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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
You are so situated that you can determine what course will be proper and safe to pursue. I have thought that advantage might result ·to us if trade were opened to San Antonio and to such other points as would be safe. In 1838 we had friendship and commerce with Mexico, so far as the frontiers were concerned, and had it not been for the cow boys and Canales with his gang, we would never have had any further troubles with the inhabi- tants of the Rio Grande. But now, how it would be proper to attempt the reestablishment of trade will be for you to determine. You are on the frontier, and I will allow you to decide. It does seem to me that the inhabitants of the Rio Grande would find it to their interest to open the trade with Texas and cease all annoy- ance to our citizens. They cannot hope for any advantage to arise to them in the present condition of affairs, and therefore, they would desire any change for the better. Can our people be restrained; and if so, by what means can it be achieved? September 15, 1842. Last night I was unable to finish my letter, and today I am so indisposed that I have to call o:h Mr. Miller, my Private Sec- retary, to write after my dictation. Deprived as we are of all means to keep up a force on the fron- tier, we have no opportunity of deriving any correct information. It seems to me, that if trade were carried on, we would not be more liable to surprise or injury than we are in our present cir- cumstances. vVhen all trade is cut off, they have no inducements to visit us, but to do mischief; and if trade were opened, they would be aware if they produced any molestation on the fron- tier, it would only result in depriving them of this advantage. Their intercourse with us would afford us an opportunity of knowing something from them. It would be to their interest to let us know of anything which would interrupt their trade. As things now are, they have no inducement to render us any service, but to inflict every injury. I have invested Colonel Owen of Texana with discretion on this subject similar to that now given to yourself. The Charge d'Affaires from England has arrived, and brings with him the strongest disposition to have matters adjusted be- tween this country and Mexico. I have issued a revocation of blockade, though our navy will continue to cruise against Mexican commerce. If possible, send me intelligence repeatedly, for I can hear nothing of what is going on at Bexar, or of what your prospects are.
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