[From Williams Papers, Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Tex.]

Mexico 26 August 1834

Mr. E. W- Gregory

Dear Sir. I enclose you a letter for my brother in law Mr. James F. Perry, of Brazoria which I must beg the favour of you to forward by the first safe opportunity

I am still in confinement but expect a favourable change in my situation soon

The political affairs of this country are all quiet I have no doubt that the political intentions of the President Gen Santa Ana are sound and patriotic, he wishes to get a general congress togather in January next, freely elected by the people, with the powers of a National convention in order to reestablish the Constitution which has been so dreadfully outraged by all parties that none respect it. I do not think he has designs to change the system of Government. At least not in its principal features. He has put a stop to the system of banishment and imprisonment, and recalled all the banished a very just humane and necessary measure.

The past events in Texas have cost me very dear. I was precipitated into them by the excitements and circumstances of the times It is a consolation to me that I am the only one who has suffered by them and that much good has resulted to Texas and also to the Mexican republic from those events. The evils complained of in Texas have been remedied by the government on the one hand and on the other the people of the country have become convinced of the dangers of political excitements and of listening to political fanatics and political adventurers they will consequently be on their guard against such dangers in future. My motto always has been Fidelity to Mexico, opposition to violent men or measures it is the only sound rule for Texas. I am more convinced of it now than ever, tho I never doubted it notwithstanding it would seem as tho I had in one single act and for a moment departed from it, but I never did.

When I left Texas in April 1833 the people there were determined to have a state. As the agent for those people it was my duty to promote that determination but neither the people of Texas nor myself have ever in the least failed in our duty as Mexican Citizens and there never has been any kind of design or plot to separate Texas from the Mexican republic. All the rumors and reports and suspicions that have been circulated about me and about the people of Texas on this subject are uterly false and without the least foundation in truth

S. F. Austin

Mr. S. M. Williams

I annex a copy of a letter received by Mr. G about a hour ago in great haste

Yours Henry [Austin]

[Addressed:] Mr. S. M. Williams McKinney & Williams Brazoria Texas