The Petition of the undersigned respectfully REPRESENT, that
haveing removed to this country, with an intention of settling in it
permanently as one of the settlers which you are authorized to
introduce, as Empresario, He has examined a piece of land on the east Side
of the Rio Colorado, being near its mouth and being the extremity of
the high Prairie; and the most suitable place for the landing of
families, who emigrate, by water, to that part of the country.
At this time there are no settlements of any kind, at, or near, the
said landing-place, which render it both dangerous, and inconvenient
for Emigrants to disembark there; dangerous, in consequence of
exposure to the Karonkawa Indians, who are hostile, and infest that
part of the Bay-Shore, Inconvenient oweing to the want of Houses,
to receive Emigrants, and store up their property, on this first
landing. In consequence of which many are detered from emigrating to
that part of the country—A number of my friends, and
acquaintances and particularly H. H. League, James C. Ludlow who have
explored the country, and entered into arrangements, with you as
Empresario for their reception as settlers together with a number
of other families, whom they expect to bring have a desire to land
at the above mentioned place provided suitable buyldings, can be
provided for the security of their families, and, products and they
have requested me to erect, such necessary buyldings provided it meets
with the approbation of the constituted local authority of the
Government.
Therefore your Petitioner prays permission to occupy said place
for the above purposes and that a grant of one League of land may
be made to him at said place, to erect such buyldings as he may put
up, in consideration of the great Service he will render the Colony,
and the Country by facilitating emigration, and in order to inable
him to support his family on said land—
(Signed) Elias R. Wightman
considering the exposed situation of Emigrants to this Country
who land at the mouth of the Colorado River, in consequence of causes
set forth in the foregoing Petition; And haveing fully considered of
the necessity of such an establishment, as the one proposed, and the
general utility that would result to the Country therefrom, Therefore
I Stephen F. Austin Empresario, and Judge of this Jurisdiction do
hereby grant the Petition presented by the said Elias Wightman, to
occupy said place and to buyld the necessary houses for the
accommodation and Security of Settlers referring him to the Government of the
State, or the Commissioner appointed by the Government for this
Colony to apply for a title to the land which he solicits with the
understanding that this permission is to be subject to the approval
of the said Government, or Commissioner as they may deem proper,
and Knowing the great expense and hasard attending the Execution
of such Improvements and buyldings as are contemplated in
consequence of the hostility of the Indians, and the remoteness of the
Settlements I do recommend the Petition of the said Elias Wightmen
for the grant of a League of Land, to the particular attention of
Government, or Commissioners, and should it be consistent with the
laws to make such Grant I recommend that it be made as prayed for—
Sn Felipe de Austin
August 23d 1826
Stephen F. Austin [Rubric]