Brazoria 5 March /36
Mr Jas F Perry
My dear Sir
I am here to embark by the first vessel for N Orleans, to Meet Stephen,
raise money, send out provisions and return with all possible dispatch
It appears to me, it would be judicious for you to send Emily and the
younger children, for altho I do not believe the enemy can ever penetrate
into the heart of the Brazos timber, still I fear our hardest fighting will be
on the Colorado or upper Brazos, and the anxiety which Emily would feel
at having the enemy so near, the apprehension of a possible rising of the
negroes, and the danger that the Indians may avail themselves of the
opportunity for plunder, and make an inroad, will distress her much and
probably impair her health—besides you would feel much relieved and be more
at liberty for personal exertions, were your family in a place of safety—
I will take charge of them, and altho the captn of the Comanche says he
shall have no room for pasengers and will take me only in consideration of
my being an old sailor, we could enduce him easily to take your family—
Mrs Townsend expects to go in the Commanche—
One of my white force has marched mounted-equiped and paid at
my cost Estis takes my best Horse, rifle pistols etc and will march with
the party for the Colorado reserve— He thinks strongly of forting east of
the Brazos near the timber for the Security of the families, and as a place
of retreat, and for a bold stand in case the enemy force their way acrost
the Colorado, and will do it if he can get a sufficient number to Join—
We have 35 acres Corn planted and up, shall have 15 more in next week,
the negroes under Mrs Estis can tend it—but we give up the thought of
Cotton till my return and the defeat of Santa Anna I shall be here some
days to arrange my affairs and then if I can get a horse will come to your
place, and go from there to Velasco to embark,
Should you conclude to send Emily and the children come here and let
us make the needfull arrangements, We can at the same time finish the
business of Brown Austins Estate
best regards to Emily and believe me truly and cordially
H. Austin [Rubric]
[Addressed:] Mr Jas- F Perry Peach Point