Ben R Milam to Stephen F Austin, 01-26-1832


Summary: Introducing David Roberts, visiting Texas to reclaim certain negroes abducted from Arkansas.


Washington Hempstead County Arkansas Territory January 26th 1832

To Col Stephen F. Austin

Dear Sir This letter will be handed you by Mr. David Roberts of this county whom permit me to introduce to your acquaintance. He visits your colony in quest of some negro property which has been fraudulently conveyed there, by Morris May, Jacob and John Buzzard of this Territory. The properly is also claimed by one Andrew Pawley who I am informed is now in your colony. The property doubtless belongs to Polly Williamson who holds the same under the will of her late husband Robert Williamson who died in the county of Carrol in the state of Georgia, The title of May Buzzard and Pawley was brought before the court having jurisdiction of the matter in the county of La Fayette in this Territory, the investigation of which exposed the most villanous scene of fraud I have ever witnessed. May and Buzzard by an order of one of the judges here, were injoined for a time from removing the negroes from the Territory, but another judge who held the court after- wards who to say the least acted most unwarrantedly, dissolved the injunction, and the negroes were conveyed into Texas, before the agents of Mrs. Williamson, who arrived in court a few hours after the injunction was dissolved could have them detained. Your friendly interposition in behalf of the widow whom Mr. Roberts represents under a letter of Attorney will confer a personal favor on me, further the ends of Justice and protect the rights of the widow and the fatherless. Mr. Roberts in behalf of the widow will apply to the Judicial tribunals of your colony, to have her right to the property Judicially determined, he informs me that he will be compelled to ask a postponement of the trial to such time as the widow can procure such testimony from Georgia as shall be required by the court. Mr Roberts is a Gentleman of truth and honesty and you can rely with the utmost confidence on any and all of his representations. Any advice or assistance that Mr Roberts shall require you will confer an additional obligation by affording to him

Ben R. Milam