THE AUSTIN PAPERS 447 nt work in :Mexico to try and get revenge by injuring me- they will find themselves gnawing a file- I wrote to Leaming to send me a genealogical account of my mothers family- call on him for it. Also bring or send me the number of the Nat. Gazette that has my letter about selling Texas lands-I wish for it to send to the Govt. in case those gentry should attempt to injure me, also get the newspapers that contain their advertisements on the subject. Instead of roaming about in other countries to speculate I have devoted my life to the arduous task of trying to redeem this country from the wilderness and I have succeeded greatly beyond whR.t was supposed possible, for I was ridiculed by some for attempting such a Lhing. I had no capital, and have supplied its defect by personal labor and attention, and by putting my shoulder to the wheel in earnest and in good faith. I have not made a fortune for my self (except in lands which now have no value) and probably shall not live to derive much personal benifit, but I have greatly benifited many others, hundreds of them, and. made them and their families rich who were worth nothing before, and I have opened and enlarged a fine field for human enterprise and human happiness. This has always been the main object 0£ my ambition and not a mere avari- cious view to personal speculation. I have no :fears that my motives or my acts will not receive the reward in public opinion which they merit, or that a few speculators can materially injure me, but they may harrass me. In a democratic republic enemies are sometimes more troublesome and dangerous than in any other form of Govt. for popular opinion is as often moved by whim or accident, as by renson or justice Farewell I long to see you that we may all settle down on a quiet Stock farm, far from the reach of politics or popular whims- S. F. AUSTIN
AUSTIN TO PIEDitAS
San Felipe de Austin 12 de Julio 1830
Sor. D. JOSE DE LAS PIEDRAS MUY SOR MIO DE TODA MI CONSIDERACION. Recibi por este correo la muy grata de V. fecha 6 del que rige, con la copia del oficio del Exrno Sor Com to gral. Doy a V. las mas expresivas gracias por SU bondad y la disposicion amistosa que me ha manifestado en este asunto Muy Sor mio, que de errores, y de males han resultado de las intrigas atribuidas a Poinset I que de confusiones han procedido de los estravios de la senda constitucional desde la horrorosa jornada.
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