Walter Turnbull to Stephen F Austin, 10-13-1831


Summary: Depression in United States. Slave insurrections in Virginia and North Carolina.


Pinckney Ville 13. Oct. 1831

My dear Sir;

When I parted with you, I believe I informed you that my family would be in Texas in December or January, but since my return home, I find it will be impossible for me to do so, I will not be able to remove them before April or May, I shall however be in Texas with my property in December, when I shall make a location and commence erecting Cabins etc. the object of making this communication is a desire on my part not to deceive you as to the time I shall have my family in the Colony. This letter will be handed you by Doct. Phelps who sets out on Sunday next for San Felippe de Austin and will be followed in the course of the winter by his family, who owing to the unusual unhealthiness of this and Louisiana consider it unsafe to attempt to travel before winter— This whole country has been visited with a dreadful Gale of Wind and a great deal of rain which has cut the crops of Cotton and sugar off more than one half and I have no doubt there are a great many plantations that will not make more than expences— In Virginia and North Carolina they have had an insurrection of the negroes, who before their progress were stopped butchered 70 or 80 persons, say men women and children spareing neither age nor sex— Serious apprehensions are entertained of an Insurrection of the blacks in this state and Louisiana particularly in the latter state, the people are on the qui vive patroles are moving at all hours and I think it impractable, even should they make the attempt to do much mischief

I have not seen a well day since I left Texas, I have had an attack of Jaundice,—I have taken the liberty of sending you by Doct, Phelps a few late News papers

Walter Turnbul

[Addressed:] Colonel Stephen F Austin San Felippe de Austin Texas Favd. by doct. Phelps