638
AMERICAN HISTORICAL A::>SOCIATION
Tell Arciniega that I have recd his letter of 8 :March and will o.ttend to all his requests. I fear that Hunters application is hope- less, on the subject of augmentations this Govt. will not yield. Matamoros is in a hubbub about its port. I shall try another iniciative on Tuesday (Monday is post day) for Matamoros and Matagorda. I have written direct to the Vice President and min- ister as to Galveston and Matagorda some time ago, also to others in Mexico-Poca importa-they cannot build a wall across them all, as I told the good folks here which they took very ill, for they say the law ought to be a wall-I answered so it is, but the law of nature has a just right to break down all walls that are violent and notorious public nuisances. The act of the Ayto, which you sent me would have been very important if anything could have been done with the judiciary, but it is impossible. Shew Johnson and Williamson the article of the constitution about Jueces A1·bit-ros, and remind Luke of my recom- .niendation to him on that subject. 1 All harmony is at an end in the legislature, the l\Ienudeo [retail] law has split us into three or four odd sort of lumps.1 Remember me to Sarah and Eliza a,nd my nephew Austin and Mr Hunter. I recd Austins letter nncl am mnch pleased with it, would have written by this mail but have not time-will try and bring him the poney and rigging he writes me for. The Govr has issued an order as I am told, to the Chief of De- partment to report what colonies are commenced and how many. families are recd in each. Be very particular as to this, and make out a corrected list, for the one on the old book is very incorrect-- one fourth of them have left the colony and ought not to be counted. The certificates ought to be numbered differently, for otherwise mis- taken ideas will arise-by examining the Gen• law of 14 April 1828 you will see the importance of keeping a regular and correct list of the colonists and it will be still more important if the Menudeo law passes. This paragraph to yourself.only I . expect Henry Austin is in the colony by this time-tell him to select his land without delay-he had the promise of tracts in the 10 League East of Brazos and must have the preference, but the best way is to give out the idea that all that land is hung up untill I return. I also want a good tract for M:rs Holly, widow of the late Doctor Holly, who will remove to the Colony next fall certain, and be the most valuable acquisition we have ever yet re- ceived, in the female line, or probably will receive. I shall get 1 A law to exclude foreigners from engaging ln retail trade. It appears not to ban pal8ed at this session, but was published Apr. 9, 1882. See Gammel, Laws of Texas, I, 295, and Austin to Wllllams, Apr. 18, 1831.
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