Velasco, July 9—1836

Messrs Collingsworth and Grayson

Gentlemen,

The president of Mexico, Genl. Santa Anna, who is still in Columbia a prisoner of war, has written to Gen. Jackson president of the U. S. under date of 4th instant, requesting his mediation etc to terminate the war between Texas and Mexico on the basis of a recognition of the independence of the former— he has also enclosed to Gen Jackson copies of the public and secret treaties of 14th May last.

President Burnet I presume will enclose to you a copy of Gen. Santa Anna's letter to Gen. Jackson, and also of his letter to Gen. Urrea. These papers will go to show the desire of Gen. Santa Anna to terminate the war on the basis of a recognition of the independence of Texas. You are aware of the desire of Gen. Santa Anna that these matters should not be published in the newspapers, and of his reasons, but they can, of course, be used by you, in your conferences with the U. S. Govt, in as much as they have been sent to that Govt by Gen. Santa Anna himself.

It was my intention to have taken Gen. Santa Anna's letter to Gen. Urrea out to our army and delivered it in person to Gen. M: B. Lamar, the present Commander in chief—but I have not as yet been able to procure a horse, and am detained by other business, it was however sent on by President Burnet by express yesterday— I am of the opinion that no material good will result from this matter. The president and Cabinet, as you are aware, have confidence in the engagements made by Gen. Santa Anna, in the secret treaty of 14 May, and letter to Gen. Jackson of 4 inst—but you are also aware, that the Army and people have not any confidence at all, and consequently the same difficulties still exist, which you witnessed previous to your departure. These difficulties have been increased by the receipt of Gen. Urrea's proclamation issued at Matamoros 5th June, and the resolves or decrees, passed by the Congress of Mexico, declaring null and void any acts of Santa Anna's while he is a prisoner—and much other information of a similar character which was received here this day— Santa Anna however still says that he can end the war on the basis agreed upon, provided he is set at liberty—but he cannot be set at liberty without such guarantees as are considered to be undoubted— Gen. Jackson's would be of this character, and without it I am of the opinion nothing can be done. The mediation of the U. S. Govt is most desirable and important, and I think would end the war, but I think it important for you to bear in mind that the Govt of Texas, cannot admit of such mediation (as I believe) except on the basis of the independence of Texas, without any restrictions as to what disposition is hereafter to be made of this Country. As a Sovereign State, Texas ought to be at full liberty to remain so, or to unite with any one she thinks proper, without this her Sovereignty would be nominal. The great mass of the people wish for annexation to the U. S., it is my wish, but I see no mode of effecting it, until Texas is absolutely independent, unless by a quit claim from Mexico to the U. S. which is attended with many difficulties and objections—tho I, as an individual would waive them, for the sake of saving the old settlers, who have redeemed this country from the wilderness, from the further evils of war, or of internal dissentions, to which I fear this country is to be exposed. The interest of the Volunteers and new comers will also be promoted and protected by annexation to the U. S. But notwithstanding all this, many will raise objections, and strong ones, to any Sale of Texas by Mexico, even to the U. S.

I have represented to President Burnet the importance of writing to you, officially, by every opportunity, and I presume it will be done—and that this Govt will in future not totally forget that they have representatives at Washington City, as they did do, (as I presume both of you are aware, for you were members of the Cabinet then) before your departure from here

The Secretary of State Mr W. H. Jack has not returned from the Neches, where he went after his family, when he does, you will no doubt receive regular official letters and reports of the State of Affairs here— I at least hope you will, for they are important at Washington.

Our Army is still at Victoria on Guadalupe— The whole country is turning out en masse—no one now has any doubts of the result— There is no positive information that the Mexican Army has advanced to the Nueces and I think it doubtful whether they will advance until next month, or September, owing to the want of supplies etc

S. F. Austin

I arrived on the 27th Ult and saw Santa Anna on the 2d. 3d. and 4th. instant the original of his letter to Gen. Jackson was sent by me, by express, from Columbia to Gen Gains and I presume will reach Washington before this does— The duplicate is in the hands of President Burnet—

S. F. A.