[Mou]nt Prairie [Arkansas] Nov 3d 1821
Dear Sir
I have frequently recd letters from you in the course of the
summer, but in consequence of your continually mooving situation I
defered answering untill now, on the 27th- Oct. on my arival from
the Legislature I recd yrs of 10th Inst, written at Natchitoches, in
which you requested that I go on and join Mr Bell and proceed on
to survey for the settlers—this, be assured sir, I will attend to as
promptly as my circumstances and present situation will permit—it
is with extacy that myself and many other friends of yours hear
of your success so far, and see the vastly flattering prospects ahead
in colonizing with enlightened and respectable citizens—that vast
Spanish wilderness hitherto almost unobserved and unknown—In
two weeks from this time Jas. Clark and myself with several other
mechanics etc. will set out for St Antonio to which place we will
make all possible speed, and if I can learn where you will land or
where you design laying off a Town I will proceed immediately to
the spot if nothing more important prevents having finished my
functions as a representative of the people I am perfectly at liberty
to undertake in any enterprize—and was extremely happy to find
such demands for me in your country I shall go on prepared with
Instruments for 2 companies of surveyors to work, I said I defered
answering until now, I forgot I wrote by Col. . . [torn] who is now
on a visit to Texas, but I have learned that he unfortunately did
not meet with you The Spanish Country is all the rage in the
southern end of the Territory and if I could wait 2 months I have
no doubt that my company would consist of 50 persons, most of
whom would intend making corn before their return If no
interruption in government takes place, a great many of the most
respectable farmers in this country will certainly moove immediately on to
your grant. I with the rest of your friends will do all we can to
forward emmigration. I shall take on some medicines and wish you
to buy Thomas's practice if convenient and take it on for me, we
will attend to having your Trunk and books sent on which is at
Vaughn's under some little imbarrisment. It is not necessary to
write much at present suffice it to say that between the 10th and
15th of Decr I will be at St Antonio and on the 25th could be at the
coast if necessary—I write now in order to let you know that I will
certainly be in your country that you may know how to make any
arangements that may depend on me—I wish to get imploy if any
there is both for myself and some other young men who will go on
with me—We will meet if God . . . [permits]. [I will then] have
a full opportunity [of talking to you] on matters of moment
[Permit me] to present the good wishes of a large [Majori?]ty of our
county—also those with deep sencerity of
R. Andrews [Rubric]
[Addressed:] Hon. Stephen F Austin Esqr Late of Arkansas, now
at New Orleans