Near Russellville Logan County Kentucky
Decr. 25—1825
Stephen F Austin Esqr.
Sir I have the honour of addressing you via Natchitoches, in behalf of myself and sundry friends who, wish me to explore the
Province of Texas, and particularly that part of it comprehended
in your grant— I was on Red River last month, and should have
proceeded to your Section of the Country, but I was advised to
postpone that part of my journey, till the grass grows up in the
Spring, and having some friends and relations in this quarter who
desired to see me in relation to that Country, I came hither, and am
litterally locked up, for the winter I suppose, by the ice and snow—
I have resided for some years past in the States of Mississippi
and Louisiana, where the most of my friends abide, and at whose
instance I consented to visit your Province—
I am instructed to enquire particularly into the following
points—to wit
1st Will there be allowed to the citizens, or Subjects of Texas, a
free commercial intercourse with the Citizens or Subjects of other
nations ?
2d Will Religious toleration be allowed the Emigrants from the
United States, so far as to be exempted from the payment of tithes
to the established Church, if they should desire it. And to think
and act for themselves in matters of conscience? Provided they do
not interfere with the Catholic Religion, and with fidelity support
the laws of the land, as citizens ought to do? and thereby to enjoy
as much Religious liberty as the Protestants have in France, and
some other Catholic Countries? Or as the Catholics have in the
United States? Or should these previleges in there full extent be
refused, we ask for the Privilege of exercising the rights of private
judgement in our own houses and neighbourhood? Provided,
nevertheless, that our difference in opinion with the Catholics, be a
silent one ?
3d We wish you to transcribe the form of the oath you will administer to us—From your letters which we have seen in print, we know
your terms of settlement, and are satisfied— Have the goodness to
write me as soon as convenient, after the receipt of this, and very
particularly on each of the forgoing points, addressed to me at this
place
I expect to remain here till next May, and will thank you for any
news which you maye please to give me—
John Smith
[Addressed:] Stephen F Austin Esquire Texas—Particular care
of the Post Master of Natchitoches—