Natchitoches March 30th 1827
Col Austin
Dr Sir I received your favor by Mr Cortis and am much
conserned in consequence of the many troubles and difficulties that
appear to oppose the colonizing sistem
The manner in which the slave question is desided will be a grait
objection to the American population and I fear will put a Suden
stop to that population, that would be benificial to Embroserios
[empresarios.] The shawnies you say is admited by an order of the
Governor to become setlers, and I understand it corectly they have
all the privaleges of other citizens in cais they cultivait the soil.
If this be the cais we may bid adue to our antisapated pleasure for
society never will improve under those circumstances
As it respects the commercial arangement I was not able to do
aneything definait I converst with Jas W Zacharia he I believe
would Enter in to the business if he was sertain the parties was
well acquainted with the Mercantile business
I am of the opinion that it would be well for John Austin to visit
Orleans give to Zacharia a fool [full] description of the Country
and the prospects of traid and I have no doubt but he would advans
to aney amount that would be required
I only spent three days in Neworleans and had not an opertunity
of completing the hole of my business and had not a decisive answer
on yours whil in Orleans I received leter from wavell as lait as the
30 of December he has much dificulty in making his aragements
but says he will leave in a few weaks for this plais.
As it respects the Extention of teritory I believe it has all blown
over as there has been nothing said on the subject through the hole
sesión of congress.
I leave this in the morning for pecoun pint [Pecan Point]. A
little Tristy in consiquens of the inducements Extended to the
Indians by the Government. I feare they will be a little troublesom
to the setelments but I will distroy Every thing like discord as fair
as is in my power and hope for a chainge a spedy chainge for the
better
Ben E Milam
Give my respects to all friends and write as often as you have
opertunity—the fredonians is all here rather under the wether
[Addressed:] Col Stephen F Austin San philipa de Austin Texas