Texas, Austin's Colony, April 9th 1831

Dr Sir,

I am sorry to be compelled to trouble you with a few lines, but necessity forces me to do it, I arrived with my own, and eight more families, on the 2nd Inst, at Harrisburgh, at which place I learned that, the families I had brought out Last fall were ordered below the St Antonio road, and that they had all moved down, the most of them to Mr. Milligan's, I immediately went to St Phillippi, to know the particulars, while there, an order arrived, that all the families, and myself, should return, to the U. S. I at first concluded to go immediately, but all with whom I convers'd, at St Phillippi advised me to wait, and pe[ti]tion for priviledge to remain in this colony, and become a settler here, I have arranged all my business in the U. S. and came with view to become a permanent residentor in this country, and have sacrificed much, and underwent a great deal of fatigue, and trouble, to get here, if we have to return, it will break us all prety well.

I anticipated no such difficulties, or I never should have engaged in the business, but remain'd where I was well settled in Tennessee.

As I believe it is in your power to do more with the government, and with Genl Teran, than any one else, and believing that you are dispos'd to be friendly toward us, I now take the liberty to request you, to intercede for us in any way your discretion, may point out, and that as soon as you can, for I will not be able to know what to do until I hear from you. If I am obliged to return the sooner I know it the better, or if I am permitted to remain, I wish to be trying to settle myself, if I can remain, I wish to settle in the uper part of your colony.

Any attention paid to my situation by you, will be greatfully acknowledged, now is the time, sir, for you to do me, perhaps a greater kindness, than you may ever have an opportunity to do me again.

Alexr Thomson

N. B. until I hear my destiny, I expect to recide in the settlement of Mr Milligan.

[Addressed:] Colo S. F. Austin, Diputado Leona Vicario. Att of Majr Reynolds