May the 20th 1826
Colonel Austan
Dear sir
presuming that after a perusal of the documents here with
presented to geather with such other information as you will be able
to collect you will be able to form an opinion conclusive for your
self as to granting of the requests Actuated from motives of the
highest sensibility I have ventured to submit for your
consideration and that of your infant Republic the Subject Matter of the
documents here with presented to geather with an offer of my services
should your government be in a condition to Build a torpedul Bat-
tery or disposed to Garrison their harbours on this principal if so
and the government of Mexico will Extend their patronage with
a degree of liberality that would support a family in a comfortabl
manner and grant their petitioner an Exclusive privalage to
furnish all the lumber that may be wanted to garrison the province
of Texas at a fair and Honest price togeather with a suitabl tract
of land for a plantation for him self and family or any other
arrangment that will insure a Comfortabl living your petitione[r]
would be more than happy to be come a Citizen of the Republick of
america etc etc
Believe me Sir your Most devoted Servent and May God preserve
your infant Republic from all internal strife till she [ ... ]
a mong the Nations of the Earth that will yet giv laws to Europe
is the prair of
J. Blair.
NB Sir pleas to have this letter Translated and forwarded on
to the General Government to Enable them to know how it was
introduced to the General Government you may depend on the
most unquestionable Recommendations of my carrector if necessary
Colonel Austin will oblige me if he will inform me if the same law
that advertises for all those who have clames on the Government
for military services rendered in 1812 and 13 imbraces those of
1819—1820 and 1821 under General Long
J. Blair
[Attached clipping:]
"In the Natehitiches Courier, of the 24th April last, we have
seen a notice signed James Gaines, calling upon the several volunteers
who fought in Texas, in 1812, 13, agreeably to a decree of the
Mexican Congress, bearing date the 13th June, 1823, to come forward
in person, or by power of attorney within six months with proof
of their services, to receive their pay, agreeable to engagements
entered into at St. Fernando de Bexar, between the Junta and
Americans, in May, 1813."