Dr. John Sibley to James E. B. Austin, 06-06-1822


Summary: Sends Spanish translation of Thomas Paine's Rights of Man. Spain resents recognition by United States of Spanish-American independence. "Emigrants in very great numbers seem setting that way."


Nachitoches June 6th 1822

Dear Sir,

The last letter I Recd from your Brother he advised me of his going to Mexico and that you would Remain at St Antonio and would send his letters on I wrote some Days ago by Mr. James F. Walker of alibami the Brother to Walker the senator in Congress in or with that letter I sent a Book Entitled the Rights of Man by Thomas Paine and translated into Spanish and published by Mr Gary of Philada' for the particular use and benefit of Spanish America when that Book arrives I wish it may be presented to the Governor for his Perusal and then forwarded to Mexico or elsewhere, as your Brother and the Governor may advise where they may think it may be most use full—General Wilkinson sailed from N. Orleans for Vera Cruz in March and intended to go from thence to Mexico, but we hear he was not permitted to Land at Vera Cruz and Intended to Land at some other place and go on to Mexico, his business is private and nothing to do with the government of the United States—It seems by communications from Washington that the Govt of Spain Entirely disapproves of the Cordova convention and mean to make other Efforts to reduce the Rebellious Mexicans to submission to the Despotism under which that Country has so long-groaned; our Government having acknowledged the independency of Spanish American seems to have greatly offended the Spanish Minister at Washington and will no doubt the Court of Madrid, when the news arrives there some United States ministers or charges affairs or Agents will be sent not only to Mexico but to all the other Provinces to the South; no appointments are yet made. The court of Spain has appointed a commissioner to run the line agreeable to the Treaty but our government will not proceed to Run the line provided the Existing Govt of Mexico objects to it. we wish to cultivate the most friendly terms with that Govt - Mr. Hawkins of New Orleans Informs me that by the Return of the Schooner Lively all the unfavourable impressions Respecting the Navigation into the Mouth of the Collerado are removed, that the safe and capacios harbour perfectly Land Locked within two miles of the Mouth of the River more than compensates for the shoal water in its mouth where lighters must be used; Emigrants in very great numbers seem setting that way, and many to Galveston and its vicinity—these people go determined to support the Republican Government and be Good Citizens and will be so I believe— I Enclose a few more papers which your brother will be glad to see. They will afford some Idea of the general Politicks of America and Europe. I beg you to inform me when your Brother returns

John Sibley [Rubric]

Mr. Austin Junr.

[Addressed:] Stephen F. Austin Esqr. or in his absence to Mr Austin his Brother St Antonio By John Regles.