The terms on which Settlers are admitted into the Colony
forming by Stephen F. Austin in the Province of Texas are as follows—
No one will be received as a Settler, or even be permitted to
remain in the country longer than is absolutely necessary to prepare
for a removal who does not produce the most unequivocal and
satisfactory evidence of unblemished character, good Morals, Sobriety,
and industrious habits, and he must also have sufficient property
to begin with either as a farmer or mechanic besides paying for his
land—No frontiersman who has no other occupation than that of a
hunter will be received—no drunkard, nor Gambler, nor profane
swearer no idler, nor any man against whom there is even probable
grounds of suspicion that he is a bad man, or even has been
considered a bad or disorderly man will be received. Those who are
rejected on the grounds of bad character will be immediately ordered
out of the County and if the order is not obeyed they will be sent
off under guard and their property seized and sold to pay the
expences, and should forcible resistence be made by them, the guard
will be ordered to fire on and kill them—
Those who are received as Settlers will get one league of land
if so much is wanted, to be chosen by the emigrant, which land will
cost at the rate of twelve Dollars and fifty cents pr. hundred acres
payable in cash or Spanish Cattle or negros on receipt of title, which
will be in full for surveying, title deeds, recording, and all other
charges.
The above only applies to men of families—Single men will be
examined as to character more particularly than men of families
and ten of them must unite to form a family and they will be
entitled to one League of land to be divided between them. An
exception will be made to this rule in favor of single men who bring
a considerable capital into the country all such will be ranked as
a family and draw one League—
A person who brings in a large capital and who has a large family
will draw more than a league should he wish it. The head of each
family will be held personally responsible for the good conduct of
every member of his family.
The Roman Catholic is the established religion of the Mexican
nation and the law will not allow of any other in this Colony—
October 30 1823—