David G Burnet to Stephen F Austin, 03-10-1829


Summary: Recent political unrest in Mexico has deterred many from emigrating to Texas. Comments on Jackson's Cabinet,


Cincinnati 10 Mch 1829

My Dear Sir

It is not long since I availed myself of an opportunity presented by a friend going direct to Natchitoches to Send Several packets of letters and newspapers to Texas— Knowing as I do by experience the great zest with which new[s] papers are received in those secluded regions, I take an other favourble opportunity of transmitting a batch of them by the way of Orleans

Since my last communication nothing of much interest has transpired in relation to the prospects of emigration— the panic occasioned by the late change in Mexico has I fear effectually deterred many from venturing upon the untried Scenes of a new Country— a want of confidence in the Stability of the government is an objection difficult to surmount, and with the testimony lately presented to the public mind it is next to impossible to remove the distrust.

I calculated with much certainty upon a very respectable company forming in this state to go to my Colony, and although they have not definitely abandoned the project, I entertain serious apprehensions that they will do so I shall remain here longer than I have heretofore contemplated in the hope that something may still be done—that I may at least get one good stool pigeon for to return without, would be to have come for nothing—

The most momentous political event that has transpired of late is the appointment of the new Cabinet Ministers—the selection has proven an almost universal disappointment, and a very general and a high degree of disgust even among the partizans of the new President— Old Firginy is quite in the dumps, she hasn't even a little finger in the pie—her Jackson zeal is cooling as fast as if it had been immersed in ice water, and I doubt not she will soon repent of her folly—The Cabinet is unquestionably, by large odds—the weakest and most inefficient that this government has ever witnessed-—-Van Buren is artful, intriguing and by no means conscious bound—his political experience is limited—he had principally figured in the State politics of New York where he was the invariable and inveterate opponent of DeWitt Clinton and his policy which has contributed so much to the aggrandisment of that State—He and Calhoun, who it is understood will be brought in to the privy council, will be like two dogs at a bone, pulling different ways and ever and anon, growling at each other—they are decidedly hostile and mutually jealous—both look to the succession and both I trust will be disappointed—Calhoun has more talents than the whole Cabinet the old Chief included, and no one doubts but he will give tone to the whole administrationJackson's deplorable incompetency will soon be developed so that he who runs may read—Ingham is a second rate man in all things but party zeal, and many beleive he has an " itching palm "—Branch the North Carolinian is perhaps worthy of his State, famed for pitch and sweet potatoes—Eaton is probably the most obnoxious of the whole tribe—his late matrimonial connection has rendered his appointment peculiarly odious to the petticoat politicians of the Capital—his Spouse late the widow Timberleck is notoriously considered of bad fame at Washington where she was reared These political notions are not merely my own, for you will readily imagine that I take little active interest in the strifes of this Country—being a Coahuilatexanian I do not feel authorised to meddle with public matters here, but I cannot help seeing and hearing and drawing inferences—If friend League should see this let him put on his very best humor before it is presented to him-—-

Remember me very Sincerely to all friends, Williams, Brown etc. etc. In great haste

Col Austin David G. Burnet