Franklin County Alabama Aug. 14. 1825
Dear Colo
In a few weeks my friend Mr Robt Gillespie will set out on a
journey to your State, he has been much pleased with the
description he has received of Texas; and if his opinion on a view of it
concurs with those who have described the Country to him he will
be induced to locate himself in Texas. He will explore the country,
and particularly your Grant; He is a Gentlemen who possesses an
extensive knowledge of Mechanicks, there is scarcely any species of
Machinery but what he is well acquainted with, I have been ac-
quainted with Mr. Gillespie for ten or twelve years past, He is
gentlemen of excellent sense and strict integrity, and in evry respect
will be a most useful and valuable member of our Country; I
recommend him to your polite Attention and trust you will afford
him every information respecting the character of the Country,
its Constitution and Laws. I know, of no man who can be more
extensively useful in Texas than he could be therefore you must fit
him with a league of land rich in soil well timbered, with a stream
on which, all kind of water works, may be erected. I have progressed
this far on my way to Kentucky, after I left you I purchased a good
many mules on the edge of Louisiana; and have been detained in
selling them out, I shall certainly be with you by the last of
October, present my respects to Mrs Gross Mrs Long and your brother
Morgan A Heard
Lt. Colo Stephen F Austin