Matagorda June the 18—1831

Dear Sir after my respects to you although an entire stranger I have moved along way into your Colony from Kentucky by Land by the way of the Missouru State and not being pleased with that country I made my way with a wife and Eight Children six sons and two daughters I made applycation at Mr. Williams office for League no 10 on the west of the Colorado Mr Wightman at that time thought it was vacant but it was entered to Mr Norton Sir if you can with any Degree of propriety Let me have the League of Land no 11 on the West of the Colorado although it was reserved by you for a Governmental town Mr Wightman thinks you mentioned to him as the Government had selected a Cite on the Labaca and at Galveston for their towns that the four reserved Leagues at the mouth of this river might be Entered, I mentioned this to Mr Williams your Secretary Mr Williams thought perhaps you might consent for me to have no 11 as you Could attach another League adjoining to No 12- 13- and 14 and Let me have League no 11 and Mr Williams Entered my name and League so it Stands for you to approve or reject and as I have Bought Some town lots in this place and will settle Here it would suit me well as I Could git timber from that by water. My trade is that of a Blacksmith and I will also observe I am not wealthy but can say to you I Came to this Country Clear of anything Debt or Bad fame and I have sold a waggon I brought with me and am prepared to pay in to your office the first installment besides settling the surveyors fees and you will much oblige me and not disoblige yourself by Letting me have the League and my settling in this country will be no disadvantage for If I am pleased with this Country a Good many more Good Citizens will emigrate from Kentucky you will be good enough to write me an answer by some safe hand so I will know what Course to pursue If I Cannot be accomodated with that League I Expect to go into Dewits Colony to be Suited in a League

John T. Criswell.

[Addressed:] Coln Stephen F Austen San Philip Texas favour by Mr Wightman