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THE AUSTIN PAPERS
I expect the proceedings of our meeting at Albany are in this mornings papers. A. J. YATES [Addressed:] Gen. Stephen F. Austin Commissioner of Texas Washington City
AUSTIN AND WHARTON TO JAMES TREAT
[Washington, May 16 1 1836. See Calendar.] J. L. JOSEPH TO AUSTIN
[New York, May 18, 1836. See Calendar.]
WILLIAM AUSTIN TO AUSTIN
Lowell, Mass, May 18 th 1836
DEAR SIR, An early acquaintance with the West Coast of Mexico and various excur- sions from the Pacific to the interior, having visited the City of Mexico in 1822, and Made Some observations as to the assailible points on that Sea Board, and the Sections of Country through which I extended my excur- sions, has since the Texian War commenced, been brought to my recollec- tion, and aroused by the horrible cruelties perpetrated by the forces of Santa Anna I have reviewed the scenes of by gon days, in that Country and have formed an opinion, that a diversion highly, favorable to the Cause of Texas might be. made by a small Naval force employed on the West Coast of Mexico. Where a single ship of 20 guns under a judicious commander might create consternation and dismay without infringing the Laws of maritime War fare or encroaching the limits prescribed to it by the Laws of Nations. Much would depend however on the duration of the contest in as much as it would require Six lo Eight months to give effect to Such an enterprise and render it subservient. I know not what may be the views o{ the Texian Government, in regard to Naval operations, but cannot entertain a doubt that could it avail itself of the Services of a Small force to be there employed that highly favorable results would follow. In this section of the U.S. the origin and progress of the Texian revolu- tion ar not well understood, and this people as you doubtless may be aware, are not so easily excited to action, as those of More Sunny regions but when they shall be better informed, and feel assured, that half the bar- barities have been exercised by the Mexican forces, that have been an- nounced in newspapers of the day, 'When they_shall know that Texas
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