James W Breedlove to Stephen F Austin, 08-11-1831


Summary: Protesting against statement by George Fisher that he is being censured because free negroes are entering Texas.


Mexican Consulate New Orleans Augt 11 1831

Col Stephen F Austin

Dear Sir By an arrival yesterday I am favored with a communication from Mr George Fisher dated 6 July, in which he says you are in want of a Copy of your officio to him of the 5th of June, which he remited to this consulate. I herewith hand you a Copy of Mr. Fishers entire Letter to me, in which yours to him is embodied

In Mr. Fishers letter to me of the 6 July I am surprised to find the following sentence "Free people of Colour are coming in dayley into this Country, and you are much sensured on the subject??

Now I would like to know why sensure should be attached to me for the commission of acts in which I can have no agency what ever, on the receit of your officio, I published in the dayly Gazett of this City that all free Negroes who had been driven out of Louisiana by a law of the last Legislature were forbid en to enter the States of Cohahuila and Texas, and all masters of Vessels were informed that they would be compelled to bring away all such passengers they might have on board their Vessels, which was doing all I could lawfully do to put a stop to such Emigrants, for I defy any man of that discription to shew a passport from this consulate Since the date of my publications.

If the authorities of Texas who have the power of preventing those people being landed on their shores, or entering by land, will not Exercise it, I am not to be blamed. I have no power here as a Mexican Agent to prevent their going on board Vessels leaving this port, then why not let the blame rest on the proper persons, Such things are calculated to injure my Commercial business with Texas. I hope therefore you will do me the Justice to correct the erronious opinions of its being my fault

Jas W Breedlove [Rubric]