The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume I

7

WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1831-1832

239

much of your obligations given for the said purchases w4en the same shall become due conditioned that you shall make no charges for any personal services you may render or that you may pro- cure to be rendered by any other person or persons, in disposing of or locating.any of the said lands-nor for any expenses that may be made or incurred for or on account of the said lands not wishing to embark in any purchase or speculation that may lead me to any unknown expenses in consummating or concluding the object- When you arrive at Tennessee and learn more of the object you may determine and write me of such determination- ! have been thus particular and liberal in my proposals not wish- ing to take the smallest responsibility of giving any opinions by which to induce you as my friend to embark in a concern that being very speculative may prove worse than we anticipate- You know how highly I value these lands and the reasons for my opinions-generally-You have now a better evidence of my opinion by my proposal to participate equally with you in the purchase- but one thing I will now explain that I tjid not state to you altho. it was then known to me viz. that there has been an extension of time of 6 years granted to Jno. Chas. Beales 2 of Mexico who is the lawful representative of Exeters heirs- to colonize the first grant to Exter and Wilson 2 which grant you will see expired by limitation on 27 Ult and might have been lost if the time had not been extended by the Government of Coahuila and Texas. .The original grantees being both dead- Beales has obtained the grant in his own name but for the Arkansas & Texas Land Co he having agreed originally with the Co to do so if he could- This extension of time adds greatly to the value of that grant as it gives six years to avail of all changes that may occur in favor of the grantees.- Altho this grant is far north and west yet the· climate and soil is better adapted to the habits and constitutions of Europeans and north- ern men than the more southern grants.-While on the subject of the grants let me urge the importance of your purchasing all you can of the Leftwich Grant- and for ourselves only as we may jointly do something with it under favorable circumstances notwithstanding. It is totally lost to its former owners-My son is here and am pleased to state that he has good hopes and expectations that the Secy of Viar will aid his views.-I had the pleasure of an interview with Govr. Cass who appeared friendly to my son- If you should have convenient opportunity to make favorable mention of him to Gov. Cass it may serve my son as

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