John P. Coles to Stephen F. Austin, 11-01-1824


Summary: Concerning disputes among the colonists about the amount of land granted them. Groce.


November 1st—1824

Dear Sir

I Recd yours of the 25th Octobr. and noticed its contents— I hope that you will have fortitude Enough to doo what you think Right, and pay no attention to the whims of the people I doo not consider that any man has a Right to say what quantity of Land the other shall have or what difference shall be made in the distribution of Lands among the different settlers but yourself and pay no attention to them but pursue a corse of Equity and Justice and that to be governed by your Own Impartial feelings— as to Grroce I saw him a few days previous to geting your letter and conversed with him on the subject of his Land he stated to me that he did not want Sims to Run his Lands untill he saw you was the only Reason he had in writing to Sims however I can Explain to you agreeable to you Request what he wishes, he want[s] the 2 corner made by christman on the River to stand and to Run out 10 Thousand Bares or to begin at his upper corner on the Run made by christman and Run East. 10 Thousand Bares South 10000 Bares and so on making Ten Thousand Bares square though you know Groce If you were to give him Twenty Leagues he would want forty he is Two averisious he is I know unreasonably so I presume If you could make the alteration as he now wishes there would be no further Trouble with him though I think it due to your feelings from his conduct to inforce the Order of Survey as you have already made the plan however in that case I would not advise but leave you to be governed by your Own feelings and good Judgement Avoid difficulty If possible.

Jno P Coles [Rubric]

[Addressed:] S. F. Austin Political chief and Judge of the Colony