THE A USTIN PAPERS. 1391 Several of the people resident of the fort are now here- I have endeavored to ascertain, there intentions-They will no doubt leave the place before the last of next month-They will I believe all or nearly so go below-In that case this will be an out side, and I even doubt whether this place will be occupied long after the fort breaks-. I am somewhat of the opinion that were you to write to Capt. Burnham nnd invite him to see you; and you would give him some indulgence in the price and payment of his land that probiblely he would stop here, and station,-should he do so it will Induce others to stop also. This however is conjecture on my part.-tho I think it merits some consideration. Those people have now growing crops that they flattered them- selves would turn in to there acts. sufficient funds to pay the balanse due to you-and under the pre.sent circumstances it is not likely that they will realize one Dollar-by them. They are poor and have familys and the loss of a crop is to them a serious thing. As I have mearly sugested the subject to you for your considera- tion; I hope you will excuse the freedom I have taken JAlfES KERR P. S. I would not be understood, as giving to Capt Burnham In- dulgences that could not be extended to all eaqual meritorious-but to consult with him as a kind of forman [Addressed:] Col 0 S. F. Austin Sn felipe De Austin Mr. Woods Since I sealed this I have recd a mesage from Col" Dewitt-He is off the mouth of the vacca-and is afraid to land on account of the Indians that a.re in the neighbourhood- . I have therefore to repair to his Assistance Immediately JK JAMES C-mu.riNs TO AUSTIN DEAR Sm Colorado 3ltt July 1826 The situation of this place makes the Prospect very gloomy-the Fort that we have been at so much Expence to build is about to be left to the mercy of the Indians. I was up there a few days past and the most of them talked of moving down the Country and leaving me on the frontier some of them told me that you had promised them Land if they would move down the Brassos-but at the same time some of them told me that if there was n. Company of Rangers ordered on the Frontier that they would not wish to move and would try to stay where they are as their places pleases them better than any they Can git but that their Crops are albut lost this year which 25067°-24-VOL 2, J.>T 2---25
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