Washington 28th May 1836

Dear Sir,

Mr Sumner a friend of mine from Nashville has just arrived and shocked me with the intelligence, that it is understood at Nashville that Genl Houston is opposed to the annexation of Texas to the United States. If this be so it is truly and deeply to be deplored. Like all triumphant conquerors he will be omnipotent for a time at least. I plainly see before me the turmoil and confusion and injustice and the demagogueism which must ensue in Texas after the war is over before we can establish an orderly and harmonious independent government. Nothing can transcend the horrors of this state of things but the cold blooded Massacres of the last few Months. Knowing therefore that I have some influence with Houston I shall be in misery until I see him before his opinions on this subject are generally known or firmly fixed. I have therefore written on to Childress and Hamilton to come immediately here that I may start for Texas. This I shall do as soon as they arrive. I am compelled to go to New York to get the remainder of the 10 pr cent. I will not however delay there more than one day and will then start for Texas via Nashville where I will not stop more than another day. I feel it more important than all other things in the world

the present Senate should act upon the question of annexation. I bottom this upon reasons known to you in which all of our friends fully coincide and they speak to me about it every hour in the day. For this reason it is indispensible to be at home and get the leading men in favour of it. President Burnett I know cannot depute power to any one to make a treaty of Cession of Texas that will be binding upon the people of Texas. But he can have the treaty take place subject to the ratification of the people hereafter or senate as are all treaties of this government. The great object is to get it acted on here by the present Senate and we will act on it in Texas afterwards and if we first get the leading men in favour of it in Texas all will go right. For this reason as above stated I am determined to start home immediately—

I have had frequent interviews with the President and he fully coincides in these views and is exceedingly anxious on the subject. I will ascertain from him the exact terms on which Texas can be admitted such as paying the public debt, allowing her to keep her public lands etc. Write to me in answer to this at Nashville. You may rely upon seeing me soon after you are in Texas. With a perfect oblivion of all the past I am truly Your Friend

Wm. H. Wharton

P. S. Our friends say they will if possible keep congress together until August on account of this business. I trust in God that it is a Mistake about Houstons being opposed to annexation. If he is I will exert my little influence with him. We have always been and are the best of friends. Do hurry on home without a moments delay—

[Addressed:] Genl. S. F Austin Care of Wm Bryan New Orleans