Robert Andrews to Stephen F. Austin, 11-03-1821


Summary: Emigration promised from southern Arkansas.


[Mou]nt Prairie [Arkansas] Nov 3d 1821

Dear Sir

I have frequently recd letters from you in the course of the summer, but in consequence of your continually mooving situation I defered answering untill now, on the 27th- Oct. on my arival from the Legislature I recd yrs of 10th Inst, written at Natchitoches, in which you requested that I go on and join Mr Bell and proceed on to survey for the settlers—this, be assured sir, I will attend to as promptly as my circumstances and present situation will permit—it is with extacy that myself and many other friends of yours hear of your success so far, and see the vastly flattering prospects ahead in colonizing with enlightened and respectable citizens—that vast Spanish wilderness hitherto almost unobserved and unknown—In two weeks from this time Jas. Clark and myself with several other mechanics etc. will set out for St Antonio to which place we will make all possible speed, and if I can learn where you will land or where you design laying off a Town I will proceed immediately to the spot if nothing more important prevents having finished my functions as a representative of the people I am perfectly at liberty to undertake in any enterprize—and was extremely happy to find such demands for me in your country I shall go on prepared with Instruments for 2 companies of surveyors to work, I said I defered answering until now, I forgot I wrote by Col. . . [torn] who is now on a visit to Texas, but I have learned that he unfortunately did not meet with you The Spanish Country is all the rage in the southern end of the Territory and if I could wait 2 months I have no doubt that my company would consist of 50 persons, most of whom would intend making corn before their return If no interruption in government takes place, a great many of the most respectable farmers in this country will certainly moove immediately on to your grant. I with the rest of your friends will do all we can to forward emmigration. I shall take on some medicines and wish you to buy Thomas's practice if convenient and take it on for me, we will attend to having your Trunk and books sent on which is at Vaughn's under some little imbarrisment. It is not necessary to write much at present suffice it to say that between the 10th and 15th of Decr I will be at St Antonio and on the 25th could be at the coast if necessary—I write now in order to let you know that I will certainly be in your country that you may know how to make any arangements that may depend on me—I wish to get imploy if any there is both for myself and some other young men who will go on with me—We will meet if God . . . [permits]. [I will then] have a full opportunity [of talking to you] on matters of moment [Permit me] to present the good wishes of a large [Majori?]ty of our county—also those with deep sencerity of

R. Andrews [Rubric]

[Addressed:] Hon. Stephen F Austin Esqr Late of Arkansas, now at New Orleans