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Ramon Musquiz

Béxar, April 29, 1830.

Mr. Stephen Austin:

My esteemed Friend whom I particularly like: I suppose
that you have been wondering why I have not written you for
some time. I do not know what conclusions you may have
reached, but, in order to remove any false impression, I
shall tell you frankly that it was for no other reason than
the fact that I had learned that you had left San Felipe for
the coast, that is, for the last colony that you contracted
for. With this confession I rest assured that our friendly
relations have not changed in the least.

By the previous mail I received your two favors of the
5th and 6th of the present month. With the first I received
the printed matter which you enclosed. I am quite content
with the great harmony which prevails in the colony, and
with the confidence which the colonists have in the authori-
ties of the State who protect their interests, but as for
the contents of the second, I do not know what to tell you,
except to agree with your opinion and have the displeasure
of informing you that it is now impossible to do anything
to counteract the proposed law, which is bound to retard the
growth of Texas, since I am informed that the present Legis-
lature is in favor of it, and for other reasons which I
shall tell you about when we see each other in July.

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I did everything that I could for the gentlemen from that colony whom you recommended to me. I gave them all recommendations to my friends in Saltillo.

Padilla has become involved in another crime at Nacogdoches, and his commission has been reduced to a single colony, as you will see by the order which I am communicating to the Alcalde. He has completely disgraced himself. Please inform me whether there is anyone who will pay **soon** for the commission for your second colony, and whether it would be lucrative, for it might be that it would suit a friend whom I desire to protect.

Things outside are going badly. The states are in complete **anarchy**, and internal warfare has already begun. When will we ever be republicans and have peace in the interior?

Please give my friend Don Samuel my cordial regards and tell him that I attended to his recommendation of the head of the State of Louisiana when his letter was presented, and that he is worthy of the highest consideration.

I hope that you are well, and do not hesitate to call on your affectionate friend who kisses your hand.

Ramon Musquiz

[Rubric]

P. S.:

I sent the map by government mail to His Excellency the Vice President of the Republic. By the next mail I shall