San. Felipe 16th 1835—

Col S F Austin

Dear Sir

For a long time there has been a great many things spoken of Th[r]oughout our community about One John A Williams (Judge Williams) as having taken a very active Part against the Acts of the Colonists and advocating the measures persued by the Mexican Government, for a long time I thought from report (for I dont know the man) his oposition arose from misconceived Ideas But it has been Impressed upon the Council and Particularly today that his conduct deserved the attention of that Body and that he has arrayed himself with 58 followers already enrolled against out military movements and with a View of offering facilities to the Enemy with whoom he is in Regular Correspondence—having Prepared a Boat for the accomodation etc. Now from these facts coming from so respectable an authority the Council in secret session with Henry Smith Esqr John D. Newell Wm- P Harris, Saml Whiting and Mr Menifee 01 have thought the circumstances would Justify an Immediate arrest and the safe keeping of said Williams till he should be tried and Disposed of by a proper tribunal. But considering the Delicate situation of this Council being Representatives from a minority of the municipalities only Have recommended that the commander in chief associated with his staff and confidential officers Invite those members acquainted with the circumstances and Ishue their request or Order to this Body for their complyance.

I cannot see but such a proceeding is consistant in times like these when we are surrounded by Warr and our Citizens are afraid to leave their Homes lest their families be destroyed by the means and facilities afforded by those within our own Bosom it is times of Warr and military rules must Prevail in some Extent till otherwise Provided. If you advise anything to be done in this matter it is necessary to be done with secrecy and Dispatch—If you come to any conclusion of active measures in this matter please dispatch it by Express and it is well to have the names associated with you signed to the Order and for the Execution of the Order I particularly recommend Majr Whiting.

R. R. Royall Presdt.

[Addressed:] Private Col. S. F. Austin Head Quarters Texas Volunteers favr by Majr Whiting