[From the Williams Papers. Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas.]

Mexico 15 April 1835

Dr Sir.

I am still here, a prisoner on bail— nothing has taken place in my situation since the 25 day of December, when I was released from close confinement on bail—

I make no calculations when I shall leave or whether I shall return by land or water—

The legislature at Monclova has involved matters in a beautiful tangle by the cursed law authorizing the Govr- to dispose of 400 leagues of land as he pleases. I fear this law will [ere] ate much more discontent in Texas [tha]n anything which has happened— nothing could have been more imprudent— It will produce restrictions and in short everything bad that can be imagined—

The senator of that State is a faithful defender of his state and a firm one, but all he gains or can gain by trying to defend such a measure as this, is to ruin himself in public opinion here and loose all influence

I hope they have had sense enough at Monclova to take no part in the civil war that seems to be commencing— Keep out of such things— If Durste and Carbajal voted for the 400 league law—tell them to remember what kind of constituents they have and to be more cautious in future,— That law will cause discontent in Texas.

Genl Santana leaves in three days for the interior (Zacatecas) he informed me yesterday that he should visit Texas and take me with him, after these other matters are settled— He is very friendly to Texas and it would be an advantage to that country if he would pay it a visit

I do not write home by this mail, so you can send this to them, and say that I beg of them all to have nothing to do with the politics of this country—I mean the present civil dissentions—a dead silence a dead calm as to these family quarrels is the only proper course for Texas—

I know nothing of what is going on at Monclova, nor of your opinions about these matters—but feel confident they are similar to mine— I am decidedly of the opinion that the federal system is in no danger at present— There will be some change, but not a radical one— This is my opinion

S. F. Austin

Mr. S. M. Williams

[Addressed:] (Coahuila) D. Samuel M. Williams Monclova