317
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
Aus·r1N TO JAMES F. PERRY
Snn Felipe de Austin, J nn 1 3, 1830
Dn nuoo·HF.n AND SrsTEn Altho, I have written three letters to you within the last two weeks on the subject of your removal to this country, I again repent the same advise contained in my other letters, least they may have miscarried. Dr. Hutchison of the Boons Lick country takes on this. He will remove, and perhaps Gen 1 T . .A.. Smith (a brother of Jack's, tho quite a different man) will also remove in the fall. When such men as Gen 1 Smith begin to turn their attention this way, you may be sure the country must rise. I have lntely made an arrangement for a large emigration of men of the first respectability from North Alabama round Tuscumbia, Hunts,•ille etc they nre all men of wealth. ,vithin the last two months one lumdred nnd fifty three families have arrived and they are generally of the better class and men of property. In a year more this colony will be filled up, now then is tlte time, if you remove soon you must make a for- tune. The land I have asked for, for you and Emily I have no doubt will be granted· -that is Eleven Leagues but the title will be void un- less you remove. I have asked two years for you to remove in, but am of opinion that only one year will be granted. I can do some- thing for you now but after my colonizing business is done, the door will be closed in comparison to what it is now. The whole expenses of a League to a settler is ·about $150, nnd there is 4, 5, and G years to pay a part of that. Many of the settlers are poor and will give one half to any one who clears out and pays the expenses on the whole League. In November next the custom ho'use will be established and duties cvllected, for the law which exempted Texas from all duties for seven years will expire in November, so that you ought to be here with an assortment of goods before November. Slo.ves cannot be introduced as slaves, but as indented or hired servants. I shall start ·in· about ten days to survey the land I have petitioned for, for you, and select a building place, and then write more pa.rticularly. If you will send on a trusty mun with two or three hands to build some cabins it would not be amiss to do so. Stock cattle can be got for goo_ds and if you can bring on a good family to put on your land and tend stock yo'u might soon have a 1000 head. Beeves may be shipped from the spot to orlenns not more than four clays run-in fact to include all in a few words you must remove and that irnnwclwtely. My constitution is failing rapidly, and I want you here, to see my sisters children all provided for before I die. Bring all kinds and barrels of fruit seed of the best kind.
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