417
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
All mine were burnt at San· Felipe·wheil thaf place was distroyed by the rnexican invasion- I had but few If we cannot be admitted· into the U. S. we sh~ll of ~ourse set up for ourselves, and shall stand J)lore in need of your experience and ta_l_ents- 1 think the field a vast one here for the profitable i~~esh~e~t- ~f .Capital this is a very valuable, planting, farming, an~ grazing _country, ·~nd must populate rapidly and become very wealthy in a few years of good Govern- ment and peace s. F.- .AUSTIN
A. DE 0. SANTANGELO TO AusTDI
[New Orleans, January 15, 1836. See Calendar.]
GAIL BORDEN, }R., TO AUSTIN
Columbia 15 th August. 1836
DEAR GENL., I have but a few moments to write, but in these few, I wish to tell you, that from the sign of the times you can not be elected, unless you or some friend comes out in a circularfo the people. The lamented la~d speculation is operating against you. Ma_ny have been led to believe that you are concerned. I have just returned from Fort Bend, and some of your old devoted friends say, they can not support you unless they are convinced that you had no hand in the big land purchase. They say, if you will tell them you have not, they will believe you. It is easy for your enemies to make use of this vile plea to ruin your election. It is necessary, therefore, that some thing should be said on this subject. I know how much this affair has tormented your soul, and it is dtie to yourself as well as to the public that you make a positive denial of having anything to do with what 1s called land speculation. I have, =when . ' .speaking of this affair offered to pledge my life on the question; that is, I would give my life, if at any time it should be found that you were engaged in the affair Let us know what you wish done and believe me G. BORDEN. }R [Addressed:] Genl. S. F. Austin Velasco or Brazoria Texas.
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