THE AUSTIN PAPERS. 729 of the utmost importance to me individually that the Government should know me as I really am, for I have spent all I am worth on this entcrprize- I have labored most faithfully for near three years in those unsettled deserts exposed to every danger and hard- ship and fatigue; My whole future prospects and what is dearer to me still, my name and Character depend on the Success of my Arduous Undertaking, and I need not Comment on the great benefits which will result to this Province from my labours in furnishing force to aid in repelling the hostile Indians, resources to support the Government, and. Agriculturists and 1vCechanics to bring into active operation the occult advantages and riches of this heretofore deserted and un.inhabitecl portion of the great Mexican ~ ation; And in the increased value which my Colony will give to the public lands in its neighborhood in the event of those Lands being sold for the use of the Government, and the facilities it will afford in forming the new Settlements- The wisdom of Your Excellency will discover all these things; neither need I recapitulate th(;! extent of our .sufferings and losses in forming a settlement in a. wilderness nor the vast expcnce and difficulty which I as the head of the first Colony which has been attempted by ·:foreigners in this Province, have undergone, as they must also be evident to the superior penetra- tion of Your Excellency- I then close this long letter with the prayer that Your Excellency will be pleased to take this first effort of Colonization within the Mexican nation since its glorious Emancipation, under your protection and patronage, and that you will have the goodness to assure the Supreme Executive Power of our good disposition towards the Government of our adoption, and that we are at all times ready and willing to aid all in our power in def~nding the Independence and Liberty of the Mexican Nation- vVith Considerations of the highest Respect- I Have the Honor to be • Your Excellencys Most Obedt. and Humble Servant · . EsTEVAN F. AusTIN [Rubric] To His Excellency DoN Luo,.\s A.LAMAN Minister .of Exterior and Interior Relations, etc., etc. JUDICB.L REGUL.:\.TIONS AND Fomrs •Art: In case no property belonging to defendant could be found by the constable and his body should be seized the Alcalde shall ex- amine·into his circumstances and should it appear to the satisfaction of the Alcalde that De:fendent had not fraudulently conveyed his property out of his hand or concealed it to elude the payment of his 2508'7°-24-VOL 2, PT 1--47
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