THE AUSTIN PAPERS 353 to suppose that its govt. would resort to that _mode of extending its already unweildy frame over the territory of its friend and neighbor arid sister republic. All the 'families you bring with you shall be received by me so far as my authority and my duty will permit. You will of course bring non nor suffer none 'to come in company with you who are·not good honest citizens, and above ·all, you will exclude drunkards. I have been heretofore so much troubled with that beastly ~)ortion of the human·race, that my dislike to them has grown into a 'very strong prejudice. • • I need not say to you that' I am ready to do all that n friend and relation .can do consistent with his means and situation, to benefit all my poor relations, or all my rich ones, if any such there be- Where are Horace Austin's children, James A·ustin's etc, etc. I can advance them nothing in money. I am myself p·oor as to disposable means and ani embarrassed with debts, but I can benifit ·them· in getting land,· and the day is not far distant when Texas land will be worth money. • I have raised the name of my family to a respectable standing in this country, and my relations need not be ashamed to own that they are my relations. I hope that my heart is what it always was-too much alive perhaps to sensibility, but never deaf ·to the· calls of justice or of friendship,·or of my kindred. Love to my little nephews I hope soon to see them and I hope to live untill I see them above the reach of poverty. I saw my little boy Stephen a few days ago. he is with his mother at Brazoria. he was near death a month since, but has recovered and is getting hearty. Eliza sends her love to you, and will make your house her home when you get here. I have told her that you would make her welcome. .As for me, the whole colony is 1ny home. :My busi- ness nece·ssarily requires my presence in many parts of it. I have just returned from the woods and in a :few days go out again to Galveston Bay to iocate and survey your land. 1Vhen yo·u all get on we will settle down somewhere all together. Remember me to Judge Cafr and tell him I recd the box of fruit seed he had the goodness to send me for which I sincerely thank him. do not fail to bring all kind of fruit seeds arid some roots. Remember me to all the Perry family to my good friend Bruffee and to all others who have any remembrance of their old neighbor. Young Hinkson has settled hefo and has selected a good tract of land on tide water of 1'fotagorda Bay. Let me know as soon as possible when you will be here that I may make my calc~lntions: • • S. F. AusTIN [Rubric] [Addressed:] 1'fr. James F. Perry Potosi :Missouri
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