Cincinnati 4 May 1829
My dear Sir
I have for several days anticipated the present opportunity with
a full intention of writing copiously to my Texas friends— but the
person by whom I send to Natchitoches sets out in the morning
Some days earlier than he expected when I last saw him— My time
is so short (for it is now 10 ociock p. m.) that I should let the
conveyance pass by altogether were it not for my desire to transmit
to you the inclosed very queer document—The author with whose
character I presume you are familiar? is now here-—he has Called on
me twice and seems to be deeply interested in Texas and perfectly
confident of the practicability of his Utopian Social System, and its
peculiar adaptation to the condition or rather the "circumstances"
of our beautiful country— He appears to be influenced by a sincere
benevolence—but while I am willing to beleive he is an honest
philanthropist, I am constrained to think him a misguided and
infatuated visionary— He leaves here in a few days for England,
goes from thence to Colombia, to enlighten the Liberator and from
thence he returns to Mexico to compleat his arrangements with that
Government, and when that shall be accomplished, he proposes
to pass over land to Texas.
Genl Wavill with his family has been here about two weeks—
his wife, a very amiable English Lady presented him with a fine
little daughter this day a week ago. He will leave in about 10 days
and after visiting some of the eastern cities will proceed to England
where he expects to remain some time— I have found him an
intelligent gentlemanly man— I expect Milam here in a few days
and as I am informed, it is probable Peck will be with him—we shall
have quite a coterie of Coahuilatexanos—
I have no news of any peculiar interest. If I can have time in
the morning I'll put [up] a packet of papers for you. I regret very
much being so taken by surprise on this occassion but when I
recollect that no one in Texas has thought it worth while to write to me,
it seems as if I might be compromitting myself by multiplying my
unreciprocated communications— I have sent many letters and
many newspapers since the waters rose and have not received an
acknowledgment of either—but I will not do so much discredit to
the frankness of others as to believe that any other motive will be
attributed to me than the true one, a desire to confer gratification
on those whom I esteem— Remember me very affectionately to all
friends Williams, Brown, League, Nuckols etc etc and to Mrs Long
and the Ladies generally—
May God bless and preserve and prosper you—
David G Burnet [Rubric]
Col Austin