[Indorsed by Austin: Ansd Feb 28.]
A. C. Taylor to Austin
Rushville, Schuyler Co Illinois
Feb. 19, 1831.
Dr. Sir
Without the honor of being known to you, I have flattered myself
that the nature of the subject of this communication will be some
excuse for the liberty I have taken in trespassing a few moments on
your attention.
There are in this vicinity, a number of families who are desirous
of removing to a southern climate; and on my suggesting to them that
the country of the Texas afforded very considerable inducements,
I have been requested to procure, if possible, further, and more
recent information in regard to that country. I have therefore been
induced to solicit this information, sir from you, not being
acquainted with any person resident in that country.
We are apprised that it has heretofore been the practice to give to
every actual settler a certain quantity of land—we would be glad
to know whether this practice is still continued—in your own tract
of country and if not, whether it is the case in other parts of the
country, and if so what quantity of land is now given and what will
be the expense of procuring the deed and the survey, and whether
there are good and convenient tracts of country yet unappropriated.
If land is not given at this time in any part of the province, on what
terms can it be purchased ?—What is the face of the country—how
watered, and how furnished with building materials? What are the
advantages in a commercial point of view and what are the
productions of the country? What are the religious priveleges—-are there
many wealthy inhabitants—and is slavery now tolerated ?—All
accounts that we have received concur in representing the country as
healthy, still I should be glad to know what encouragement a
physician would be likely to meet with.
I have acquainted myself pretty extensively with the culture and
manufacture of the grape, and have had some practical experience in
that business, I am therefore anxious to know whether the soil and
climate of Texas is adapted to its successful cultivation, I should be
glad also to be informed whether as yet the silk-worm has been
introduced into the country.
Some with whom I have conversed on the subject of removing
have expressed fears in regard to the indians—please to say
something in dissipation of such fears, if they are groundless.
There are about a Dozen families here who will probably remove
next fall if satisfied in regard to the state and coditions of the
country, and many more will remove the following season if pleased
with their accounts of the country.
Please to send us, if convenient, a copy of the constitution of your
general government, and one for the province, if you have a separate
constitution, as we do in the States; and also a copy of your code
of laws, as those interested, are anxious to obtain all the information
possible in regard to your civil institutions.
The above, together with any other information, whether written
or printed you may please to send us? will be thankfully received
as a very special favor by
A. C. Taylor [Rubric]
Col. —— Austin
P. S. I do not know the regulations of the Post office, but any
expenses incurred in that line will be very cheerfully met by
A. C. T
[Addressed:] Col. Austin, of Austin Town St, Philip de Austin
Texas