Hd. Qrs. Western Department

Camp Sabine, August 4 1836

Sir—

I received on the 27th your letter of the 4th of July, with the packet refered to addressed to the President of the United States, which I on the 30th forwarded by an Officer. Having reason to believe the President will be at Nashville Tenne. in time to meet the packet at that place, the bearer of it was directed to go thither,—where he will either find the President, or learn where it is likely he may be met with, on his journey to Tennessee. I am therefore in hopes I shall hear from him in relation to the arrangement proposed, sooner than a trip to Washington usually requires.

In reply to that part of your letter in which you speak of my guaranteeing in the name of the united States the fulfilment of a Treaty entered into with the distinguished General Santa Anna, the President of Mexico, while a prisoner of war, by the Government of Texas, I have to regret that I have not in my present instructions from the President of the United States sufficient authority to enable me to make such a guarantee.

Nevertheless should the General in chief of the Mexican army, operating or preparing to operate against Texas unite with the President Santa Anna in an arrangement with the high Civil and military authorities of Texas, the United States military commander here, viewing Mexico and Texas as friendly neighboring powers, would, at their request, extend to the public functionaries of both Governments, in the vicinity of this frontier, whatever acts of humanity, or courtecy, might be desired by them, consistently with or not forbidden by the laws of Nations—or the Laws or Regulations of the united States.

The present moment appears to be propitious for action towards the attainment of a durable peace between the contending parties, and the arrangement suggested by you, if it can be made in accordance with the views which I have just now expressed, may save an immense waste of blood and treasure on both sides.— Whilst a continuance of war even for a few months longer would lay the foundation for endless feuds and bloody conflicts between the civilized inhabitants of this section of America—whose vital interests call aloud for peace concord—and if possible a close alliance, firm and durable as the Rocks which form the basis of our greatest mountains!

Hoping to be able soon to address you more explicitly upon this subject, I am with great respect your most obdt. servt.

Edmund P. Gaines

To General S. F. Austin Columbia, Texas.