would justify the U. S. Govt. i11 enlerposing by force in favor of a people who had been thus deceived, more especially when Santa Anna's letter to you of this date is considered and brought into public view as it would be in the event of his tTeachery. For there reasons I shall act in this matter on the basis that he is sincere and in good faith, and endeavor to stop the advance of Urrea and procure a cessation of hostilities, altho I have bul very little prospect of success without your guarantee. If Urrea refuses to do as Santa Anna has requested him in his letter, nothing of course will be done- I arrived at Velasco, the present seal of Govt, on the 27th ult. and at this place on the 2d instant. I found this subject very much entangled, as you perceive- Our Army is at Guadalupe near Victoria, The whole country is turning out en masse and I have no doubt the i\lexican Aimy will be cul to pieces should it advance. It 1s not any doubts I have on this subject that influences me in wishing to embrace the opportunity of ending the war. But the inhabitants are suffering, they are all in the field or are going and a procrastinated war will greatly injure them.- I have been thus lenghty in order to give you alJ the information I can in regard to a matter in which you are called upon by both parties to enterpose yot1r mediation, and one which is of deep interest to the people of the U.S. And to the cause of liberty and humanity, and hope that its importance will excuse me for occupying so much of your time-
S. F. Austin
[3610] {AUSTIN to GAJNES J
Columbia, Texas, July 4 -1836
Major Genl. Edmund P. Gains Sir
I arrived here a few days since from the U. S. and find this country still threatened with war and its evils. The Indians have commenced active hostilities on the whole line of the frontier along the upper or San Antonio road. J am told they arc all Northern Indians with rifles, principally Harper's ferry, an arm that is not used by the native tribes of Texas.
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