official acl of the Govt. of Mexico that would be bindinu on the e nation, such an official act I thought might be procured through the mediation of the U. S. while Santa Anna's friends and party were still in power, and his letter lo Gen. Jackson 1 thought might open a door to obtain it- Such have been and are the motives which influence me S. F. Austin [3803] [DICKINS to GAINES) Department of Stale, Washington, July 27, 1836. Sir: The Mexican minister has addressed a complaint lo the Department, founded upon the following paragraph of the New York Morning Courier and Enquirer of the 20th instant, copied from the Grand Gulf (Mississippi) Advertiser: ..This morning more than two hundred men, commanded by Colonel Wilson, and on their way to Texas, passed this place in the Tuskina, with drums beating and fifes playing; they will be followed by three hundred more-all from old Kentucky." Though the men on board the Tuskina are not stated lo have been armed, yet, if the other circumstances were as represented, there would be found for belief that the laws for the preservation of the neutrality of the United States have been violated; you will, therefore, inquire into this case, report the result lo the Department, and be vigilant in your endeavor to prevent similar cases of complaint in fut11re. Whenever you shall be satisfied that the laws have been violated, it is expected that you will not hesitate lo prosecute the offenders. I am, &c.,
Asbury Dickins, Acting Secretary.
Richard M. Gaines, Esq., U.S. Attorney, Mississippi, Natchez. Same to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Kentucky, Frankfort
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