Natchitoches April 13 1822
Dear Friend
I arrived here last evening all well have sent Richmond to Dr
Sibleye the steam boat will be here tomorrow or next day I find from
the Dr that the report I heard on the Colorado that Col Hawkins
was in Kinselow vessel was unfounded the Dr was lately in New
Orleans and informs me he has writen to you since his return—If
I can dispose of my horses will return from here by water
I am requested to ask of you to enquire and ascertain whether any
of the Mines of the Province can be worked and on what terms the
gentleman informs me that he knows of one in the Indian nation the
commanche is extreemly rich not heretofore known and if
permission can be got to work that he will make it known provided we
will make up a Company sufficient to carry it on and make him
interested— from his representation and the manner he is spoken of
by others it will be of importance and reliance can be placed in
him— as I progress and here the continued complaint of an intire
stagnation of business I feel more and more anxious for the
termination of your journey and to get Information from you if
the government is settled and is disposed to give you that
incouragement we expect think I will return in the fall or if you can
make any arrangements for mercantile business will immediately on
receiving the information from you make the necessary
arrangements to carry it into efect— in fact I must find some thing to do
my present prospects are dull but according to the old addage it is
never so dark as before day— My respects to Brown and to Dr
Hewitson
Henry Elliott
P. S. on my return to this place I saw Mr Castleman as there
appeared some uncertainty as to the result of your Journey he
wished me not to sell the land till I heard from him or you on
your return if incouragement is given to form the settlement he
wishes it sold and appropriated as you directed
H E
[Addressed:] Mr Stephen F. Austin St Antonia Care of his
Brother who may open it.