Velasco July 8, 1836

Gen M. B. Lamar—

Dr Sir,

The president informs me that he will send you Gen Santa Anna's letter to Gen. Urrea, and also a translation of Santa Anna's letter to President Jackson

On my arrival here from the U. S. on the 27th. ult. I found that much excitement existed as to the past transactions with Gen. Santa Anna etc— I saw him on the 2d. and 3d instant at Columbia, and he expressed to me his desires to end the Texas war, on the basis of a recognition of Texan independence by Mexico, and that he wished the U. S. to mediate between the two parties (Mexico and Texas) on that basis—In accordance with this view of the matter he wrote the letter to Gen Jackson (a translation of which will be sent you by President Burnet) requesting his (Jackson's) mediation— He also wrote the letter to Gen. Urrea, above mentioned, in order to be used by this Govt. as it may deem best, for the purpose of procuring such guaranties from Gen. Urrea as would justify the Govt. and army of Texas etc. so as to procure his (Santa Anna's) liberty.

I understand that these letters will be sent to you by president Burnet, to be used as circumstances and the public good may require—

I will observe that Gen. Santa Anna's opinion, in reference to his letters to Urrea was that he, Urrea, would make a formal arrangement, by treaty or agreement, with the commander of the Texan army, to withdraw all the Mexican troops beyond Rio Bravo, and submit the question to negotiation for a final termination of the war, on the basis which he, Santa Anna has agreed to in the treaties of 14 May and in his letter to Gen. Jackson etc, give guarantees etc. etc.

I presume that Santa Anna would agree to still stronger stipulations, on his part, that is, so far as regards binding himself to use his influence to procure an acknowledgement of our independence by Mexico etc

I think that Gen. Santa Anna's letter to Gen. Jackson, will have some weight in procuring the intervention of the U.S. as a mediator which I think, will be fortunate for Texas, and will lead to a termination of the war by an acknowledgement of our independence.

I also think that any treaty or arrangement made with Urrea, in a formal manner, will be complyed with by him, for he is evidently at full liberty to treat or not, and can have no excuse on that score, to deviate from what he stipulates—

As to Santa Anna he has bound himself, so far as a man in his situation can, by the treaties made with this Govt. of 14 May, and by his letter to Gen. Jackson of 4th. July, and I presume would bind himself still stronger—

The part of the volunteers from Lexington Ky, have arrived, the balance, about 200, in all, will be out in a few days—also a company of mounted men under Charles Harrison, I am told are on the way— These are in addition to the 80 from Cincinnati who have arrived at Galveston, under Capt. Allen—

The invincible, Cap Brown, has sailed on a cruise down the coast—

I will go to the army if I can be of any service there

S. F. Austin

[Addressed:] Gen. M. B. Lamar In the Texas Army