San Felipe de Austin Feby 28th 1826
My Dear Sister
I improve an opportunity which offers itself by a gentleman of
sending this into the United States, and I hope you will receive it
in due time.
A short time since I returned to this place; from which I
have been absent two or three months on a place down on this river
where I am opening a farm and building a Cotton Gin, I shall remain here no longer than the absence of Stephen compels me he is
absent on a topographical tour to Galveston to exicute a comission
given him by the Government. I expect him in one or two days—
On my return to this place I found letters from you which gave
me much pleasure and satisfaction. I hope you will not attribute
my long silence to any thing but the remote distance and insolated
state that I have been in for the last two or three months—Nothing
would distress me more my Dr Emily than for me to imagine that
you should entertain the smallest doubt that I had abated my
affection for you in the least or that I did not take and feel the
deepest interest for your happiness, What has this world to endear
me to it but my Sister and her lovely family? altho debared the
inexpressible pleasure and satisfaction of enjoying her society (and
the sweet prattle of her little ones) I sincerely hope and flatter myself
that the period is not far distant when we shall all be reunited, (if
not under the same roof) so near that we can form a social circle
and " far from the scenes of strife pass the innocent jest, and
chaunt the merry glee"—then we can remind each other of "Auld
Lang Syne " and congratulate ourselves that not withstanding the
many visissitudes and difficulties we have encountered (and the
great and heartfelt satisfaction afforded to the Enemies of our house
by its downfall) we have proved to the world that regardless of
them all—We have accomplished an enterprize that will perpetuate
our name and place it with honor on the page of history It will
then be our turn to triumph—shall we do so ? I can see a sentiment
of just Resentment pervades your Breast—but I also see a generous
principle a something so noble rising still above that—checking the
first impulse of anger—and appealing to reason to treat the past
with silent contempt—Our old Enemies will in a few years more
dwindle into insignificance and would lick the dust from our shoes
to gain a favor—It will then be a satisfaction a "heavenly satisfaction ["] for me to assist them—That is the revenge which will be
sweet to me—
I was truly shocked to hear of the murder committed on the person
of Wm M Perry I receivd the letter of Saml Perry to my brother
informing him of the circumstance and containing an advertisement,
you may assure him that every exertion in our power will be made
to apprehend the Villian that he may receive the punishment he so
justly merits.
We have nothing new the Colony wears a more flourishing aspect
at this time than it ever has before, there is a prospect of an overflowing Emigration this spring and next fall of some of the most
respectable men in the United States.
Mr. Andrews has arrived safe I have not seen him yet—his family
is well and much pleased with the Country.
I wish you to inform Mr Perry that by a Mr Benjamin Milam
(Brother of Milam at the Mines) who lately arrived from the city
of Mexico—I learned that Dr Baldwin has accumulated a handsome
fortune in that Country; he has purchased a coffee plantation on the
River Guazicualco on the Pacific Ocean where he now [is?] and has
gained the confidence and esteem of all who know him. Also Cousin
Henry Austin lives in the city of Jalapa (between Mexico and Vera
Cruz) engaged in the commission business—
Remember me to all my friends and acquaintances—write me often
my Dr Sister—you must know that anything from the pen of my
sister to me is interesting, kiss all the little ones for me, tell Joel
and Austin their uncles are much pleased with their improvement in
writing we shall soon Expect to secure a specimen of their writing
in the form of a letter.
Remember me particularly to Mr. Perry This letter must be
my excuse for not writing to him.
Jas E B Austin
[Addressed:] Mrs Emily M. Perry Potosi. Missouri
P. S. I am not married yet nor is there any likelihood at present.