Gin Place 4th August 1831
Col. S. F. Austin
Dr Sir. I received your favour of the 1st Inst by Mr Hunter,
I am truely sorry I could not obtain the Clear Creek tract. I am a
stranger in the country and my health has been and still remains
so bad I have had no oppertunity of travling to make a Selection-
even one or two rides to Brazoria has weakened me in such a manner
I have been compeld to take two days to it. Mr Hunter informs me
that Major Douglass has made an Entry of my Negroes in your office
as his property— Now fair, I wish to prove to you that I am, and
know, I shall always remain above falsehood, I told you the
property was mine Enclosed you will receive Vouchers sufficient to
satisfy you and every other person that he does not, nor ever did own
any part of the property in my possession nor does he own one Dollars
worth in the Colony—his statement is gratuitous and false and
unauthorized by me—
When the Major went to San Phillipe last March, I asked him to
take an Indenture that he was a witness to and prove it before the
proper authority in San Phillipe, when he returnd I asked him why
he had not done so— he then told me that himself and Mr S.
Williams had a misunderstanding—but he did not tell me he had
presumed to enter the property as his, and I do hope his imprudent
conduct will not be suffered to weigh one jot against me—
I also inclose you a letter from Capt- John Austin, and I think
I may venture to say (without egotism) that they are few men that
have settled in this Colony that have behaved better, and have made
more friends in so short a time.
I have been anxious, and nothing but delicate health has
presented me from coming to San Phillipe long since, to comply with
the terms of the Law, Mr Hall can inform you I have been very
sick—but I say again, as soon as my health permits I will come up
and do every thing that is necessary to make a Citizen-— Under
those considerations I do hope sir you will reconsider my Case and
if it is a possible thing give me the Clear Creek tract of land— I
assure your sir I remain your very obednt and humble Servant
Sylvester Murphy
NB you will observe the Major acted as agent for me in clearing
the Negroes, my health was so bad I could not attend to it, and
on the back of the Manifest he acknowledges that fact— S M