Washington 27: Oct. 1836.

(Duplicate)

My Dr. Sir,

In my last letter to you I remarked that possibly a state of things might arise which would make it sound policy to liberate Santa Anna. It strikes me that the period, has arrived, and that such a state of things now exists. Bustamenta, the enemy of the President of Mexico, it is said has returned to that country and will endeavour, no doubt, to place himself at the head of the Government, if he is not already at its head. Now Sir, under such circumstances, would it not be the interest of Texas to turn Santa Anna loose upon those gentry who have possessed themselves of his place and the power of the Government to make War upon Texas? It strikes me so at least. If he were to return to Mexico, I have no doubt he would give them enough to do at home, instead of collecting and marching their force against you. You might enter into another arrangement with him and proffer your services to assist, if required, in restoring him to the station he occupied before his Capture, provided he would guarantee the Independence of Texas, so far as depended upon him and Mexico.

Were you to liberate him under such circumstances and with such an understanding, I have no doubt he would be true to his engagements, and become the warm and sincere friend of Texas and her President elect. But it might be asked what could be expected of him, if liberated, as he might be powerless? Suppose such to be the fact, then in answer it might be said if he were unable to render Texas any services, neither could he do her any harm. But if his friends and followers have not abandoned him in consequence of his fallen fortunes, and it is likely they have not, he might still be a match for his enemies, and by compelling them to take care of themselves at home, relieve you from the disasters of another campaign the coming winter. Others would suggest, (and no doubt think so too) that if he were again entrusted with power he might disregard his promises to Texas and endeavour to retrieve his lost honors by again invading her territory and making war upon her citizens. If he were to attempt this, after stipulating to guarantee her independence as a condition of his liberation, I have no doubt your independence would be acknowledged forthwith by foreign nations, and ample means furnished you severely to punish such perfidious Conduct. However much the present Mexican authorities may object to the arrangement entered into between your Government and Santa Anna, in consequence of his being a prisner, he could not deny its authenticity, and especially if sanctioned and confirmed after he was set at liberty.

These, my friend, are not only my views upon this all important subject, but they are the views and opinions of one who I know has great weight with you. The President in a conversation with a friend last evening, expressed the same opinions as to the policy of liberating Santa Anna, and permitting him to return to Mexico without delay. He said he had no doubt but it was the best thing the Government of Texas could do, as it would give the Mexicans employment at home instead of making war upon their Neighbours. If liberated I should think it would be best for him to go to Vera Cruz, as he probably has more friends there than in any other part of Mexico; but he of course would be the best judge of that himself.

Gorostiza, the Mexican Minister has demanded his passport, and will I suppose soon leave the U. States if he has not already done so. The cause of his departure, was the refusal, on the part of this Government, to recall the troops stationed at Nacogdoches. The necessity of their remaining there for the protection of our fontier settlements is left entirely to the discretion of the commanding officer, who now is Colo. Arbuckle. He has instructions I believe to withdraw them if in his opinion the situation of things do not make it necessary for them longer to continue at that post, but not otherwise.

I think it more than probable that the existing Authorities of Mexico are endeavouring to get England to interfere in her behalf. Possibly she may do so in consequence of the large sums of Money owing by Mexico to English subjects, but not to the extent of involving herself in a War with the U. States. This is another reason why it might be to the interest of Texas to set Santa Anna at liberty. Were he again at the head of the Mexican Government and the friend of Texas, he would ask no such interference, and there could then be no pretext for that Government to take any part in the matter. It strikes me if you Texans have any diplomatic tact, that by taking advantage of the present state of things in Mexico, you might avert, for many years at least to come, the calamities of a war with that country, if not obtain its acknowledgement of your independence. I think both might be effected.

I have got to the bottom of my paper and must conclude by subscribing Myself truly and sincerely,

Wm. B Lewis

[No address.]