Colombia Oct. 22d- 1836

(Copy)

Hon. S. H. Everett Chairman of the Com. of the senate on pub. lands

Sir,

I have just recd. your official note dated yesterday, informing me of the resolution of the senate, requesting all Empresarios to make a report of their contracts of colonization, proceedings under them etc etc.

Believing that it was my duty to make a report of the character required by the senate, I should have done so, at the meeting of congress, without waiting for a special call, but the absence of all the land records and papers, and my own absence from Texas on public service, most of the time since 1833, rendered it impossible.

Dr Peebles, who had charge of the land records during the invation, has now gone to bring them to this place, and the report called for will be presented as soon as it can be made out—

I must observe that this report will necessarily embrace every thing connected with colonization, so far as I have been concerned, and will comprehend a period of about fifteen years. It therefore will require great labor and much time to complete it. My ill health I fear will cause some delay, I however assure you that every effort will be made on my part to finish it as soon as possible, and in the mean time any information in my power to give to the committee will be cheerfully afforded

I have the honor to remain your most obt

S. F. Austin