New York 30 June 1831.
Dear Cousin,
I hope my letter acknowledgeing receipt of yours of 17 March last
has reached you ere this, in which I inclosed some directions recd
from Mr Burgh, one of our principal Ship Carpenters, relative to
the proper dimensions in which live Oak should be cut, to answer in
our Ship yards, for fear that letter may have miscarried, I inclose
a copy of it, as there is I understand on the banks of the Brazos, a
large quantity of that valuable wood, all the information that can be
obtained from such a man as Burgh, must I presume be of
consequence.
In my letter alluded to above I signified my desire to become a
landholder in your Colony, if it could be done without interfering
with your plans or views, say the usual quantity allowed to a man
with a family if practicable, I should like to have it in a healthy
situation, to have some part of it extend to the river. Henry writes
me that he will be situated near Brazoria that is so near the Gulph,
that I should think it must be unhealthy, in many other respects I
should consider it preferable, particularly for commercial operations,
perhaps a situation on the Border of Galveston Bay, may be more
preferable for those purposes being easier I believe of access for
vessels, and more contiguos to the United States, but my impression is
that there is a good deal of low marshy ground in that vicinity,
besides the Galveston Bay Company appear to have arrogated to
themselves, the whole of that Bay, which might subject a body to some
restrictions that would not be altogether agreeable—it puts me in
mind of the State of New York claiming jurisdiction over all the
navigable waters on the Jersey shore, this side of that state.
To have some of that valuable live oak included in my farm, would
be very desirable as that must become very important sooner or later,
but I presume that is out of the question, for if I mistake not it is all
disposed of in another way. I should like to locate somewhere in
your neighborhood.
Henry writes me from New Orleans that he would inform me,
when an oppy offered in Texas, by which I might get a living, it
would be strange if that oppy does not soon offer, in a Country that
was so recently in Embryo, now possessing thousands of Inhabitants,
and a rush of population, setting that way unpresidented, of such a
variety of character and diversity of occupations, and represented to
possess so many superior advantages over any part of North America,
that I cannot but flatter myself, that I may benefit by a removal to it.
I should like some occupation when there, by way of variety and
relief from the toils of the plough, a reasonable proportion of the
time; as not having been in the habit for many years past of wielding
any instrument in the way of labour, more weighty than a Goose
quill, I fear my hands are too tender to follow the plough and hew
timber for a constancy, practice may bring them to a proper
consistency.
I saw a letter last evening from one of the agents of the G. B. C°,
dated last April in Texas, in which he speaks of the country on the
Trinity being very fine, but observes that it is superior on the border
of the Brazos, a good deal for them to allow.
As you calculated to be back in May, I am flatering myself with
the pleasure of a letter soon announcing your safe return, if you
take the Leag of Land for me, let me know what the amount of
expenses are as they accrue that I may remit the same, I think the time
is six years before the whole amount becomes due, a pretty long credit
however I suppose that depends on circumstances. I hope to be
with you within the year from the date, cannot go immediately.
should like to be here when you make your visit this way, but do not
think you will be able to accomplish it, for several years yet.
The European powers are striving hard to prevent a general war
on the continent, and it looks at present as if they wood succeed
but it yet remains doubtful. The Poles fight desperately but must
be overpowered and subdued by the Russians unless assisted by some
European power, of which there appears no indication at present.
The Genl who went to Spain from the Mexican Government for the
purpose of forming, or proposing a Treaty between the two
countries had had an interview with the King, and by the last accounts
taken his passage at Bordeaux for Vera Vruz, where it is supposed
he is about this time, with the Kings answer, and terms, on which
he is willing to accede to, to lay before his Govt which are thought to
be so favorable that a Treaty will soon be concluded. I understand
that it is probable one of the Ports of Mexico will be declared a free
port ere long. Please remember me particularly to Mr. and Mrs.
Perry who I presume are with you. I hope to receive a letter from
you soon telling me you returned safe in May last, and your health
much improved.
Arch Austin [Rubric]
[Addressed:] Colo S. F. Austin, San Felipe de Austin, Texas.