Colorado 20th April 1825
Dr Sir,
The lands I made choice of was never taken by any person
previous to my locations one of which I have been informed you have
taken from me after having your word which I conceived sufficient
I should have one league and a half: I wrote to you to reduce the
quantity of my land rather than people should blame you on my
account—
Now Sir in 1812 and 1813 I fought for that independence under
which we now live Commanded by Guterrez and advanced property
for the good of the Expedition; after which I was conserned with
Genl Menes [Mina]: after which with Genl Truspilassos and Long
and lost considerable property taken by Enatio Paris all of which
I believe I can make manifest to the world: In addition I was
one of the first men who built a Cabbin on this River, the first man
who had a plough stuck in the field I have kept a house ever since
I have been settled in your Colony I have never asked the first
Cent for a man eating under my Roof and have fed as many and
I believe more people than any man in this Colony Yourself not
excepted and have not recd the first cent I have lost as much and
I believe more property by the depradations of Indians than every
other man on this River or perhaps in the Colony with very few
exceptions Consequently I consider Myself as Much entitled to be
satisfyed as other men ought to be and My impressions were that
you would not take away my land even if you did not think proper
to give Me what you said you would; but that I might apply to
Government for the lands which I located and if I cannot obtain
satisfaction from you I shall most certainly loose No time in
having recourse to our Government stating all the rights and reasons
of my demands—
Now Sir I will appeal to your-self or any candid man whither
other men ought to have more land or has a better right to request
more than Myself or Not I know no other reasons of their getting
better treated except that they have more Money—I have viewed
every thing in as fair a light as I could; from report I know that
sum men get half a league and dont pay a cent because the other
half is transferred to You or Your Brother I know that lands are
unequilly divided I do not considder Myself a perfect simpleton
neither am I blind My Eyes are open and I look and watch with
vigilence: My demands are small compared to what the demands
of others are and in as Much as My sufferings have been great and
in the hight of friendship I hope you will grant them which are
My two locations I have previously Made if You refuse granting
that which I think the Government will generously bestow on me
I shall apply to that authority which governs us both for so much
as I think in justice I am lacking—
As I shall have Company in a short time to go with and the
means of going I wish you to give me a positive and speedy answer
so that I May know what to do
Yours Eespectfully
A. C. Buckner.