Zaines Ville Septemr 29 1824
Mr. Stephen, F. Austin
Dear Sir my late Beloved Husband David J Marple who
accompanied you through the Gother Country in year 1821 and who
died june 1822 at the house of Judge James Cummings, has left me
as [illegible word] property or the means of obtaining a living for
my self and three Children intirely destitute I have an article of
agreement between yourself and my husband agreeing to give him
cirtain parcels of land in consideration of his accompanying you
on the journey mentioned above and of settling or raising a crop
within one year which it appears he has done as by the
administrators account, there was Considerable corn among other things sold
after his desease, and would ere this have removed his family there
had he lived, my eldest child is a son 12 years old named John J
Marple Mary P Marple third David J Marple the are too
young for me to go to a new Country with at this time my wish is
to secure the land in proportion amongst us giving me that part
David had settled on as is most likely will produce some income I
have appointed Martain F. Maker of New Orleans Agent for me,
to settle with the Administrator and to arrange my business with
yourself, also to procure families to settle on the land or pay taxas
if any and finely to act for me in avery res[p]ect I have directed
him to advise with you, if any further evidence, is wanting, to
convince you I am the wife of David J. Marple or that the three
Children are his by me I can produce it, Judge Cumming has a
letter of mine to my late Husband you can Compare writing to
Satisfy yourself,
I feel the need of a friend to act for me I throw myself on your
goodness to act the part of a friend, to see that I have Justice done
by the administrator, it appears by accounts received from
Commings, and James Tumlinson, that there must be over three
Hundred dollars due for sales of corn and other property, tumlinson
acknowledges the sale of corn in 10 lots to be 265.60 and the 11 lots
sold at 175 cents per. Bus. but not delivered, afterward burnt in the
crib the corn was left at the risk of the purchaser, of Corse after
Public sale, I understood the man that Bought requested it might
remain till he could go across the Contry, to sell it, as it would loose
by removing twice, as you must have a good deal of influence in
the settlement your friendly advise may be of service to me I am
very poor and need the Money, I. have always lived comfortable
while my husband lived, now I am intirely destitute of anything to
live on or educate my Children have to be dependent on my relatives
whis is very unpleasant your attention to my intrust will be
greatfully acknowledged by yours
Martha Marple.