June 4 1836 to July 21 1836 - PTR, Vol. 7

The Mexicans are concentrating their forces at Matamoras and have no doubt advanced to the river Nueces by this time. Genl. Urrea is lhe commander-in-chief, he has already bcon joined by Genl Cortazar with fresh troops from the interior. The movement of Lhc Mexican Army into Texas again, will embolden the inclians west of the Mississippi, who no doubt communicate with those lo Lhe east of that river, and the probability of an indian war on Lhe South western limits of the U. S. appears to be much stronger than it ever was. I confidently believe that the movement of the troops under your command LO Nacogdoches will slop an indian war and preserve the tranquility of the U. S. frontier. Such a movement will meet with the approbation of the Govt of Texas, as you will perceive by the teller of President Burnet, which accompanies this, and I am confident it will receive the most decided sanction of the people of Texas. The president of Mexico Genl. Santa Anna, who is now a prisoner in this place, assures me in the most decided and unequivocal terms of his desire Lo end this Texas war on the basis of a recognition of our independence, and he has written lo Genl. Jackson, requesting the mediation of the U. S. Government to terminate the war on that basis. The packet which I herewith send you for Genl. Jackson, contains Genl. Santa Anna's letter lo him ancl many other important papers of greal interest to the public service of both countries, and I therefore must beg the favor of you lo forward them with the least possible delay, by express, or in such manner as you may deem expeditious and safe- I have no hesitation in saying that I believe Genl. Santa Anna is sincere, and in good faith, in the promises and offers he has made to this Govt. to acknowJedge our independence and admit the mediation of the U. S. but he can do nothing as a prisoner, or until he returns lo Mexico and reassumes the Govt. or to the Mexican Army and resumes the command, and such is the stale of public opinion here and in our Army that he can not be released until he gives such guarantees, as will satisfy both Army and the people of his sincerity. Now the guarantee of Genl. Jackson will be sufficient, and l believe that your guarantee, in conjunction with the cslablishmcnl of your head riuarlers al Nacogdoches, \vould be sufficient- In this event Genl. SHnla Annn

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