THE AUSTIN.PAPERS 167 rivers in common with all the rivers of the world are somewhat sub- ject to fever and agues and other complaints incident to similar situations but I think that the practical-experience of seven years justifies me in saying that the rivers of Texas are less liable to dis- eases than any river of the U. S. below latitude 36. Situations back from the rivers, or near the Coast are remarkably healthy- The munificent and liberal policy of the Govt towards emigrants has drawn many very worthy and valuable settlers from the United States of the north and they bring with them the enterprise, per- severance and industry which forms so prominent a trait in the national character of our native country. When I Commenced this settlement in 1821. Texas was an uninhabited desert. This colony at the present has about 3000 inhabitants and settlements are extending in .other sections. The great interprise and industry of the north American emigrants must and will make this a rich and valuable country. We shall next year be able to export a con- siderable· amt. of cotton and it is considered by many that if the "Tariff System " is continued by the Govt of the U. S. a discrimina- tion will be made by G. Britain in the article of cotton which will give to that of other countries a decided advantage in the English market over the United States-be this as it may the planters of Texas can compete with those of the U. S. for the means of sub- sistence here can be raised cheaper and no capital of consequence will be required, at least for several years, to procure land. And besides this labor here will produce more than in any part of the U. S. within my knowledge, not even excepting the Red River country, owing to the superior fertility of our soil. • Should the suggestion made by Cap Thompson, that you-might possibly prefer this country to Guazacualco be correct, and you sho~d wish for information as to any particular sections I will take great pleasure in affording it so far as may be within my power. I believe that the country embraced within the follo,ving limits has not been granted to any Empresnrio, that is, begining at the Mouth of the San Jacinto River and folowing up it ten leagues (which is the extent of the reserve made by the law of 18 August 1824 of lands bordering on the coast) thence Eastwardly following the said rese1ve line to the 20 league reserve, thence northwardly following this last line to the main road leading from Nacogdoches to N achitoches, thence Eastwardly along that road to the Sabine, and down the Sabine to its Mouth and along the coast to the mouth of San Jacinto- The 20 league reserve line spoken of is also agreable to the Gen 1 colonization law of 18 Aug. 1824 which reserves ten leagues on the coast and 20 leagues on the boundary line of the U.S. The above tract is about 120 miles north and south and 60 east and west and will admit of good settlements. The Naches and
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