628
AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
JosEPH H. HAWKINS TO Mns. MARTA AusTIN.
N. 0. March 29-1823 I have my dear Madame long delayed answering your last letter, partly from other considerations, but more especially from uncer- tainty ns to the ultimate fate of our application for a confirmation of the Texas grant. It is with infinite satisfaction I now inform you of your sons com- plete success not to the full extent we asked, but sufficiently so to secure I hope at least advances, and some indemnity for his labours and privations - Something that will ennble him to offer that succor and comfort to a mother which will delight ~ virtuous bosom to render - It may require time and much more labour to effect.our object, but I now feel confident of success, and the talents fortitude and persever- ance of your son, gives a sure guaranty for all that honorable effort can do. :My original contract with his father was to· take half the grant and the ½ the benefits arising for the enterprise and advance the money necessary to the object, not to exceed however $2,500 or $3000 - My advances and disbursements, now exceed $7,000 - It is time therefore for us to have some return - Had .l had the means I should have made you a sma11 remittance - If it will not be inconvenient, and you will forward a bill of groceries for your family use I will send them up by Mr Honey - I expect Mr Austin here by the 1 ■t June. Your son at gt. Antonio was well a few weeks ago. accept assurance of my sincere regards and wishes for yr happiness - Tho' not acquainted with. I will ask to be made known to Mr•. Bryan and permit my attachment to her Brother be my passport to her esteem. Jos. H HAw1uNs. AusTIN TO CoNGREss. 1 Stephen F. Austin a Native of Virginia of the United States of America and a Settler in the province of Texas, one of the Eastern Interior Provinces, with due respect represents to your August Body, That in the year 1820 my father Moses Austin entered into a contract with the Provincial Assembly of the New Kingdom of Leon, then comprising the four Eastern Interior provinces to bring into this country at his own expence and settle in the province of Texas three hundred families of the Catholic religion, farmers 1 This trnnslntlon Is from Records of Austin's ·First Colony, Vol. 1, pp. 10--11, General Land Office of Texas. Using a Spanish copy from the Bexar Archives, University of 'l'exas, I !Jave made slight verbal changes In tbe translntlon.
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