Petit Saw Bluff Missouri August 1st 1828
Col Austin
Sir A desire which I have for some time entertained to have a
knowledge of the distinguishing characteristics of the Province of
Texas has been of late much increased by the perusal of some of
your letters published in the papers of this country. I write at this
[time] to request a minut description of the country but the more
particularly of that part of the country in which you are established
I am under the impression that you have obtained of the Mexican
Government an extensive Country which you are now Colonizing,
For the sake of brevity I will condense the subjects of my enquiries
into the following questions. How far is your Colony from the
Gulf Coast? Is the country Mountainous or level. How Large are
the Rivers Colorado and Brasos? Do they in any considerable
degree afford facilities for navigation? What proportion do the rich
lands bear to the poor or barren lands? I have taken the Idea that
lands along the rivers are extremely fertile but that the intermediate
hills were dry and barren. Am I right? Is it a timbered Country
What is the extent of your grant? Is it Surveyed? Is the country
in general explored and Surveyed? What enducements can you
hold out to a Surveror who is a complete master of the business in
all its branches? Are you in want of a person to assist you in
making your map of the Country? Are the unoccupied lands in the
hands of the general Government of Mexico as in this Country?
What Route would you recommend to emigrants from the States on
the Ohio River. What time is required to Sail from your Colony to
the port nearest to the City of Mexico. I have now given you some
of the leading points uppon which I desire information. There
may be others which may occur to you if so I shall be grateful
for their insertion. I have an intention of visiting your country if
the prospects shall appear favorable. I am a Surveyor and in that
business would wish to be employed either in Texas or elsewhere in
the Mexican Provinces. I am aware that the number of my enquiries
may intrude uppon your leisure but you may rest assured that in
giving me the desired information you will confer a verry
particular favor and not only on myself but a verry considerable
number of my acquaintances who have some Idea of emigrating I must
request that you will answer as early as convenient
Samuel Parkman
Con Austin
San Felippe de Austin Texas
P. S. If convenient I would be happy to see a small map of your
colony Direct to Petit Saw Bluff La Fayette Co Missouri via St,
Louis Missouri