690'
AMERICAN HISTORIC.AL ASSOCIATION.
called the fort and Mr. Boatrights I do not wish to go higher up than Boatrights unless the situation should by its superior natural advantages require it. I want a place for the town on the west side of the Brazos where there-is ·abundance of good water·besides the river, either springs or a good creek. The place I have in view on this river is yery well watered .with the best of springs-it is. about 38 ~iles from Castlemans, about 65 or 70 miles from the mouth of this river, ab.out 25 miles from Boat- rights and I suppose about 45 miles from you, and about 70 miles from the mouth of the Brazos and if the La Baca is settled will be nearly central, but if a situation .can be found on the Brazos more so and a good site I will fix it there- I wish you could do me the favor to select some good places for me say about six or eight league tracts ·any where between Parkers and McFarlands, or employ some one to do it and I will pay for itr--or I will pay' you if yom:·other occupations will permit. I want good la,nd water and timber, and·if the places are not selected now they will all be occupied. It will _be a real service to me if you can do this, and Mark them and let it be known that they are reserved- also try and find the best place for a to'wn up above or near you on the River-it will be valuable at some future _day, and you shall be profited by making 11 good selection in lots-also I want a good situation on some creek off from the River where there is a body of good land suitable for a stock farm-also some good mill seats if to be had-it is no more than just that I should have a pick as well as others, and I have too ·much public business to· attend to, to do anything for myself and must call on my friends to aid me-I will send you a regulation relative to Indians, _vagabonds etc. as soon as it is copied which I wish to have rigidly enforced- How do_I envy the quiet life you enjoy-I have not a moment that I can call my own, and the task before me is a very troublesome one I cannot expect to please all nor shall I try to do it-I will try to satisfy myself by doing justice to.all- · It is probably I shall go to McFarlands in three or four days, to look at that place for a town, but I am told that there is no good water there. • Remember me to Mrs. Bell, your friend S; F. AusTIN [Rubric] l shall decide ·on the town in less,than a week therefore if you know of-any good place send me word. soon. • J. If. BELL [Addressed:] Mr. Josiah IL Bell.Brazos Care of Kykendall •
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