THE AUSTIN PAPERS 323· 5th What is the quality of the water, are springs numerous a.nd wholewme--- Are streams frequent and permanent, suited to man- ufacturing and commerce? 6th Is yours a region of mosquitoes and full of fevers? 7th Are yon exposed to Indian ravages? 8th "'hat proportion of your settlement is French or Spanish? 9 ·whnt is the state of improvement in your society, in agri- culture, commerce, education, and religion? 10 1Vill the Mexican government seriously oppose the U. S. extending to the Del Norte? • 11 Are the present settlers satisfied with the government which they a.re under. Can they enjoy to a good degree the right of self government? 12 1Vhat bounties would be granted to settlers especially to such a settlement as stated above? It would contain many literary char- acters and· perhaps from 20 to 30 young men who have nearly finished a classical course. '\Vhat is the usual price for land by purchase? 13 '\Vhat are the ordinary expenses of living? Can the nel'es- sa.ry and a.bsolute conveniences of life be easily obtained? 14 What is the best mode of approaching your settlement, whether by water by the mouth of the Brazos or by Red River if by the latter the point of debarcation and the distance by land from that point and also the practicability of the route? 15 What i·s the size of your grant? What of Milams, of Left- wich and do they lie contiguous~ Should you be kind enough to favor me with information on this subject please direct your communications to Gideon Black- burn President of Centre College Danville Kenty and I will be happy to receive it as soon as you might find it convenient. Gm 0 BLACKBuni-; Col. Austin Commandant of Texas.
J. CHILD TO AUSTIN
Natchez Janry 24, 1830
DEAR CoL,
Since I visited Texas in the year 1822, at your request for the pur- pose of aiding in the establishment and support of your colony, it is .well known to you that my exertions have been unremitting in the promotion of the original plan of the settlement, and perhaps my subsequent absence has been more beneficial to the undertaking, than I could have been by remaining among you. And at the same _time ! ~a~ter myself that something has been gained on the scores of md1v1dual fortune and reputation both.
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