New Orleans 15th October 1825
Dear Sir
Since my first acquaintance with you in this city, I have had
the desire to emigrate to your colony; but circumstances of a private
nature, and some pecuniary embarrassments, have hitherto precluded
it. Moreover, not having, had the pleasure of an interview, or
even of correspondence with you, I have been deterred by what, I
have always denounced as falsehood and detraction. Capt. Zepeniah
Butler, with whom I went to the river Brassos, has expressed his
wish to become a citizen, from the just motives, which have ever influenced me in regard to your character as a gentleman, and your
justice, as an officer of the government; and not only, that; (though
a primary consideration) but the excellent quality of the soil, on
which your colony is founded.
I perceive however, not withstanding your justice, and judgement
in managing the local affairs of your colony, some difficulties will
arise among the evil disposed, which being transported into other
communities abroad, tend, (though but partially) I hope, (to injure your rising prosperity), and that of your great, and arduous
undertaking.
I mean, if possible, to visit next summer the settlement, which
you have spent so much time, and money to establish, and flatter
myself, that, I shall find, that it even exceeds in every thing my
most sanguine expectations: but before that time, I sincerely solicit
you to write me, and transmit whatever inteligence you may deem
proper to communicate, or entrust to one, of whom you have had
so short an acquaintance.
I forbear to write any thing relative to the abusive and vindictive
publications of a certain individual, as the papers containing them
will be handed to you by Capt. J. T. Field, who is the bearer of this:
they are relative to the abuse of the Buen gobierno del establecimiento.
James Norton.
[Addressed:] Colo Stephen F. Austin San Philipe De Austin
Texas U. M. S.