Antoine Soulard to Moses Austin, 05-01-1800
Summary: Concerning survey of Austin's grant. Advises compromise to save difficulty.
St Louis
Sir
I just this moment received your favor of the
My going down to the mines Should'nt have been [A third of the page is here torn away] has brought envy upon you Some would perhaps See you out of the Country Distroy the unjust Cabal risen against you Sacrifice Something to be Definitively put in possession of the Square League which has been Granted to you at the mines you are established upon it and your Situation will become every Day more interesting the More there will be people and the better you will be yourself a french proverb Says that flys are not Caught with Vinegar Kindness with people with whom you Live if you mean to Do one Day as you please Speak to Day as they Do Speak Bad people Can nether take off from you the Superiority of your talents nor your industry Sacrifices I say it again establish yourself in a Solid manner expect every thing from your perseverance and time
Unless I receive Some particular orders from the Lieut Governor I shall set off agreably to your letter just after the Departure of Mr. robidoux's Boat—try before that to write to me whether you have made the agreements with the Gentlemen and in the Contrary [torn as on preceding page.] . . . terminate nothing.
I never Doubted your Delicacy and Do think that you will act with me as I have a right to expect a word from you before my Leaving this would have saved trouble to me and to you expenses without profit and do every thing to prevent the Same Inconveniences for this time