46
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
and Mexia, would have kept me in a dungeon for years if they could and all because I obeyed the instructions of my constituents in opposing a territory for Texas- There has been a "fuss" at Vera Cruz-the soldiers in the castle mutinied and tied their officers etc. etc. have still possession of the castle- some think it is the beginning of another revolution, but I do not believe it is anything more than a mutiny of the Garrison, and that it will have no political result whatever- The country is perfectly tranquil in all _parts, and things are going on well I think the Chihuahua road very important and have no doubt the people of Texas will all unite to open it- I think the Genl. and state Govts, will aid and so will the state of Chihuahua, I have spoken to all the influential men here from that state about it, and they have written home in favor of the project- If the rifle companies are raised they will open the way in a few months and the Govt. at present are in favor of recommending to congress that they should be raised- Calm, a dead calm, and close attention to farming, and no excitements nor party divisions, are all that Texas needs at present- Love to Sister and all the children- I hope to see you ,all some time, but really I hav~ ceased making calculations when it will be We have had some extra amusements here lately-the ascension of Rob- ertson in a balloon a Grand Ball 'given by a select party of gentlemen with the British minister at their head. I was at it-there was quite a display- also some masquerades new operas etc.- But these things cannot divert my thoughts from Texas, and home, and I will try before I leave to have things put in a favourable train for that country to be a state before long- s. [F. AUSTIN]
AUSTIN TO JAMES F. PERRY
Mexico March 10. 1835 DR. BROTHER, I fully expected to have been on my way home before this. I am however still on bail and cannot leave until the amnesty law is pub· lished and when that will be is uncertain. It was sent to the President yes• terday, and it is said that he will send it back to congress to be altered. If so .it may be a month before it finally becomes a law. Inform Grayson of this-he will he surpised for when he left we both calculated the law would be published in a few days. This is a measure in which many thousands are deeply interested and one that the Govt· and three fourths or more of both houses and all the influential men are anxious should pass, and yet it has to travel the usual snails pace of public matters. This example ought, of itself, to be a proof to some of those who are so ready t~ blame me at home, of the delay and difficulty of effecting anything here.
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