THE AUSTIN PAPERS 681 with their situation, so much so that they would oppose any change of Govt. and they consider it an honor of which they proudly boast, that they have always de.serv 4 and always possessed the confidence of the Mexican Govt. [STEPHEN F. AUSTIN.] [To Thomas F. Leaming, Philadelphia, Pa.]
AUSTIN TO N. A. w ARE San Felepe de Austin, Texas, July 24. 1831
Mr. NAT. A WARE, Dn Sm, A few days before my departure from Saltillo I received a letter from Cap. Henry Austin informing me of your wish to establish a Cotton Manfactury in this colony. I should have written to you immediately but was on the eve of departing for this place, and con- cluded that it would be best to defer writing untill I arrived here, On my arrival at home I found Cap. Henry Austin quite sick, which has caused a delay up to this time. With respect to the probable success and profits of a Cotton Manu- factury, I have no hesitation in saying that I believe there is no mode in which capital can be employed to greater advantage. This colony, and Texas in general is in a state of secure and pro- gressive improvement. The natural resources, and capacities of this country to become populous and wealthy, are superior to any portion of north America which I have seen or have any knowledge of. It affords all the elements necessary for the establishment and support of extensive manufacturies, except one, liands, which at first must be introduced from other countries. It no doubt is the settled policy of the government to encourage mnnufactories of cotton, and I think that the large capital which has been invested in this branch, by the Government itself, affords a very secure guarantee that the present policy will not be departed from. This being the case, it needs no other assurance to insure great profits from the business The stock of cotton now raised in this colony may be rated at one thousand bales of 400 pounds, This amount will increase of course every year, so that there is no scarcity of the raw material. Provi- sions are getting very abundant and cheap, and will also increase in quantity at a rapid ratio, with the exception of wheat flour, which is not yet produced in the country, but will become a secure and profit- able staple, from the interior parts of Texas high up on the Brazos and Colorado rivers. This colony affords many eligible situations for cotton factories, but I should recommend the Steam power, in preference to water- as to the location of the factory, I think it ought to be a matter for 88370-28 H
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