THE AUSTIN PAPERS 1097 Manuel de Mier y Teriin to Austin, Nacogdoches, June 24, 1828. Comments on climnte. Agrees with Austin concerning essential needs of Texas, but it will be very difficult to modify the law concerning slavery. Manuel de Mier y Terfm to Austin, June 24, 1828. Observations on the use of n peach-tree switch by natives of East Texas to locate water when they desire to dig a well. Mucb surprised, but almost convinced. David Thompson to Austin, Nashville, June 26, 1828. Asking Austin's advice about merch:rndize to sell in Mexico. (Omitted.) ·, Gaspar Flores to Austin, June 26. 182S. Reporting tbat the political chief authorizes Austin to collect fees from the colonists to reimburse him for time and labor spent on public affail's. (Omitted.) Erasmo Seguin to .Austin, June 20, 19~8. Concerning n{hauces wbicb he made for Bastrop's funeral expenses. (Omitted.) Ramon Musquiz to Austin, June 2G, 1828. Sorry that his request for 22 leagues of land in Austin"s coast colony has embarrassed him. Withdraws re- quest and asks Austin to suggest 30 or 40 square leagues elsewhere suitable for himself and certain friends. Recognition of .Austin's services to the colonists 11nd to the colony. J. Antonio Pntlilla to Austin, Saltillo, June 28, 182S. Answering letters from Austin and promising to try to further certain requests. Austin to :Manuel de Mier y 'l'er(m, June 30, 1828. Reciting curious observa- tions of the use of "water witches" to determine location of water. Laughed at the superstition for yenrs, uut has l>een forced to suspend judgment. Austin to Manuel de Mier y Teri"LD, June 30, 1828. Acknowledges Terun's observations on climate of Texas. Forwards historical sketch of his colony; begs Ter(m's opinion concerning collection of debts contracted before immigra• tion; advises him concerning grants of land to settlers who have "squatted" in Texas. Austin to Manuel de :Mier y Terrm; June 30. 1828.• "Points Concerning Aus- tin's Colony in Texas." Following a concise history of the colony, Austin pre- sents the needs of Texas as: (1) Suspension for six or eight years of restric- tions on the introduction of slaves by immigrants; (2) extension of tariff exemption until 1835; (3) permission to raise tobacco for export; (4) regula- tion of coasting trade to permit Texan products in Mexican ports, and to facilitate registration of Texan vessels; (5) protection of colonists again_st suit for debts contracted before arrival in Texas; (6) separation of Texas from Coahuila and formation o'l' territorial government. Mrs. E. M. Perry to Austin, Potosi, ::il>out July 1, 1828. Local news. Anastacio Bustamante to Austin, July 5, 1828. Expressing regret at hard- ships caused by floods in Texas. Amos Edwards to Austin, Nacogdoches, July 7, 1828. Roads bad and corn scarce and high. Leaves family at Nacogdoches while he explores and finds Place to settle. Holds stock In Nashville Co., and would settle on their grant, but does not believe the company will ever accomplish anything. Manuel de Mier y Terl\n to Austin, Nacogdoches, July 8, 1828. Thanks Austin for sketch of his colony. Will give attention next year to the matter of collecting debts contracted by colonists before immigration. Asks Austin whether he will sell his encyclopedia. John Austin to Mrs. Emily Perry, July 10, 1828. Apologizes for failure to visit her. (Omitted.) J. Antonio Padilla to Austin, Saltillo, July 12, 1828. Explanation of the form of the contract which the governor has granted Austin for settling the <'oast. Reasons for reducing the number of families which Austin wished to 88370-28--70
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