Dr Brother
I returned from Bexar in much better health than when you left
here— There appears to be some clouds hanging over this country,
tho I apprehend nothing from them, and my opinion as to your
removal here is the same as when you left. If you come by land
write to Breedlove for a passport and state the number of your
family. The law requires all persons to bring passports and it
should be done because it is the law.
The custom house officer of Galveston has fixed his office for the
present at the mouth of the Brasos river—vessels must be cleared
out for Galveston, and if you send a vessel from Philadelphia clear
out for Galveston and not for the Brasos but come to the B. if you
wish from Phia you can get debenture allowed, but in new Orleans
you cannot
They have some very erroneous ideas in Mexico relative to Texas,
but I think that a few months will convince them of their error—
The last dates from Mexico says that the united States of the north
are about to send a large army to take this country by force etc,
etc. how they should entertain an idea that the U S. is unfriendly
I can not conceive—
All kinds of provisions and lumber are free and no duties will
be collected untill after November as I informed you when here—
Poor James died before I returned from Bexar and I did not
see him—
I am making final arrangements to close all my business this fall
and winter, and prepare myself to spend my time in a retired and
quiet manner with you—
I was very well received at Bexar and all things stand well with
the State authorities— They wish me in Bexar to go to the
Legislature but I have refused— The fact is that unless I can take
some rest I shall not live much longer for I am nearly worn down—
for nine years since I came to Texas, my mind has had no rest,
nothing to releave it from continued cares and anxieties— I have
felt towards all the settlers as tho. they were all my relations,
Some of them have not merited the anxiety I have suffered for
them I have been a faithful servant of this Govt, and have
performed much important service for it— wheither I shall receive
thanks, or abuse, is doubtful, Poinsett has left an impression in
Mexico which has reduced the North American character to a low
grade there.— I do not pretend to say that he has done right, or
wrong, for I know nothing about his conduct-— he has certainly
been the most unfortunate minister that was ever sent to any Govt.
Gen Teran has not yet left Matamoros and the news of the
Spanish invasion will probably prevent his coming on.
Every thing is peace and quietness in Texas and so likely to
remain.
Col Milam says that the roads are good for a carriage all the
way to Nachitochs and he advises you to remove by that route—
it will be a very long and tedious journey, but you and Emily must
decide, inform me which route you will take so that I may provide
the nessery matters for you—- I have an idea of puting up a
House in this place which will do for you to winter in— The
Steam Saw mill is in operation and works well
A new Commissioner will be on shortly and I shall soon complete
all the titles— Did you call on the Comte at Nacogdoches and how
did he treat you. Inform me wheither you intend sending out goods
from Pa. it will be best to land them in the Brasos, I think, tho if
the vessel is large she must come into Galveston I expect your best
plan will be to ship them to Orleans and thence to this country.
I will write by every opportunity, both to Potosi and to
Philadelphia to the care of Price and Morgan
Tell all the emigrants to call on Breedlove for a passport, because
the law makes it necessary—
remember me to the children, I have received several letters from
you of old date since you left and one from Emily. I saw Sam
Browne yesterday, he is in very good health, but I had not time
to Say more than how do you do, to him for it was mail day—
S. F. Austin [Rubric]
June 16 1830