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AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
with a family if practicable, I should like to have it in a healthy situation, to have some part of it extend to the river. Henry writes me that he will be situated near Brazoria that is so near the Gulph, that I should think it must be unhealthy, in many other respects I Rhould consider it preferable, particularly for commercial operations, perhaps a situation on the Border of Galveston Bay, may be more preferable for those purposes being easier I believe of access for ves- sels, and more contiguos to the United States, but my impression is that there is a good deal of low marshy ground in that vicinity, be- sides the Galveston Bay Company appear to have arrogated to them- selves, the whole of that Bay, which might subject a body to some restrictions that would not be altogether agreeable-it puts me in mind of the State of New York claiming jurisdiction over all the navigable waters on the Jersey shore, this side of that state. To have some of that valuable live oak included in my farm, would be very desirable as that must become very important sooner or later, but I presume that is out of the question, for if I mistake not it is all disposed of in another way. I should like to locate somewhere in· your neighborhood. Henry writes me from New Orleans that he would inform me, when an oppY offered in Texas, by which I might get a living, it would be strange if that oppY does not soon offer, in a Country that was so recently in Embryo, now possessing thousands of Inhabitants, and a rush of population, setting that way unpresidented, of such a variety of character and diversity o'f occupations, and represented to possess so many superior advantages over any part of North America, that I cannot but flatter myself, that I may benefit by a removal to it. I should like some occupation when there, by way of variety and relief from the toils of the plough, a reasonable proportion of the time; as not having been in the habit for many years past of wielding any instrument in the way of labour, more weighty than a Goose quill, I fear my hands are too tender to follow the plough and hew timber for a constancy, practice may bring them to a proper con- sistency. I saw a letter last evening from one of the agents of the G. B. C 0 , dated last April in Texas, in which he speaks of the country on the Trinity being very fine, but observes that it is superior on the border of the Brazos, a good deal for them to allow. · As you calculated to be back in May, I am flatering myself with the pleasure of a letter soon announcing your safe return, if you take the Leag of Land for me, let me know what the amount of ex- penses are as they accrue that I may remit the same, I think the time is six years bbfore the whole amount becomes due, a pretty long credit: however I suppose that depends on circumstances. I hope to be with you within the year from the date, cannot go immediately.
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