Colombia, Texas, Novr. 25—1836

Hon. T. H. Benton

Dr Sir,

I wrote you a few days since by Mr Wharton— This will be delivered by Col Hockley and Bernard Bee Esqr. who go on to Washington in company with General Santa Anna—

I presume you are aware that an agreement or treaty was made with Santa Anna by President Burnet and Cabinet in May last, in which it was stipulated, Amongst other things, that he should be liberated and sent to Vera Cruz— President Houston and Cabinet have determined to carry out the said treaty, And have accordingly liberated Gen Santa Anna—, He has requested that the article providing that he should be sent to Vera Cruz, should be modified so as to permit him to proceed to the city of Washington, and he starts tomorrow to that city.

Gen Santa Anna expressly says that he is satisfied, the war between Texas and Mexico should cease, and that the independence of Texas should be recognised by Mexico— In as much as the people of Texas have expressed their wish to be annexed to the U. S. he says that he, on his part, will do all he can to promote that object. His visit to Washington therefore is to have an interview with the President of the U. S. and to come to some kind of an understanding to bring the Texas question to an issue, On the basis of an acknowledgment of the independence of Texas, and its annexation to the U. S.

Whether any good will result from his visit depends on his good faith, and on his power or influence in Mexico to procure the consent of the Mexican Govt, and Congress to the separation of Texas. That he is fully convinced Mexico cannot retain Texas, I have no doubt—. That fact is too self evident for a man of his sense not to see. A continuation of the war therefore can only result in losses and disasters to Mexico, and the sooner it is terminated the better for that nation— He wishes the U. S. to mediate and has applied to Gen Jackson long since, but no attention can be paid by the U. S. Govt, to such an application from the President of Mexico while he is a prisoner. In Washington City however Santa Anna will be free—

In Short, when he reaches Washington, you will have a man who still has great influence in Mexico—who professes to be in favor of the independence of Texas, or its annexation to the U. S. etc. You are all wise and experienced politicians in Washington, and can judge better than we can whether any important objects of general good to Mexico, the U. S and Texas will result from his visit to your city.

I must again use the liberty, which old acquaintance and friendly interest you have uniformly evinced towards Texas emboldens me to take, to solicit your advise and friendly aid in this, and all other matters connected with this country— The true interests of Mexico, of the U. S. and of Texas, demand that the Texas war should cease, and that this country should be annexed to the U. S.

It will be promoting the cause of liberty, of philanthrophy and humanity, to effect their objects; and if Gen Santa Anna can by his influence effect them, he will add to his glory, more than the conquest of nations could.

Wishing you health and prosperity and hoping that one flag will soon cover us all I am Respectfully

S. F. Austin [Rubric]