Velasco Monday 27 June 36

Dr Sir,

After rolling at anchor nearly all day I have just landed— My head still has the sea sick motion, so I can say but a few words in reply to your request, in your note to the president, to give you the news from the U.S.

There is a general and pritty universal and ardent interest all over the U.S. in favor of Texas— This feeling pervades both houses of Congress and the cabinet.

I believe that nothing was wanting to procure a recognition of our independence but official manuscript accounts of the battle of San Jacinto and the actual state of things in Texas—Some proof of our capacity to sustain ourselves etc. Nothing of the kind was rec'd—nothing but newspaper accounts had reached there when I left.

Grayson and Collingsworth took accounts to N. Orleans that no more volunteers were needed. This will do great harm and must be immediately counteracted if we expect any more aid from there.

The reports about treating with Santa Anna etc have injured the cause of Texas beyond anything you can conceive of.

Our course now appears to be a plain one. The country must rally en masse and meet the enemy. It seems that their creed is extermination. If so, ought we to have faith in such an enemy or to extend mercy or favors?

A great error (as I think) has been committed in not communicating with the agents of Texas in Washington City. I recommend that a report or an account in an official form be sent to them by every opportunity of every important event that transpires.

80 men ought to be at Galveston tomorrow in the schooner San Jacinto from Orleans—the men are from Cincinnati commanded by Capt. Allen, a fine fellow. 300 more are on the way from Lexington and Louisville— 1000 more would have been on—but the report that "the war is ended" will stop them.

In Gods name no more armistices or treaties with prisoners.

In the Mississippi I saw a vessel direct from Matamoros which confirms the news rec'd here as to the advance of the Mexicans 10,000 to 12,000 strong. There is no doubt of it—all Mexico is in motion. No treaty made with Santa Anna will be respected by them. Gen Urrea is commander in chief. Gen Cortazar was at Saltillo with 5000 men and coming on by forced marches. Gen Filisolo had rec'd orders to halt his retreat and fight etc. Such is the substance of the news from Matamoros—also that an expedition was fitting out by water. I shall try and be with you in the army as soon as I can, as a private soldier— every man in Texas must shoulder his arms. Farewell

S. F. Austin

Gen M B Lamar

Majr Gen. M. B. Lamar

Permit me to suggest that it would be best to avoid (if possible) any harsh treatment towards Gen. Santa Anna's person. In the present excitement perhaps this will be difficult, tho. you know more of the temper of the times than I do as to the matter.

S. F. Austin