John Austin to Stephen F Austin, 11-01-1830


Summary: Concerning settlement of James Austin's estate


[November 1, 1830.]

Dr. Sir

Herewith I send the papers of H. Austin Should Sent them before but had no safe conveyance that I could rely upon their being handed you, enclosed I also send the list of appraisment of the property at the Gin I have sold some of the Stock at the appraised value and think it best to sell all the stock as it has not increased in value since it was put there and unless a sufficient number could be put there to make it an object for the person attending to devote his whole time the stock will not do well Harris wished to give up the place I settled with him according to the contract W. D. C. Hall wishes to live at that place and will take a lease of it for a number of years and as the land belongs to a minor I would advise you to let Mr Hall have it for a certain number of years and for the rent to leave a certain improvement and in good order by so doing the place will be Kept in good order without Expence and will become every day more valuable, I advised Mr Hall to write you and make his terms to you I think that much the best plan for if the place should be hired from year to year those who have it will not take care of the fence Buildings etc which would go to wreck and then the whole or more rent would be expended in repairing. The buildings are good the Gin house is sound with the exception of some of the posts on which it stands not much work to replace them Mr Hall wishes it to Keep stock at and for a summer residence he will agree to plant fruit trees and to leave good buildings on the place and in good repair, if the proposition made by him suit you I think it much the best plan he will write and make proposals to you I will send you the Sugar the first opportunity there is no flour in the place, I will come up in a short time any thing that you may want If to be got here I will send it by having notice that you want it

John Austin [Rubric]

Have not yet heard of the Steam Boat crossing the Bar the Capt. is rather timid would it not be well to let Henry Smith have the land at the Prairie you can esily keep others from troubling you by putting 5 dollars pr acre price Smith is poor and a good steady man has always been on the right side of the Question he is not in a situation to go on his League at this time I have not said any thing to him about your instructions concerning the land and do not wish to influence you to let him have the land if you think it an injury to you

J. A.

Since writing the above Mr Jesse Thompson has made aplication for the Gin Place will agree to take it and in five years leave the improvements with 100 Dollars more than at this time I think best to let him have it for in that time it will rent well, please let me know your wish on the Subject by the first opportunity

[Addressed:] Col. Stephen F. Austin San Felipe Mr. Borden