New york July 29, 1836

My dear Cousin,

Col. Lewis tells me he leaves in the morning on his return, and offering to take letters. I will not omit so good an opportunity to write. I only received yours from Baltimore advising of your being then on your way to Texas. Where we since learn, through the papers of your safe arrival, and should be pleased to hear from under your own hand of the State in which you find the affairs of the Country. So Contradictory are the accounts that reach us. All however agree that Texas has More to fear from internal dissensions, or want of harmony than from the Mexicans. I however trust all will work right in the End— If we can Credit the accounts of late Very Cruz Packet, there is no truth in the late reported March of a Strong force against Texas. A Passenger States he saw a person just before sailing direct from the Mexican army at Matamoras—only Eleven days—left there—22d June, at which time Urrea was still there. And said person gave it as his opinion that the Mexicans would not again Enter Texas.— One of Fannings Men Came passenger in above Packet.— Joseph H. Sophan, a native of New Orleans—and gives a horrid picture of the Massacre of Fanning and his Men. The particulars as given by him were published in last Evenings Star. I sent you a paper in todays Mail Care Mr Bryan. I also enclose the Statement Cut from the paper. It Should be translated into Spanish for the special benifit of Santa Anna and his officers, for if they have any feelings, which we must very much doubt that they have of humanity—This bloody affair as related by Sophan is Enough to Make their hearts Sicken and give them little hope of Mercy at the hands of the Texians, but a proof that too much has already been shown them.—The Packet brings dates from the City of Mexico to 26th June and Vera Cruz to 1st July, At which time there does not appear any revolutionary Movements to any Extent, but from private—letters was hourly looked for. I will cut out of the papers and Enclose such news as I think will interest you. I also forward you files of papers Via New Orleans. Some of Which May reach you. A dinner was got up here a few days since in Very handsome Style, by the freinds of Texas in honour of the Honble: Col. Preston, Genl. Hamilton—of South Carolina—Genl. Ripley of Louisiana, and other distinguished persons, invited as guests, who have taken a Conspicuous Stand in favor of the Cause of Texas— The first were very Eloquent and Col. Preston gave it as his opinion that the Independence of Texas would be acknowledged on the opening of the next Congress and that it would become annexed to the United States, For said he fate has so fixed it and Man Cannot Change it. He further stated that had he not been Confident Genl. Jackson would have brought forward the Subject of Independence the last session he would have moved its acknowledgement and insisted upon Yes or No. etc etc etc.— I wish you Could have heard him he was all in all for Texas as [well as] Genl. Hamilton who was ready and offered up himself should the Cause require it. Col. Lewis Can give you particulars which can best interest You. He addressed the Company Much to the purpose as also did Genl. Swartwout—the tried friend of Texas, who presided. In fact there was best feeling and the party was large—I should think at least One hundred, and that feeling all for Texas— Our Mutual friend Treat will no doubt write you fully and give you all the news of the day—and no One more Competent—I therefore refer to his letters and to the bearer of this Col. Lewis who can also give you Much interesting information.— Your friends here are all well and hope the time may not be far distant when they will have you again among them. My wife is on a Visit to brother Dall's Baltimore to attend the Wedding of his Daughter Henrietta. Engaged since you was here. I think she was on here at the time you was at her fathers and that you did not see her. she was I know very desirous to see you and returned home in hopes to see you at her fathers, she is very pretty and interesting, A very great favorite with the Gentlemen,

Our little daughter Maria Louise grows finely and to us daily more interesting and not now so afraid of Strangers as when you was here. Mrs. Kip and Myself and Child the only ones at home—Miss Grosvenor [is in] the Country—If present all would I know [certain]ly unite in their kindest remembrances I have been thus particular for I can assure you we all take a lively interest in your welfare, and I beg you will omit no opportunity when your time will permit to let us hear from you—

On the 15th Next—July—I paid William Dall your Due bill for five hundred Dollars, with Interest from May 2/35 to July 10/36 at the rate of 6 %, making thirty five—Dollars 66/100 Int. Together $535 66/100. Say Five hundred and Thirty five Dollars, Sixty six Cents. Which Amount I have placed to your debitors a/current.

Jno. P. Austin

[Addressed:] To Genl. Stephen F. Austin Texas Fav'r Col. Lewis.