THE AUSTIN PAPERS
give them wisdom and prudence to regulate matters so as to insure peace and prosperity to this republic. s F AUSTIN A true copy of its original which we certify Matamoras 17th November 1834. 1
JORGE FISHER [Rubric] JoHN SHEGOG [Rubric]
CHARLES WILCOX
AusTIN To THOMAS F. McKINNEY
Mexico October 18. 1834-in the city prison
T. F. McKINNEY, My much esteemed friend. It is difficult for me to express to you the satisfaction I have derived from the arrival of Messrs. ·Grayson and Jack on the 14 instant- 2 You must have experienced the desolate situation of a long imprisonment far removed from your friends, with even a doubt that some of them had forgotten you or were indifferent as to your situation, to be sensible of the pleasure I have recd from hearing from you all in Texas, and knowing that I still occupy a place in your remembrance, and in your regard. •I sincerely thank you all- No new ties were needed to bind my heart and affections to tJ:ie people of Texas, I can however never forget this last act of kindness-it came at an interesting moment I ha~ borne all with calm fortitude up to the beginning of this month. At that time I heard so many unfavourable rumors, and one in particular, that my friends at home (except my own family), were careless about me and were indifferent as to my fate that my spirits began to sink The idea of being cast off contemptuously by those whom I had, at least, tryed to serve faith- fully was worse than death. I am now entirely relieved from that idea- and am in better spirits than since my arrest Nothing could have depressed them but the above idea I hope the representations· brought by Grayson and Jack will have a favourable efl'ect The only objection is that they are in the English lan• guage Nothing should be sent in that language It does great harm I think I now understand the rumors that have reached me of unfavourable impressions against me in the cabinet, on account of representations from Texas Those Impressions were made, but they proceeded from communi- cations that· were intended to benefit me, and had quite a contrary effect owing to the high toned and inflamatory language used. I am convinced that no representations have been made against me, and no unfair means 1 Another copy made by Fisher in 1837 is in file of January 1, 1834. 'See Barker, The Life of Stephen F. Austin, 447-450.
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