PBA Galleries

Handwritten letter, addressed S. D. E. Austin. In Spanish. 44 lines, in ink, on both sides of single sheet. 25x20 cm (9¾x8”). 

Apparently a retained copy of a draft, with a number of corrections and deletions. The writer begins, in translation, “My dear sir and friend. The receipt of some printed forms in this mail persuades me that Mr. José Antonio Navarro has spoken to you, and I consider him informed about my manner of thinking with regard to the entry of emigrants, whom I am obligated to protect, without prejudice to the fulfillment of my duties… Neither the government nor Mr. Alemán nor Mr. Terán has deceived you in indicating to you that they saw no difficulty in the completion of your contracts… they have communicated their orders to pose no obstacles to the transit of your contracted colonists, with the consequence that only with your certification are emigrants permitted entry at this border, and those who do not belong to your colony or to any other are prevented…