Saltillo 23. Sept 1826—

My Dr Brother:

I arrived last evening after a fatigueing journey—I proceeded to visit the Baron immediately he is in good health—to day I have not been able to collect much interesting News for you—the mail starts this evening and it is now so late I shall not be able to write any thing satisfactorily until next post—The Slave question is undecided as yet. The Baron has done his best—but one opposed to so large a majority can do but little—

He will lay before the house a bill, in a day or two for the benefit of the 300 families and thinks there is no doubt but the slaves introduced by them will be held—he also states that he will never sign the Constitution if they persist in so unjust an imposition on the rights of the settlers—it is the opinion of the Baron that a further introduction of slaves is out of the question—in another Legislature, a favourable Slave law might be procured, but the present one is composed of members so inimical to the interests of Texas, that the most that can be obtained is permission for the 300 families to hold their Slaves—The Constitution will not make its appearance before the 1 of Jany—The Baron is anxious to return—but at present he cannot—and in a short time the winter will set in; and his age and infirmaties will not permit him to travel—It is all important that the Colony should have a friend in the Legislature—It is also of the greatest importance the Baron should return to conclude the business of the Colony but is impossible for him to do so until March or April—I presume you heard of the confusion that has existed in the Legislature and which has caused more delay in the progress of the discussions of that body than any thing else—the substance of the whole is—the People had become disgusted with the proceedings— and demanded a new Election or the Constitution—Every thing is quiet at present—and the Legislature will probabl use more dispatch; since the People have manifested their feelings—You have no idea what trifles have engaged their attention for months in fact the whole body deserve to [be] turned out doors—The Baron says he wants money I have stated to him our situation etc—I have not seen Padilla yet altho I am writing in his house—Next mail expect a Volume

Remr me to Williams and other friends—E Bean is here he has the comission of Col. and permission to settle the reserve on the Sabine and Edwards Coly as far as the Nachez. Yr B.

J B A

[Addressed:] Al. Ciudadno Tente Corl Estevan F. Austin en la Villa de Sn felipe de Austin