Nov: 17,1831
Dear Cousin,
I wrote you a scrawl some days since, (I do not recollect the date)
when I was quite debilitated, and with rather a feverish brain, and
really have no clear recollection of the contents of my letter, but
doubt whether I answered all the inquiries contained in yours of 2nd
November.
I am pleased with the idea of some publication that will make
the world acquainted with Texas, as Texas and its inhabitants
deserve.
When I explored this country in 1821, it was a wild, howling,
interminable solitude from Sabine to Bexar. The civilized
population had not extended beyond the margins of the Sabine in that
quarter; and was confined, on the west to the towns or villages of Bexar
and La Bahia (the latter is now called Goliad) which were isolated
military posts. I found the country so much more valuable than
I expected that the idea of contributing to fill it with a civilized
and industrious population filled my soul with enthusiasm. I can
with truth, and with a clear conscience, say, that none of the sordid
and selfish motives which influence the mass of adventure[r]s had
any weight in determining me to attack this wilderness. I
commenced on the solid basis of sound and philanthropic intentions,
and of undeviating integrity. I asked the favor of the new
government of Mexico—that is, permission to settle this country, and
become one of its citizens. What I asked was granted. I became
a Mexican Citizen. From that moment, honor, the sanctity of an
oath, gratitude—all bound me to Mexico and her interests. Never
have I for one moment, deviated from the line of duty which those
obligations imposed on me. And, I attribute my success (for I may
say with pride I have been successful) to this circumstance. Should
this Government ever attempt to trample upon us, however, honor,
duty, justice, the approbation of all good people of all good Nations,
will point out the course for us to adopt. But, I have no fears—
not the most distant of such an unhappy event. But few of my
native countrymen understand me, my character, motives, or
principles. An earnest desire to benefit all; in short, more good will,
and confidence in mankind than [was] deserved, have often led
me into mistakes verging on weakness, and exposed me to the
impositions of the crafty and designing.
A thorough knowledge of the Mexican character, the policy of
the Government and the feelings of the mass of the people towards
foreigners convinced me at an early day that Texas must be settled
silently, or not at all. Hence it is that I was progressing here for
years, and rearing a flourishing settlement in this country, and it
was unknown even in parts of Louisiana, the adjoining State, that
such a thing existed. The circumstances are now changed, and it
is time to bring out my ward and introduce her to the world.
The emigration of North Americans is now totally prohibited. I
wish to start an emigration of English, Irish, Scotish, German, Swiss,
French, any civilized people; the three first are the best from the
unity of languages, similarity of character etc: A work on Texas
would do much good in Europe especially in Great Britan I think
a little exertion would set in motion an English emigration of
respectability, and as I am authoiized, in company with another, to
introduce eight hundred families, Europeans, besides my former
contracts, I feel a great interest on this subject- I have no North
American prejudice against the English, on the contrary I only
remember that our ancestors were English.
There is a gentleman here from Virginia Doctor Branch T Archer
of Richmond, a relation of the Congress [man] Archer, with whose
character you are no doubt acquainted. He arrived in July, and
talks of writing a history of us, and has been to Bexar collecting
materials relating to the country generally.
As soon as I can I will try to spend some time with you at Bolivar,
and will give you all the information I can. After I have seen Gen :
Terran I can form a more certain opinion of the future policy of
the Government, and shall be better able to answer the proposed
queries of the " British Geographical society" —certainly with more
satisfaction than at present.
I shall not leave for Saltillo until I am fully restored in strength,
which will not probably be sooner than 1st February. This will
give me a week to spend with you for this reason I omit many
things I have to say until then. I rode out yesterday in a carriage
the first time I have left my room. In a week I hope to be at
Anahuac, and if I can hire a boat will go thence to Chocolate and
then to Bolivar
I am a houseless bachelor and have no accomodations to offer
you, but my sister can furnish you a room in a Texas Cabin—with
Texas fare—and an affectionate welcome. Hope promises better
things for next year, though as for me, a tree, or a tent, with
blankets and plenty of fat wild meat—, I am satisfied.
I congratulate Henry on the near prospect of seeing his family.
We have been scattered before the four winds of Heaven. Texas
will bring our dispersed family together, and afford us competence,
and—a home. To me the idea is truly grateful.
S F Austin.