THE AUSTIN PAPERS. 137D feit and this deponent deposes is the same identical piece now pre- sented and as aforementioned was handed to him by his son Isaac Sn Felipe de Austin 18 July 1826 (Signed) JonN FosTER [Rubric] Subscribed and sworn to before me S. F. AusTIN JUDGE [Rubric]
JonN A. ,VILLIA1\IS TO .-\usTI~
Texas Aysh Bayou H> th July 1826.
Con 1 AuSTJN Sm Although I have not the pleasure of your acquaintence, yet I hope you will take no exceptions at my attempting to hold corri- spondence with you, on a subject, which I 'de~m important to every emigrant in this section of country. • The peculiar manner in which business has been transacted, for some time, in this settlement, and also at Nacogdoches has, by no means been satisfactory. Charges against individuals for immagi- nary crimes hitherto unheard of in a free country. Threats of ban- ishment against several of the best and most worthy farmers in the District of Nacogdoches who happen unfortunately to be, not of the ruling party. These are the rewards we receive for leaving our na- tive country and coming to participate in the liberties of :Mexico The other day one James Williams, while in a state of intoxication, made use of some ungarcled expresions to the constable Johnson. He, "Williams was arrested, brought up before the Alcalde, Sprowl, prosecuted, tried, and convicted, for speaking inflametory words against the government. and has since, as I am informed, received sentence of banishment. I have good reasons to ·believe that depositions have lately been taken against me for charges of simmiler nature. It is said by my enemies that these depositions, has been, or shortly will be, forwarded on [to] the seat of government, and that I am to have a secret trial. James Gaines is believed to be the prime mover of all these ques- tionable measures. "\Vho, if suffered to pursue with impunity, the course which he has adopted, must ultimately, render the Americans in this section of country odious to the Mexican nation, considerably retard the progress of emigration and in the end produce consequences the most dangerous to society •The peopl~ are compleetly in a fer- ment, and what will be the consequences I am unable to say. But this much I will venture to pre<lict. Anull arbutary power, and tran- quilety will be restored, It is said that James Gnins hus threatened to emancipate all Elisha Roberts' negroes. (about 30 in number)
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