[From Williams Papers, Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Tex.]

Leona Vicario [Saltillo] 13 Jany. 1831

Mr. S. M. Williams

Dr Sir, I arrived in this city last evening, after an unpleasant journey through the mountains, owing to the cold, which has been more than usually severe. My credential was presented to day and refered to the usual committee who will report tomorrow, and I take my seat next day. I am in good quarters, with Padre Musquis and the member from the Partido of Monclova (Canales)—up to this time, great harmony has prevailed in the Legislature among the members, they all appear pleased that I have come on. I hope these appearances may be all solid realities. I have had the pleasure of a visit from el Cura de Austin, y Vicario gral de Texas, Doctor Miguel Muldoon—he has been here about a week. I am truly pleased with him, he is a very intelligent and gentlemanly man, and quite liberal in his ideas. I must believe that if the general Govt, wished to harrass us, they would not have sent a man as vicar genl of Texas, who is so liberal and so enlightened, on religious subjects. Sin embargo, there are some things to be bourne in mind—he has always been the warm and bosom friend of Genl Teran, and as I am told of Alaman— but he is also a great favourite of both Agustin and Govr Viesca, who have known him intimately several years, and speak highly of him, he puts up at the Govrs—he has been accustomed to the best society in Mexico and in Europe, the Society of the nobility and gentry, and I fear he will think us rather a rough set in Texas. I should prefer that he take lodgings with you, on his first arrival, untill a house can be prepared for him, and there ought to be no delay in preparing one. Col Butler has recommended him to me in the strongest terms, and I do assure you that I am greatly pleased with him. He says that there will be a very considerable imigration from Mexico to Texas composed of the first families of the City in point of wealth and standing, querie—is it not probable that the white portion of the Mexicans look towards Texas, as a retreat in case the indians of the South should finally succeed?—pueda ser. Jorge [Fisher] is writing a book at Matamoros to prove to the Govt, what the American Settlers and Col A—— are. The ground he takes is that he was persecuted by a faction of which I was the head—that the mass of the settlers are my enemies and are opposed to me, that the publication by the Ay to is all false etc—that the settlers are bad immoral, and only want a pretext to rebel etc—I give you this as I have heard it from a person who was some time in Matamoros— Should any such publication be made, I would recommend that the Ayto. call the whole colony together in masse by a notice published in the Gazette, and when they meet, that they appoint a president and secretary to give form to the meeting—that Fishers publication be then taken up and a committee appointed to answer it in the name of the whole colony. My character belongs to the colony and any unjust attack upon me situated as I now am, is in fact an attack upon all This will shew that it is not a faction.

The opinion here is that the present administration will sustain itself, tho on this subject I have not as yet been able to get much information.

I am told that Teran is a very credulous man, and believes everything he hears, if so Jorge may mislead him for a time, but if the colony stand to their posts, he will soon be undeceived.

This letter must only be seen by a few. After I take my seat I will write to several and give whatever news there may be of interest,

Be very cautious about inserting remarks in the Gazette, say nothing about Muldoon in the paper as yet.

By Chambers I will write you more fully— he will leave in about a week, he is in trouble—. the Tribunal has thrown obstacles in the way of receiving him as a lawyer— they are of a frivolous nature. My opinion of Chambers is very good—he can be useful! in that country. What has passed will be of great service to him,

I send the grey horse by Jose Luis, and the other horse and mule by Chambers—I should loose them here—

S. F. Austin [Rubric]

[Addressed:] Al Sor Dn Samuel M. Williams Adiuor de correos de la villa de Austin

Por el Sor Jose Luis