Gin Place 4th August 1831

Col. S. F. Austin

Dr Sir. I received your favour of the 1st Inst by Mr Hunter, I am truely sorry I could not obtain the Clear Creek tract. I am a stranger in the country and my health has been and still remains so bad I have had no oppertunity of travling to make a Selection- even one or two rides to Brazoria has weakened me in such a manner I have been compeld to take two days to it. Mr Hunter informs me that Major Douglass has made an Entry of my Negroes in your office as his property— Now fair, I wish to prove to you that I am, and know, I shall always remain above falsehood, I told you the property was mine Enclosed you will receive Vouchers sufficient to satisfy you and every other person that he does not, nor ever did own any part of the property in my possession nor does he own one Dollars worth in the Colony—his statement is gratuitous and false and unauthorized by me—

When the Major went to San Phillipe last March, I asked him to take an Indenture that he was a witness to and prove it before the proper authority in San Phillipe, when he returnd I asked him why he had not done so— he then told me that himself and Mr S. Williams had a misunderstanding—but he did not tell me he had presumed to enter the property as his, and I do hope his imprudent conduct will not be suffered to weigh one jot against me—

I also inclose you a letter from Capt- John Austin, and I think I may venture to say (without egotism) that they are few men that have settled in this Colony that have behaved better, and have made more friends in so short a time.

I have been anxious, and nothing but delicate health has presented me from coming to San Phillipe long since, to comply with the terms of the Law, Mr Hall can inform you I have been very sick—but I say again, as soon as my health permits I will come up and do every thing that is necessary to make a Citizen-— Under those considerations I do hope sir you will reconsider my Case and if it is a possible thing give me the Clear Creek tract of land— I assure your sir I remain your very obednt and humble Servant

Sylvester Murphy

NB you will observe the Major acted as agent for me in clearing the Negroes, my health was so bad I could not attend to it, and on the back of the Manifest he acknowledges that fact— S M