Hercum April 7, 1819
Dr Sir,
I have recd yours by T Collet—the Power of Attorney given me
to sell lots &c is agreeably to your request herewith returned— I
should very willingly take the claim of 640 acres for Stock but I
have it not to spare— When I borrowed the 150$ from you I had
every assurance that men could give that I should have that, and
a much greater amnt before this time—I have been disappointed—
I have sent you enclosed a power of Attorney to sell three Shares of
Bank Stock—Collet tells me it is worth 85. to go if so, 2 shares will
more than pay the 150.$ however raise the 150.$ out of the stock
if it takes all three shares I depend on your getting the best price
you can for them— I have been greatly disappointed—perplexed and
delayed in my arrangements, but Shall be off I think on Sunday—
I do not wish you to purchase any more claims on our agreement
untill you hear from me after my arrival at Red River,-— the
arrangement with Browne I suppose is only conditional, I shall try to
sell some claims for Clark when I arrive there and if a prise can be
had that will justify I will send up an express
My route will be from here to Red River by water, thence
immediately after my arrival, to the oucita and Arkansaw by land and
through the country as occation may require— I wrote you some
time ago by Doctor R. Andrews, proposing to give him a share in
our Washitaw location on certain terms mentioned therein— on this
subject you can act as you think proper— if andrews could be
appointed deputy Surveyor to lay off our tracts, it would be much to
our advantage-
have you heard anything from T. Rector since his return, or any
other person, wheither the country at the Little Rock, or on washitaw
at the mouth of the Caddo or on Red River at the mouth of Little
River has been surveyed, or wheither order of survey can be had for
our locations this point is material I would take the 640 acres for
Stock but my Father wishes to appropriate all the Stock he has to
discharge his Bank debt— After I arrive where I can get
information that will be of use to us, you may expect to hear from me very
often— I regret much that it has been out of my power to send the
150.$, but, so it is—- I am very much embarrased, as every cent I owe
in the Country must be paid before I can start— and I have now
nearly settled all my affairs— My bank debt will be arranged by my
father who has assured the payment of it, and when I start I shall
be able to go nearly quite free the period of my return to this
country is some what doubtfull, tho, probably in the fall— however
should I find it necessary to come up on our business I shall do so,
on this subject however I shall act as occation may require.
If you have an opportunity before Sunday morning write me, and
say what is the state of the Bank, have you heard from Price, have
[you] heard who are the officers of Arkansaw Territory— what ammt
of claims have you purchased since I left you the payments and also
what prospect there is of getting an order of Survey—
Compliments to Mrs. Ohara and your Mother
S. F. Austin
[Addressed:] Mr. William M Ohara St Louis