New Orleans 29th August 1836

My Dear Sir

If any single expression of mine in this letter should wound or mortify your feelings I entreat you "nothing extenuate nor set down aught in malice"—for hurt and crush'd as is my spirit I would not on you inflict the wound you have given me. I say given me, for although I have nothing direct from you, nevertheless I am informed that you charge me with a want of regard for your standing and character— That you my dear sir may have drawn such a conclusion, or that, by others you may have been induced to believe such has been the fact, is a matter which has now passed beyond the power of my control, and it is impossible for me to prevent what has already been ushered into existence, and therefore all that I can at this time do, is to call upon you to reflect and examine into the motives you think I could have for such a proceeding towards any man I esteemed as a friend, and more especially towards you, in whom at the same time I ever have been proud to connect the title of friend and benefactor— I believe you will readily grant—that it never could have been political power, for that I never courted— It could not have been, money, for that I am regardless of farther than it administers to my Comfort, and I am not avaricious— If it has been an error in judgement in any matter of policy, such error my friend (if you believe me possessed of feeling) should have been more lightly visited than by a charge that at once sinks every thing that is honorable, and stamps me with indelible marks of infamy—for If I am regardless of your fair fame, what is there I ask in the name of God that I care for?

You may rest assured that it never has for once entered my mind that your elevation to the Presidency was necessary for my personal interest— no—I wished and desired it, and I still wish and desire it, for the fair fame of our young republic; for its character and well being with other nations; its prosperity at home and its pride abroad— Too well am I acquainted with your principles of justice and your integrity, to believe for a moment that your office, will be held for personal benefit of friends; or for the destruction of enemies—and too well, ever to ask or sue from you as President a favor not to be extended to the humblest individual— And from no man, Govt, or country do I ask for more. —As Stephen F Austin I would have applied for favors, which I would not have asked of any living man, for the reason that to Stephen F Austin will I grant and concede that which I will not concede to any man that lives.

So far my dear sir, with respect to any designs or expectations that may have been attributed to me, for desiring your election as President, and now my dear sir permit me to make an observation or two on the subject of those men (once bitter, deadly and determined foes) who are now anxious to entwine themselves into your feelings and hold undisputed sway over your heart—. You may rest assured that if your life is spared, and God grant it may—you will see that it is not me that they are jealous of, nor persons like me— We are not running for the goal they aim at— you and you alone are the devoted the doomed individual—they have tried open and villanous abuse; they have tried every thing with the people that art could suggest; Malice could invent; and bare faced impudence put in practice; By one of them you have been traduced from New York to the City of Saltilla— they have been foiled in all their attempts, you have had your reverses in the feelings of the people now up—then down— Now forgotten and then remembered with gratitude— Of such materials will you make friends?— dangerous experiment— In my opinion now comes the master stroke of policy (God forbid I be prophetic in my conjectures) to ingratiate themselves in your confidence, work themselves into your very heart of hearts; withdraw you from all your old friends and adherents; and if possible cause you to commit acts of crying injustice, in order to tarnish your fair fame in the page of history and then hold you up to scorn and contempt thro, your own acts. If such be not their determination—if such be not their aim—Heaven pardon me for my suspicion— If your avocations will permit, I should like to hear from you— I should like to know what beyond a morbid feeling has aroused you (for it may be two months before I can get back) and of what it is you complain in me— And be assured great as is my affliction under your censure —greater is my esteem for you; and no matter what may be the exertions of my enemies; no matter what you may believe necessary as your course toward me—and no matter what I may suffer—I will disappoint their hearts expectation; for long long ago have I sworn eternal friendship— long ago have I sworn, come what will, come what may never to forget the confidence which once existed between us, and all the machinations of hell shall not change my purpose nor my determination— Therefore write to me and do so freely— send your letter to Mr Toby and he will send it to me in the western country where I am bound from here.

I am pleased to say that the idea of your being made the President of our Infant republic is well received in this Country, and it will tend very much to give character and confidence to our new institutions—and God grant you may succeed—

I hope a better state of feelings will take place between you and McKinney— he does not know you so well as I do—nor has he perhaps the same obligation upon him that I have on me to bear your rebukes, and even your injuries if I am doomed to receive them—but I feel persuaded that under less excited feelings he is desirous of doing you justice. Nothing would afford me more true satisfaction than to learn that all misunderstanding between you and him was buried in oblivion.

Suffer me again to intreat you, to let me hear from you—and permit me to warn you from the snares and traps that designing friends are anxious to put under your feet— I have used the word friends, altho. as reconciled enemies I do not believe they ever will be found friends— yet heaven grant they may be, and truly friends in need—

Present my kindness to your sister, to Mr. Perry and the children, and accept the assurance of my never varying esteem and friendship under all circumstances.

Samuel M Williams ...

Stephen F Austin Esqr

[Note by Austin]: Delivered to me by Col. Bernard Bee at My brother in laws Peach point october 1, 1836.—Sunday— I was then too unwell to accompany Col Bee and Gray [s] on up to congress at Colombia