Aylett C. Buckner to Stephen F. Austin, 04-20-1825


Summary: Thinks Austin is treating him unfairly in distribution of land. Recites his claims and makes a strong case.


Colorado 20th April 1825

Dr Sir,

The lands I made choice of was never taken by any person previous to my locations one of which I have been informed you have taken from me after having your word which I conceived sufficient I should have one league and a half: I wrote to you to reduce the quantity of my land rather than people should blame you on my account—

Now Sir in 1812 and 1813 I fought for that independence under which we now live Commanded by Guterrez and advanced property for the good of the Expedition; after which I was conserned with Genl Menes [Mina]: after which with Genl Truspilassos and Long and lost considerable property taken by Enatio Paris all of which I believe I can make manifest to the world: In addition I was one of the first men who built a Cabbin on this River, the first man who had a plough stuck in the field I have kept a house ever since I have been settled in your Colony I have never asked the first Cent for a man eating under my Roof and have fed as many and I believe more people than any man in this Colony Yourself not excepted and have not recd the first cent I have lost as much and I believe more property by the depradations of Indians than every other man on this River or perhaps in the Colony with very few exceptions Consequently I consider Myself as Much entitled to be satisfyed as other men ought to be and My impressions were that you would not take away my land even if you did not think proper to give Me what you said you would; but that I might apply to Government for the lands which I located and if I cannot obtain satisfaction from you I shall most certainly loose No time in having recourse to our Government stating all the rights and reasons of my demands—

Now Sir I will appeal to your-self or any candid man whither other men ought to have more land or has a better right to request more than Myself or Not I know no other reasons of their getting better treated except that they have more Money—I have viewed every thing in as fair a light as I could; from report I know that sum men get half a league and dont pay a cent because the other half is transferred to You or Your Brother I know that lands are unequilly divided I do not considder Myself a perfect simpleton neither am I blind My Eyes are open and I look and watch with vigilence: My demands are small compared to what the demands of others are and in as Much as My sufferings have been great and in the hight of friendship I hope you will grant them which are My two locations I have previously Made if You refuse granting that which I think the Government will generously bestow on me I shall apply to that authority which governs us both for so much as I think in justice I am lacking—

As I shall have Company in a short time to go with and the means of going I wish you to give me a positive and speedy answer so that I May know what to do

Yours Eespectfully

A. C. Buckner.