State of Louisiana Parish of Nachatoches 13th Septr 1822

Dear Sir

permit me to address a few lines to you to inform you that I and family is well at present - We have had severall reports respecting you since you have left St Antonio some was that you were Drowned others killed by Indians and some affirmed that you were actually dead all of which I have endeavoured to silence as soon as possible I haveing heard better by some fiew who wished to tell the truth - the emigration is considerably stoped to that country for the present in consiquence of the badness of the crops on the Brazos and Colorado Rivers still there appears to be a considerable number who wishes to go on -

A great many is very anxious to know the system of government which now exists and whether slavery is abolished or not a good many appear to wish that it may be a free country from slavery others in favour of slavery I wish you to forward me a fiew lines as soon as possible with as generall a sketch of the existing government as possable -

the bearers of these lines is from all appearance both gentlemen of respectablety and candar and if they should need any of your interference I think them worthy of your attention -

Hugh McGuffin

To Mr S. F. Austin