Monclova 31st March 1835

I will not undertake my good friend to give you an exact description of my feelings on receiving your welcome letter of 14th inst—because as you will know I feel quick, strong, and violent all at one moment. Believing that you would consider me in this place, from the letter I wrote you before I started from home, which Almonte informed me you had recd. from him, and not having heard one word from you for 3 mails, myself and Companions were rejoicing in the opinion that you were liberated and on the road home. In this we were strengthened by a clause in a letter from Mr. Parrott to Mr. Almy, that spoke of your leaving in a few days. Today although your letter assured us of health and resignation, it destroyed our hopes, and opened to our view the horrid reality of Mariana and pasada Mariana—truly such a state may be called the essence of tantalising persecution. God knows I am unable to devise how you bear up under it. I immediately waited upon the Governor, informed him of your situation, and urged him with all the rhetoric and warmth of feeling which belongs to me, to address the Gen Govt on the subject of your situation, as a duty to a fellow Citizen, and as a duty to the citizens of a part of the State that Cannot much longer bear with such a course in silence. I am, proud to say that although his politeness permitted me to finish with my ideas— he met the first impulses of my wishes and was ready to acceed to my request. And regretted that his burthened occupation would not permit him to do it by this mail—but authorized me to say to you that it should be done by the next. I then went to work amongst the Deputies to get Congress to make something of a similar character, and although it is a body not like a person I flatter myself with success with them, and have no doubt but this additional weight will be given if you should still be so unfortunate as to remain under the operations of an uncertain tomorrow. Had I not permitted myself to be lulled into a belief from your letter of February that you would certainly be relieved by or before the first of this month, I should long since have moved what I today have performed. You have some friends here who respect and esteem you for various reasons and with the exception of Chambers and some one or two others of our Countrymen no bitter enemies—not one I think among the natives— As for Chambers I shall try my strength on him, And all I require of you is to look on and if you cant be for me don't be against me— The Texas people that is East of Bejar in order to be consistent with their vote in Septem. voted the old Ticket, consequently McKinney is suplente, my absence prevents his leaving, and the Brazos department goes unrepresented. Individually I am pleased because I dislike beyond Measure a popular appointment— I consented to serve in this instance but think I shall never do so again,— By next session, if the Census is taken, Brazos and Nacogdoches will each have two members. In Jany and Feby 2000 persons arrived in at the mouth of the Brazos. Emigration has been tremendous this year, and still continues.

This Legislature is liberal and are determined, to be the last to yield up the Federal system. I have in union with others recommended the establishment of schools and a College to be founded out of Monies arising from lands. The Government refuse to acknowledge the families about Trinity and Nacogdches etc etc as a part of those belonging to the New York Companies contracts, those who have been possessioned by their Commissioner remain with their lands—but they will not be counted for the Company.

I have not yet gotten my business before Congress, my documents are all ready—and in the hands of the members as individuals, unless they deceive me I shall succeed— Don Marcial Borrego—(a man of the most [weight?] here) first counsellor and acting Governor in the absence of Viesca, and who was a member of the last Legislature, and by the way with Augustin Viesca, the supporters of Robertson, is my friend and assisting me in my business, confesses they have been deceived, but does not want the matter so remedied as to compromit the decoro of the Govt I have told him, that redress is what we want, and that as citizens do not wish to stigmatise the Govt- under which we live—

I have letters from home to the 17th inst all are well, my own family and my friends desire to be remembered to you they think you are at this place. They complain of a backward spring, much rain and cold— With a hope of hearing from you by the next mail that you are released and about starting home, I will close this asuring you that I shall inform all in Texas of your situation and write as you requested; And notify McKinney of your draft. You must not permit yourself to want for any thing, if money can get your release let us know Texas will come out like a white head, and raise what may be necessary. Johnson and Peebles desire affectionate remembrance to you and you have our united prayers for your liberty, health and speedy and prosperous journey home—

[Samuel M. Williams] Rubric

If you are to be detained in Mexico let us know

If you should want more money draw on McKinney and Wms. at 60 ds sight and advise us by mail

Rubric

[Addressed:] Stephen F. Austin Esq Mexico