pacific negotia- tions, beh,•een Texas and the United States, also the positive order from the Supreme Governme~t to Col U, on non compliance, forthwith to march with all his cavalry, into Texas, and in this way execute the order himself, a reply to this demand is hourly expected, by express, from San Felipe, I have therefore, with the advice of our American friends here, in which Col. U. decidedly concured. concluded to send for my colleague Mr. Gritten, without whose knowledge and assistance I cannot advance, a step further. Copies of all the correspondance of your commissioners, have been and will be, faithfully preserved. This will prove tha·t in all our negotiations for Texas, we have been governed by prudence and an unchangeable regard for the honor and justice of her citizens. Upon this subject, our last letter, the knowledge of Mr. Drown Mr. Turner and Mr- Pease will fully satisfy you. I will here add, that I am firmly of opinion, that if the mission be persevered in Texas will receive a speedy modification of the tariff, and a new Post Office organization, in this opinion I am sustained, by the most respectable and intelligent people here. I should now return to Mina but for the strong advice of our American friends here, not to do so at present. Judge Hood and Mr. Milton have been with me, for a number of days, and will be able to give you many interesting details. I have received much_ support from the Judge in all matters of public concernment. Again the want of commissioners for making titles for lands, to unpro• vided colonists is severely felt. The law passed upon this subject last spring, has made the most ample and liberal provision in these cases. No commissioner has ever been appointed under this law. I have procured copies of this and several laws unknown in our municipality yet very im- portant to colonists and land holders. These laws among other provisions,
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