Jany 1-1828
Dr Sir,
I am happy to find myself once more amongst my large family
after so long an absence
On the 3 and 4 of Feby next the genl election comes on in the
several districts for one Alcalde, two regidores or aldermen and one
sindico procurador for the whole colony—these officers compose the
Ayuntamiento or municipal corporation—great power is given to
this corporation by the laws, and much depends on getting in good
and intelligent men
Kinny has positively refused to serve as Alcalde, and I think that
Ira Ingram will be the best we can get—he is compelled to live in
this place and it will not be as injurious to him to be absent from home
as some others—in my opinion he is well qualified for the office
and will do credit to the colony The Ayuntamiento must meet
once a month at this place which will be a little inconvenient for
those who live at a distance
I think J. H. Bell—Wm Morton and L. K. Kinny ought to be
the two regidores and the sindico Procurador—or if either of these
will not serve M. B. Nuckols who lives here and is a very good and
intelligent man.
The nearer they could be elected to this place the better for they
ought to meet at least once a month and sometimes of tener, and
there is no kind of compensation allowed to them by law—Should
the Alcalde be unable to act from sickness or death etc the alderman
who had the highest vote takes his place which makes it still more
important to elect good men—Rawson Alley has also been spoken
of and he would make a good one also T. M. Duke, If you do not
wish the appointment (which I presume you do not) for it will
put you to great trouble owing to the distance you live from here, I
think that Kinny and Morton for regidores and Nuckols for Sindico
Procurador will be the best we can get—Write me your opinion on
the subject and wheither Ingram for Alcalde—Kinny and Morton
for regidores and Nuckols for Sindico Procurador, will suit the
people in that quarter—if not write me what ticket you think will
suit them—let us try and be united and harmonious in this election
I have sent the Alcalde of that district full instructions on the
subject of conducting the Election—the forms etc and a circular
which will give you an idea of the nature of the new system—
remember me to Mrs Bell, it is a long time since I have seen her
and I feel anxious to visit you and see you all once more. When the
election is over I shall be free and will come and see you—
S F, Austin
[Addressed:]Mr. J. H Bell
Lower Settlement