The Austin Papers, Vol. 2

THE AUSTIN PAPERS 733 1md internal matters. I must go to tlie~nterior by February. It will be a fatiguing journey, nnd [at]tended, perhaps, with difficulties and dangers. lVIy situation is unpleasant and unnatural. I long for retirement nnd quiet, and I much fear that, in spi~e of myself, I shall be borne along on the current of events into a stormy and troubled sea. Such is life!-· a specie between two eternities, as has been aptly said. A speck-and yet how much of troubles nnd per- plexities! . But it is our all. The past is but a picture; a shadow of various hues. The future-we know not what. Theological and mythological contradictions and inconsistensies make it everything, anything, nothing. The mind is lost that seeks for a clear and abso- lute demonstration of doctrinal or sectarian aphorisms, unless it rests with confidence upon the throne of one, only just and omnipo- tant God ;-the God of the eternity past-the speck-and the eternity to come-uncreated, and undeformed by mythological fancies, or theological investments-the self existing, consistent, and bountiful Father of '\Yorlds, of time and of Eternity. From such a throne the jargon and choas of religious strife may be calmly viewed and under- stood. Yet it is sickening to see the wickedness that· is practised under the most sacred of names, and beneath the garb of religion: • I reached home night before last after riding forty seven miles that day, and found sister Emily at a ball, dancing away in fine spirits. She enjoyed the party, and I joined her, caught the excite- ment, remembered your injunction to "laugh away care," and soon forgot my forty seven miles ride. Sister is quite delighted with the prospect of your removal here. I write without study or disguise, confident that you will be an indulgent and candid critic. The weather has been beautiful and I hope you are this day in New Orleans: Adios, amiga mia. ESTEVAN. Your brother Henry is authorized to chuse a situation for you out of my "Peach Point" survey of premium land-say two hun- dred acres. I expect to be back soon enough to designate it myself before it will be necessary to beg.in building, and should prefer doing so, but if I am detained too long he can make a selection. Farewell. •

A US TIN TO ThnAN l San Felipe de Austin 8 de Enero 1832

Exm.o Sor Gral Dn ~{ANUEL DE MIER Y 1'EnAN ExMo Son. Y AMIGO DE Tooo MI RESPETO y coNSIDERACION Pocas cosas me han ocurrido desde que entre en los despoblados de Texas,

• From Wagner c:ollecUoo, Yu.le Uolverally.

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