Matamoros August 8d. 1829
Col. S F Austin
My dear Sir I have written to you repeatedly during the last
three years by New Orleans, and from Vera Cruz by mail as I have
not recd replys I suppose my letters have miscarried
I now avail my self of a direct opportunity to apprise you that I
am here with a Steamboat and some goods for the purpose of
ascending the River del norte to open a commercial intercourse with the
interior if practicable and taking up land for future benefit— It
is extreemly doubtfull whether the enterprise will result in success
I shall however give some months attention to it and not leave this
country in any event before fall. It will be some weeks before I
can get ready to start from this and Should opportunity offer I
should be pleased to hear from you
Your council after so much painfull experience would be valuable
before leaving the US I laid before Govt a Memoir on the western
boundary pointing out the advantages of an exchange of the territory
west of the Rocky Mountains for the lands between the Del norte
and the US giving the Mexican Govt one or two Millions to enduce
the exchange-
Should a sure conveyance offer I will Send you a Copy— I think
something will ultimately be done on the subject
do me the favor to let me "hear from you and beleive me always
truly your friend and cousin
Henry Austin