Robert Wilson to Stephen F Austin, 09-16-1830


Summary: Debates in Parliament concerning Texas aroused fears of American designs on Texas.


Mattamoras 16th Sept 1830

Col. S. F. Austin

My Valued Friend I have been in this place for sometime waiting on the vessel, which is promised freight— I calculate to sail in a few days,

I was Kindly received In this place by General Terran, Col Bradburn and others,

We Expect to be full of Troops for the Trinity Station, Col. Bradburn, the Commander etc—with whom I am pleased General Terran will march by land, shortly,

Texas begins to Excite Much Interest It appears to me, and many think with me, that It must be aplace, of Peace and Safety— Considering the great difficulties in the Government— I have positively stated our faithfulness towards the Government, and that there is nothing to fear from the Americans, Provided they Are believed, And not Imposed upon—we are Viewed with a Jealous Eye, In Texas Owing to the Jealousy of England, I have seen a New York paper, Containing the debates in Parliarment, By Huskisson Bearing Peal, and others—who toutch hard on us—Calling us squatters. Turbulent, and an ungovernable sett—and show the United States, as Reaching for the Country— I hope you have or will see the papers— But Sir we are safe, in Texas Only let the Cittizens be true to their Contracts, notwithstanding, the Jealouses of the Governments—

I now Sir, before I close ask a favour of you. It is this, a Mrs Reed, of New Orleans was pleased with the discription which others and myself gave her of Texas she, agreed and vissitted. In July last—and Intended to have seen you--but understanding you was not home she declined— her Intention was to get land, and as she has a family and will be a Valuable Cittizen, I ask for her, She stated to me, that she had written to you on the Subject— she is On her way to Orleans—for the purpose of arranging her Buisness for a permanent removal, She wishes, If possible to have land located Imediately in some good place— or so that she can be certain of It— She may probably marry in Orleans or here—and then she would loose, what was her great wish—land— any thing you can do for Mrs Reed will Indeed greatly oblige me as I am perhaps the cause of her removal, she has many friends and I have no doubt you will be pleased— I hope you are well and all my friends— And the Colony in a state of prosperity which is the truest wishes of my heart

Ro. Wilson [Rubric]