328
AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
my men. I am now endeavouring to close my business with a view to leave this as soon as I can, but it will take me some months at best to get away. The cotton gins sent you by Mr Coit were sent by my request under the supposition they would be useful to yon. Yon will please have them sold for whatever they will fetch. My Mexican operations have all proved very unfortunate and if I should be so fortunate as to extricate myself from the present one without loss to my friends I shall hardly engage in any others. There is such an inveterate jealousy of strangers and so much perfidy in the Mexican people that nothing conducted by a stranger can succeed if they can prevent it. When I leave this I shall shape my course for New Orleans and if circumstances permit will visit you. Our family has been truly unfortunate for many years past. You are I believe the only member of it who has been successful} and your success has been dearly purchased. Should a transfer of the province take place you cannot fail to realize a splendid fortune from your exertions. We have had many rumors here of a revolutionary disposition in the people of Texas on account of the decree freeing all slaYes in the Republic, the Mexicans appear to be very jealous of your en- creasing strength and I think the conviction that Texas cannot long remain theirs may determine them to sell to the U S now they have ah opportunity. Major Butler who is now in Mexico as charge des affairs has undoubtedly instructions to make the purchase if it can be done on reasonable terms. Do me the favor to inform me at what price a square league lands with a perfected title can be had in the Colony. The acquisition by settlement is too tedious a pro- cess for me to undertake besides I detest every thing that brings me in contact with Mexican authority. your friend and cousin HENRY AusTIN PS. I have a printing press, and types. is it wanted in Texas It will not sell here as the people cannot read. the value is 1500$
JAMES W. BREEDLOVE TO AUSTIN
New Orleans, January 30, 1830.
See Calendar.
RICRABD ELLIS TO AUSTIN
Alabama 30 th J anr 1830
DEAR SIR I_ ask leave to introduce to your acquaintance my son Mr. N. D. Elhs, and to acknowledge the receipt of your favor by my friend !
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