New Orleans 20. Octo: 1836.

Dear Sir,

The moment I received your letter on the subject of the Lands in Texas belonging to the Estate of our deceased friend Hawkins, I enclosed it to S Smith Nicholas Esq. of Louisville; as the only person who seems to take any interest in the affairs of the family—and I hope he will not neglect to act promptly on your suggestions in relation there to—. This you must be assured is most interesting to me, as the Texas lands is the only resource from which I can ever expect to recover a large Debt due me by that Estate—

Have you any knowledge of the slaves John Botts had in Texas in the [year] 1823, and in whose name the title thereof stood— There is no doubt in the minds of all who knew the parties that the slaves were the bone fide property of Jos: H. Hawkins, but Botts has sold them and pocketed the money, which he refuses to account for to the Heirs or any body else— If you should know from Botts himself or any other person (Except the Heirs) that the slaves, between 30 and 40. were the property of Hawkins please communicate it to myself or Judge Nicholas at Louisville for we are determined to compell the fellow to disgorge his ill begotten means if possible— Hoping you have entirely recovered from your late attack I remain

Nath: Cox

Col. S. F. Austin Brasoria Texas