David G Burnet to Stephen F Austin, 05-04-1829


Summary: Robert Owen's plans for a socialistic colony in Texas. General interest in Texas.


Cincinnati 4 May 1829

My dear Sir

I have for several days anticipated the present opportunity with a full intention of writing copiously to my Texas friends— but the person by whom I send to Natchitoches sets out in the morning Some days earlier than he expected when I last saw him— My time is so short (for it is now 10 ociock p. m.) that I should let the conveyance pass by altogether were it not for my desire to transmit to you the inclosed very queer document—The author with whose character I presume you are familiar? is now here-—he has Called on me twice and seems to be deeply interested in Texas and perfectly confident of the practicability of his Utopian Social System, and its peculiar adaptation to the condition or rather the "circumstances" of our beautiful country— He appears to be influenced by a sincere benevolence—but while I am willing to beleive he is an honest philanthropist, I am constrained to think him a misguided and infatuated visionary— He leaves here in a few days for England, goes from thence to Colombia, to enlighten the Liberator and from thence he returns to Mexico to compleat his arrangements with that Government, and when that shall be accomplished, he proposes to pass over land to Texas.

Genl Wavill with his family has been here about two weeks— his wife, a very amiable English Lady presented him with a fine little daughter this day a week ago. He will leave in about 10 days and after visiting some of the eastern cities will proceed to England where he expects to remain some time— I have found him an intelligent gentlemanly man— I expect Milam here in a few days and as I am informed, it is probable Peck will be with him—we shall have quite a coterie of Coahuilatexanos

I have no news of any peculiar interest. If I can have time in the morning I'll put [up] a packet of papers for you. I regret very much being so taken by surprise on this occassion but when I recollect that no one in Texas has thought it worth while to write to me, it seems as if I might be compromitting myself by multiplying my unreciprocated communications— I have sent many letters and many newspapers since the waters rose and have not received an acknowledgment of either—but I will not do so much discredit to the frankness of others as to believe that any other motive will be attributed to me than the true one, a desire to confer gratification on those whom I esteem— Remember me very affectionately to all friends Williams, Brown, League, Nuckols etc etc and to Mrs Long and the Ladies generally—

May God bless and preserve and prosper you—

David G Burnet [Rubric]

Col Austin