Bridgewater Illanois 13th Novr 1821
Dear Sir
I Saw a letter from you to Mr E Bates written from Labaddie
[La Bahia] which gives an account of the Country you have been in
and your terms for Setlers. They appear liberal and verry
Encouraging to emegrants. I have had Some Serious thoughs of
removing to that Country but at this time I am So embarresed that it is
imposable for me to leave here without making a greater Sacrafice
than would be remunerated by a removal.
I wrote you previous to your departure from N. Orleans but
received no answer I then told you of the distress I was in at that
time which are Still growing worse. I hope you will answer this
and let me know what I have to depend on. The accounts you left
with Mr Asheley [at Little Rock] are little better than nothing they
will not be Collected for two or three years and I want the Money
immeadiately I am nearly ruined now for want of it. I offered your
Note this day for half of its amount and Could not get it. I hope
you will make an effort to relieve me if you Could Send me
groceries Iron or any kind of Southern articles I Could put them
upp to pay debts. If I had your deposition I Could recover it off
Harines( ?) Estate as he made the Contract after I had refused on my
part. If you can do nothing for me please let me know what interest
you will give me in your Colony for the debt if I Should Emigrate and what if I do not.
William R Roberts
[Addressed] : Stephen F. Austin Esqr Louisiana State New
Orleans.