Jackson [Missouri] 11th Dec. 1821
Sir
From the information of your Mother and your autumnal Letters
I expected you would have been in this state ere this time—In
consequence I left a letter with your Brotherinlaw Capt Bryan requesting
of you as a friend a minute candid discreption of that Country
politically, naturally and Religiously I also made you by that letter an
offer of a son of mine as a surveyor who is now employed for the
Goverment but wishes to go to your Country I am not unwilling
but wish him under your direction—I had Expected to have had all
this Communication with you in person—as I promised your Ma—
when you came home in Novr to attend to preaching the funeral of
your father Col Austin as you have not returned I send this by Col
Harry Elliott. And request you to write me whether or no you will
employ my son and how and what you can promise him as a settler
and surveyor and also myself and family if I like, how and when
you wish him to come and how provided. And further—If I go
there I wish to be in your Neighborhood—I want particularly to
know what Liberties Ministers of our order (the Episcopalian) can
or will enjoy Wishing you all the happiness you enjoy in this
Sublunary world and Eternal felicity in the next.
John C. Harbison
[Addressed:] Col Stephen F Austin Esqr Handed by Col. H.
Elliott Esqr