Cincinnati 10 Mch 1829
My Dear Sir
It is not long since I availed myself of an opportunity presented
by a friend going direct to Natchitoches to Send Several packets of
letters and newspapers to Texas— Knowing as I do by experience
the great zest with which new[s] papers are received in those secluded
regions, I take an other favourble opportunity of transmitting a
batch of them by the way of Orleans—
Since my last communication nothing of much interest has
transpired in relation to the prospects of emigration— the panic
occasioned by the late change in Mexico has I fear effectually deterred
many from venturing upon the untried Scenes of a new Country—
a want of confidence in the Stability of the government is an
objection difficult to surmount, and with the testimony lately presented
to the public mind it is next to impossible to remove the distrust.
I calculated with much certainty upon a very respectable company
forming in this state to go to my Colony, and although they have
not definitely abandoned the project, I entertain serious
apprehensions that they will do so I shall remain here longer than I have
heretofore contemplated in the hope that something may still be
done—that I may at least get one good stool pigeon for to return
without, would be to have come for nothing—
The most momentous political event that has transpired of late
is the appointment of the new Cabinet Ministers—the selection has
proven an almost universal disappointment, and a very general
and a high degree of disgust even among the partizans of the new
President— Old Firginy is quite in the dumps, she hasn't
even a little finger in the pie—her Jackson zeal is cooling as fast
as if it had been immersed in ice water, and I doubt not she will
soon repent of her folly—The Cabinet is unquestionably, by large
odds—the weakest and most inefficient that this government has ever
witnessed-—-Van Buren is artful, intriguing and by no means
conscious bound—his political experience is limited—he had principally
figured in the State politics of New York where he was the invariable
and inveterate opponent of DeWitt Clinton and his policy which
has contributed so much to the aggrandisment of that State—He
and Calhoun, who it is understood will be brought in to the privy
council, will be like two dogs at a bone, pulling different ways and
ever and anon, growling at each other—they are decidedly hostile
and mutually jealous—both look to the succession and both I trust
will be disappointed—Calhoun has more talents than the whole
Cabinet the old Chief included, and no one doubts but he will give
tone to the whole administration—Jackson's deplorable incompetency
will soon be developed so that he who runs may read—Ingham is a
second rate man in all things but party zeal, and many beleive he has
an " itching palm "—Branch the North Carolinian is perhaps worthy
of his State, famed for pitch and sweet potatoes—Eaton is probably
the most obnoxious of the whole tribe—his late matrimonial
connection has rendered his appointment peculiarly odious to the petticoat
politicians of the Capital—his Spouse late the widow Timberleck is
notoriously considered of bad fame at Washington where she was
reared These political notions are not merely my own, for you will
readily imagine that I take little active interest in the strifes of this
Country—being a Coahuilatexanian I do not feel authorised to
meddle with public matters here, but I cannot help seeing and hearing
and drawing inferences—If friend League should see this let him
put on his very best humor before it is presented to him-—-
Remember me very Sincerely to all friends, Williams, Brown
etc. etc. In great haste
Col Austin David G. Burnet