New Madrid. Mri June 16th 1827
Dear Sir
You would no doubt pardon an old acquaintance under any
circumstances for presuming to write to you without prefacing his
communication with " Your Excellency &c &c &c but really and in
truth I am not so Democratical in my feelings as to omit to give
you your just and proper title from any repugnance of feeling but
simply because I am ignorant of the title you really bear and beg
you on this ground to excuse me
A friend of mine Mr. Alexander La forge in a settlement with
George Tennille some years ago obtain'd from him by assignment
a note drawn in his favour by you for $1500.00 given as is
undestood by Mr Laforge in consideration of the purchace by you of some
land from said Tennille, Mr Laforge is anxious to know whether he
may justly entertain the expectation that you will ultimately redeem
this obligation, and if so when and how it is contemplated to be
done. He suffered greatly by Tennille whose obligation he now
holds for a considerable amount independent of the note assigned
him on you, and being in moderate circumstances only with a young
and increasing family would be greatly benefitted by the receipt of
the amount appearing to be due him by you. On this subject he
has frequently conversed with me and I have constantly assured him
of my firm belief that if the debt was considered just by you—you
would make no difficulty whatever in the payment of it whenever
your means would enable you to do so. This cannot now be doubted
as from the best information we are able to obtain the success of
your colony is beyond a doubt, and if rightly judged of here must
long ere this have secured you wealth in as great abundance as you
have honors in your New Government
You will confer a particular favor on me and render Mr Laforge
a great kindness if you will write me fully on this subject as early
as your convenience will permit and in addition my obligation will
be heightened by the receipt of any information of the condition of
your colony—province and Government which you may deem worthy
of communication to an old acquaintance and friend
Robt D Dawson
The Postmaster at Natchetoches will confer a favour on the writer
of this if he will forward this to its place of Destination by mail if
there is any, if not by any safe private conveyance as early as
possible.
[Addressed:] New Madrid June 17th Stephen F Austin Austin's
Colony Province of Texas