Rushville, Illinois March 14, 1832
Dr. Sir,
It is probable that the lapse of many years, and the necessary
attention to business have effaced all recollection of even my name; I once
had however the pleasure of an introduction to you which I have
not forgotten, for public fame in your native Country has so
constantly kept you before me associated with every act of kindness of
encouragement and support to your former fellow citizens that you
must needs be remembered— I have presumed to trespass upon your
attention for the purpose of introducing to your acquaintance Mr
Thomas Christian who will hand you this letter. He is a native of
Virginia and has resided for some years in this State in the
peaceful persuits of a Farmer—- I think I know him well and hazard
nothing in saying that in steadiness of habits in integrity and honour
he yields to no citizen of our Country. His circumstances are easy
tho not affluent and he seeks in your Country under a climate more
congenial an asylum from the cold of the North— Such a man I
should regard as no doubt you do an acquisition to any Country; and
any kindness or attention the generosity of your character may
dispose you to show him or his family consisting of a wife and several
small children I am sure will be most gratefully felt and
acknowledged— If you can spare the time to write to one so almost a mere
stranger it would afford me much pleasure— Every thing relative
to your Country interests me much particularly its Government, soil,
productions, Exports, imports, climate, seasons, water etc and a
letter embracing these topics or some or any of them, or any other
would gratify me much— Be pleased to pardon this intrusion and
believe me to be
James Clark
[Addressed:] The Honbl S. Austin Texas