Matagorda Feby. 2 1832
Col. S. F. Austin
My dear Sir—I have just received your favour of 28 ulto: by Mr,
Jaques and hasten to reply to— Mr. Lesassier writes me he has not
been able to make collections, but assigns no other reason than the
indisposition of Mr. Johnson. It is to me a most unpleasant thing
to write you on a subject in which you have no interest, as it has
the appearance of importunity; but could you feel the inconvenience
and unpleasant situation in which I am plared for the want of a few
hundred Dollars, you would I am convinced excuse it. Arriving
with a family in a new country, you are aware that it is one
continued expense, and without some means it is impossible to get along;
in my last settlement with our friend Lesassier, in consequence of
his being disappointed in some funds, I consented to his retaining
about $100 after he had collected it, with a full promise he would
amply supply me on my arrival in this country. I mention this to
you in confidence; not to induce any unfavorable impression on your
mind toward Lesassier, but to show you I have been placed in my
present situation not from any neglect or want of foresight on my
part. I am sorry your arrangement for land has failed; and as I
have yet the privilege of locating one league, you would oblige me
by permitting the title to be made for the one adjoining mine on
Peyton's Creek originally taken by Col: Wallace.
Be good enough to inform me, if there bp any other court of
record in your jurisdiction, than that of San Felipe, also if I cannot
settle upon my wife her furniture which belongs to her and a House
and lot I intend to erect, I want to secure to her at least a shelter,
and Household utensils. Also the mode of doing so. Your advice
upon these subjects will materially serve me. I send by Mr: Jaques
a letter, maps and a bundle of newspapers for you. In my last letter
I wrote for a power of attorney to vote on your Matagorda property
and now remention it, lest the other may not reach you. Nothing
but the utter impracticability of my leaving here prevents me seeing
you; but if it could by any possible means suit you to take Matagorda
in your way to Saltillo I need not say how much sincere pleasure it
would give me; for independent of my personal feelings I want to
know something of our political relations. Accept thanks of Mrs:
Fisher who I am pleased to say has recovered for your remembrances,
and accept of hers in return. She begs me to say she would be much
pleased to see a gentleman of whom she has heard so much in her
little cabin.
S. Rhoads Fisher
Be pleased to tender my best regards to Mr: Williams and family.