Columbia Texas: Decr. 7. 1836

My Dear Sir:

Permit me as briefly as may be—to submit to you the following Circumstances and facts relative to the Emigration of Myself and family and little Colony to Texas—To Wit,

1.—Before we left N. York, I occupied nearly 2 years in diligent exertions for the benefit of Texas:—1st. In publishing, in various News Papers all the valuable information which had ever appeared on the subject, with many original communications: which, and with a variety of incidental Expenses, in reference to my families, cost me more than $200.

2.—I have been the direct Agent of sending here at least 20 Volunteers— probably more.-

3.—Also, 20, or 25 Families; besides those (15) last which I brought with me.-

4. We should all have been in Texas by the 1st. of April, last;—but for the unavoidable Delays; etc, on account of the unsettled state of the Country, having been advised to remain etc—

5.—We have all—generally—suffered most severely from Sickness, and from want of employment Sufficient to sustain ourselves:—so that,—

6.—Of our whole Number, 5 have Died (viz 2 children and 3 men, Heads of Families; 2 of whom left Widows with Children.) 1. Mrs. Kent, (a most valuable young family:)—has no children. (What can be done for her?)

7.—Hence, in sustaining myself and family, and Colonists, during our long detention my Expenses have exceeded $1.800-

8.—Nevertheless, the remains of my Colony—together with my own Family I shall be able to bring into Texas, immediately;—that is, as soon as I can go and return from New Orleans; they all being prepared on the shortest notice: Provided, I can now ascertain where to locate them.

9. as soon as I can bring into Texas those of my Colony who are now in and about N: Orleans, I can, If necessary—Very soon make up the Number who have been removed by Death &c as follows:—2 families now in Texas, living near Nacogdoches; and have been there for some time, awaiting our Location in order to join us; who did not, originally, belong to my present Colony; and whom I sent on nearly 1 year ago:—and 21y— at least 100 Families of good character, enterprising, and of property sufficient to bear their own Expenses here, and also, to buy their own Land, residing in the Western parts of New York, who are ready and anxious to join us in Texas; and, who will do so, the moment I notify them that we have settled here, and are pleased with the Country:— (This is—however, much too small an estimate:)

10.—The "General Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, of the Church in the U States", have already made Texas a Missionary Station, with a view to my own appointment as their Missionary: and which they have likewise Resolved to do, as soon as I shall be Located in the Country and actually engaged in my Professional duties.

11.—Therefore, our immediate Settlement in Texas, is all-important— in regard to the interests and welfare—of my self and family; and, indeed a failure to do so,—after our severe trials and great Expenses—would be direct and total ruin to us all!

12.—Finally—notwithstanding the above facts and circumstances—[if] I have, thus far, been of any valuable service to Texas,—I rejoice; and I shall still be happy to render her any benefit in my power; either Professionally or otherwise; looking for no other reward, than to be allowed to Locate my own family and the other families with me, agreeably to the Terms of my Original Contract with you of Nov. 28, 1833.

13.—The whole Expense, which I have incurred in regard to my Colony, up to the present time, exceeds $4,500.

14. Finally; let me entreat you—(such is the divided state of public opinion here:—so many different & conflicting interests and, so numerous, unreasonable, and contradictory are the Interpretations given—even by our Legislators—to the Colonization Laws,—Let me entreat you, respectfully and most earnestly, to explain to me the real facts and circumstances of the case, regarding the Location of my own, and the Families with me, agreeably to those Laws, in the 1st. place; and 21y—What you, yourself, will be able to do for us,—if anything: Lastly: what I had best do situated as I now am?____________&c &c—I am Dr Sir, with great Respect,

R. Salmon

[Addressed:] To Whom it May Concern Genl. Austin....Texas