The Austin Papers, Vol. 1 Pt. 1

THE AUSTIN PAPERS. 44] perhaps I may have one slave-I am incapable of hard labor-I have done business of various kinds, am now employed in teaching school-I wish for you to reflect on my situation, I should be glad to get land for my children, and some office for myself by which I could support my family till they shall be able to support themselves I can get any Catholic recommendation that may be necessary and I expect in case I should go to your country I should be accompanied by several families JMARTHUR [Addressed:] Stephen F Austin, Esqr Province of Texas J B Austin

SAMUEL PARKER TO AUSTIN

Bowling Green, Caroline County, Virginia, December 7 th 1821

Srn, I have seen a publication in a news paper, purporting to be an extract of a letter, written by you at La Bahia, Province of Texas, on the 1 st clay of September 18'21 and addressed to a gentleman at New Orleans, wherein is set forth the advantages of a contemplated settlement which you had in view in the above named province. The extract above alluded to, states the following as the outline which you propose to pursue in regard to the grants of lands: viz. To give to each individual settler one tract of land binding on the river or some water course, half a mile in front, by two miles in depth for farming-and one other tract of one a half mile square to be located back from the river for vachery; and that to those settlers who have families, you propose the following addition to their grants :-to each married woman 160 acres, to each child 80 acres, and for each slave 40 acres; to be laid off adjoining the farming tract; and double those quantities adjoining the vachery tract. The object of this letter, is, to make some further enquiries about the settlement as it is probable, that I and some others in this State may avail ourselves of the advantages which it holds forth.- you mention in the extract referred to above, that it is important that the settlers should arrive by the month of February ne:1.i; at fartbest.-1. Will none be admitted after that time1-2. If any be admitted after that time, what time do you set as a limit to their availing of themselves of the advantages of the settlement1 3. Has the country fully secured its independence on Spain¥ 4. If it has not, is there any certainty of its securing it 1 5. How far is the heart of it from New Orleans1-6. How far is it from the sea 25067°-24-VOL 2, PT 1--29

Powered by