State of Louisiana

Parrish of Natchitoches Allen's Settlement

24th March 1822

Judge Austin

Sir I must troble you with a few lines without having the pleasure of a personal acquainta[n]ce with you—

I am one of the first men who made A Settlement on the Collarado, I have built a cabbin made some other improvements planted a gardian etc which agreeable to your termes I concidered would be respected as an actual settler until the firs Day of January next provided I am on it with my family by that time.

Some men in this Country have asserted that I have Declined moving to the Country, which is not the Case I intend to move as soon as I Can and incourage the immegration all I Can and Do Justice to my self, now sir if my Claime will be good to the place that I have improved on the Collarado if you will be so good as to write me a line you will oblige me very much-

mine is the first improved place on the Collarado I improved it on the 22nd Day of Decem 1821 you will be kind anough to send me one of your Printed permissions by Mr. Rogers Mr Mcartey Judge Cummins or any safe hand you will much oblige me You may return me as an actual settler to the Government I have a Wife and eight Children four sons and four Daughters—-

Martin Allen [Rubric]