Austin, Jany. 1, 1830.
My dear brother and sister,
I have taken a few moments of Leisure to present to you my
sincere wishes that the new year which has just entered may be
a happy and prosperous one to you and that before its close we may
all be united once more in this country.
I wrote you last month advising and urging you to remove here
as soon as possible. I again repeat the same, I wrote you that
I had petitioned for land for you I have asked of the Govt eleven
Leagues of land for you on the condition that you remove here.
My friends are of the opinion the whole Eleven Leagues will be
granted which will be near 50,000 acres. The land I have selected for
you lies on Galveston Bay and within six miles of Galveston harbor.
if land is ever worth anything, one single league at that place will
be worth a fortune. I cannot say positively that the whole Eleven
Leagues will be granted, but I have no doubt that at least five will
be. I shall know the final result in two months and inform you.
There is an opening here now for merchandising. Goods can be
brought in free of duty until November next, and if you have an
idea of removing here you ought to come immediately so as to bring
in a large assortment of goods before the time expires for free
importations.
I am very desirous for you to remove and there now cannot be
a doubt remaining [as] to the rapid rise of this country. [I can] do
something for you now, and you must come in time. If the Govr
grants the land I have asked, the title will be void unless you remove
at least within 18 months from this time but if you delay untill after
Novr you will have to pay heavy duties on every thing you bring.
You may be sure that I would not urge your removal in so
positive a manner if I was not convinced that you will be greatly
benifited. There is no time for hesitation or delay. You will find us a
plain set of people, and you need not be at much expense to bring
furniture.
Farewell and let me hear from you as quick as possible.
S. F. Austin. [Rubric]
Direct your letter post paid to the care of James W. Breedlove
New Orleans, and if you wish for any information relative to vessels
coming to this colony write to Breedlove, also if you wish to send
anything here, consign it to him with instructions to ship it to the
care of John Austin Brazoria. Breedlove does most of the business
of this colony and I wish you to give him yours if you come here,
and you must come and that immediately.
S. F. Austin.
Bring all kinds of fruit seed and a quantity of it