THE AUSTIN PAPERS
138
I know not whether any still exist against me, perhaps you can inform me- I find ,all my private affairs at loose ends--J The trip to Mexico has in- volved me very much in debt, but there are other claims which I did not expect and which are incorrect- While I am laboring away my life to serve the public, all at my own expense I find that I am only entangling myself in debt and trouble-- It is discouraging- I must raise money- if any can be raised by the sale of lots at that place let me know- I must make some money in some way, even to pay my dayly expenses which are very small as to my own personal expenditures, but very great as to those for the general service of the country- My greatest ambition now is to be in a situation where I can say that I am clear of the world and its affairs-but I cannot do this untill the country is at peace-- Write me by first opportunity S. F. AUSTIN [Rubric] [Addressed :] Mr T. F. McKinney, Quintana [Note] Gen Austin's expenes to Mexico and back amounted to over thirty thousand dollars 1 all of which he paid out of his own purse he also spent a large amount in beh~lf of Texas in 35 and 36--Guy M. Bryan. L. F. LINN TO w. C. CARR
St. Louis September 28 1835
DEAR SIR I send you the statement promised in relation to Col. Austin and sup- posing it would make it more efficient have given it the weight of my posi- tion in the Senate:- Wishing you and your amiable family Health and prosperity L. S. LINN [Addressed:] William C. Carr, Present- St Louis September 28 th 1835 Hearing that the character of Col Stephen F Austin has been assailed in consequence, as is said of transactions which occurred previous to his leaving the State of Missouri for Texas. I take pleasure in giving this testimony in his favour, and will feel much gratified should it avail him anything. My place of residence for many years was not more than forty five miles from that of Col. Austins and although not personally very intimate in my intercourse with him, public opinion universally pro- nounced him a man of unblemished reputation and of the most delicate 1 AU5tin's direct outlay seems to have been about ten thousand dollars. Colonel Byran probablv included in this estimate losses caused by Austin's detention in Mexico.
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