At Mr Scotts June 9th 1829
My Dear Sir
After much fatigue and some bruising the Eclipse has arrived
safely at Rightors point bar. We got into Galveston Bay on
Wednesday—Came into the Bay by the S. W. Channel—beat in and found
it a good passage 11 feet shoalest Cast—I think it first rate for all
vessels not over 9 feet draft of water.—We touched slightly on two
bars but got off without difficulty—beat up to Redfish bar on
Thursday morning—good Channel about 10 feet—from Thursday to
Sunday evening We were watching the bar John and myself sounded it
all over—We found it staked out but as the water was low hoped to
find a deeper place however We were disappointed—and on Sunday
night and monday morning pressed and worried her over in 41/2
feet water she drawing 5 1/2. twont do except at full, and change
tides, except for vessels of an easy draft. About the same water
at Righters point bar,—Harris has gone up to Harrisburg and I
expect the Eclipse will be discharged at the point—The freight for
her was sent on in the Alert and the Eclipse will have to go in
without freight—While we were lying at the bar Doctors Woodbury
and Cameron Came on board us I had some conversation with the
former, he expressed much anxiety to receive a letter from you—he
told me he had received the sanction of the Superioridad for the 10
litorales adjoining you Eastwardly and extending six leagues in
the limitrofe—Our friend hatchet faced Davy is too late—further
he said this, a branch in Mexico he expected to interest a very wealthy
House in Phila. and flatters himself with doing much for Texas—said
much about the Hacienda Nacional, no money—no prospect except
from Gran Bretaņa, for which he thinks the southern territory will
go—he says we shall soon be left to take care of ourselves—he
expressed very much anxiety to have your letter Contain, a sentence
respecting the Nagurs about the security for introduction etc. had
understood at S. f. de A and at other places on the road this side of
Bexar, that they could be introduced, and would be secure—this
opinion Came from you—he asked me many questions on the subject
and said on account of yr known standing etc much weight would be
given to any thing U—said on the subject and wished you to be full
on that point, alth° he did not wish you to enter into Compromisos—
I enclose you his note,—Cameron also wished to hear from you—
I expect Mr, Scott will go over about the first of next month to
bring Sarah and the Children over here, and as it is probable that
Gorge may be anxious to come likewise, and that you may not wish
to use all the time about Town I wish you to get Mr. Ingram to stay
there, and give Aunt mary instructions how to track.
Woodbury informed me that Poinsett was interested in the
Contract which had been made by the Govt to Zavala, I also in one on the
Guazacoaleo and Complained much of having been interfered with
by Poinsett in his Contracts with the Govt particularly in the
Contract for the litorales in front of his Colony— I presume that
Poinsett has been speculating in his official capacity to his individual
benifit.
I hope we will be off in a day or two, and am as ever yours
S M Williams [Rubric]
S F Austin Esqr.
[On margin:] Please write to Brown and request him to send up
my saddle by some safe oppy.
S. M. W.