THE AUSTIN PAPERS
461
In Short, when he reaches Washington, you will have a man who still has great influence in Mexico-who professes to be in .favor of the inde- pendence of Texas, or its annexation to the U. S. etc. You are all wise and experienced politicians in Washington, and can judge better than we can whether any important objects of general good to Mexico, the U. S and Texas will result from his visit to your city. I must again use the liberty, which old acquaintance and friendly in- terest you have uniformly evinced towards Texas emboldens me to talce, to solicit your advise and friendly aid in this, and all other matters con- nected with this country- The true interests of Mexico, of the U. S. and of Texas, demand that the Texas war should cease, and that this country should be annexed to the U. S. It will be promoting the cause of liberty, of philanthrophy and human- ity, to effect their objects; and if Gen Santa Anna can by his influence effect them, he will add to his glory, more than the conquest of nations could. Wishing you health and prosperity and hoping that one flag will soon cover us all I am Respectfully S. F. AUSTIN [Rubric]
AUSTIN TO HOCKLEY AND BEE
Memorandum for Cols. Hockley and Bee
Colombia N,ov. 25. 1836 On your arrival in Washington City, Gen Santa Anna ·will, of course, request an interview with President Jackson- I recommend that this re- quest ~hould be made in writing, and that the outlines of his object in wishing the interview be stated-for example, after stating that he wishes to pay his respects etc to the President of the U. S etc, etc, to go on and say that, "being fully convinced by personal observation that the true interests of Mexico, of the U. S. and of Texas, require a termination of the war between the latter and Mexico on the basis of the separation of Texas from Mexico, ei~her as an independent nation or its annexation to the U. S. he desires to have a conversation with Gen Jackson on that subject, with the view of endeavoring to promote the general good of all con- cerned"- Or some thing to that amount, that will be confirmatory of what he said to Jackson in his letter of 4th July last- I think that this course would open the way for a cordial reception, as it will be repeating at Washington where he is free, what he said to Jackson from this place on the 4 July last when he was a prisoner-and thus afford the strongest evi- dence of his good faith- s. F. AUSTIN [Rubric]
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