Stephen F Austin to Elias R Wightman, 10-14-1830
Summary: Instructions for surveying. A
you can survey a quarter for G. W. Cock on a Post oak Bayou west of Trespalacios—not to cross any tide or large creek—be attentive to that rule
If any creek is crossed the tract must be narrower than long, and the narrowest front must be on the creek, that is that tract can neither be run square or oblong up and down the creek for if it crosses it will have two fronts one on each side, you must use your discretion as to crossing the creek, so as not to spoil another tract
S. F. Austin [Rubric]