The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 53, July 1949 - April, 1950 Page: 67
538 p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Notes and Documents
men here as can be found anywhere. The land and resources of this
country will certainly make a good population in a few years. Money
is scarcer here in this country than I ever saw it in Tennessee.
A great deal of emigration is now flowing into this country. Some
five hundred families have moved into this country, they will make
money plentus but provisions have become very scarce. indeed it will
be almost impossible to get corn however flower and all kinds of
provisions can be bought up the river. My boarding which is good
for the country costs me eleven dollars a month.
The prices for tailoring are as follows for a dress cloth coat or over
coat $12.00 Janes coat $6.00o a vest $2.50 a pair of pants $2.50 &c &c
in proportion. You can get plenty of work here at the above prices
for which it will be almost impossible to get money but you can get
trade or provisions. Houserent would not be dear boarding as cheap
as in Tennessee. Money is worth more in Texas than anywhere in the
U States. Capital be it much or little could be better invested would
yield more profit, everyone coming to Texas would do much better
to bring some money with them. It is true they can and a great many
of the immigrants get along without it but the want of money is felt
more here than any place I have ever been. In my former letters I
have described the face of the country, the scarcity of water &c. The
above is fair and candid description of the country as I can give you
& of the prices &c. If you should think of coming to Texas let me
know so that I may make arrangements for you by getting a house
and anything else I can do for you I will do willingly. I would not
on any account deceive you with regard to the country or prospects.
I would like much for you to come but do just what you think best.
I have high hopes that you and Sister will do well anywhere.
The presidential election is now over but I have heard nothing
from it. I feel a deep interest in Polks election. [Torn] wrote me
Illinois or the place where you live is so sickly I cannot think it so
sickly L [torn] as you represent. Were I sick I would prefer middle
Tenn to any other place but my intention is to make a fortune before
I leave [torn] perhaps the grave will close over me before I [torn]
accomplish it. I shall use every exertion consist [torn] with my deep
fixed principles of right to succeed.
My ambition is to be a useful wise and happy man. Be sure to
write me soon about your letters to Fort Lawson. Cotton is very low
barely worth picking out. A great many emigrants here from Illinois.
Most of their wagons have on them Polk & Dallas & Texas & Oregon.
I have received no letters lately from home I am uneasy to hear. You
write me of your little Mary Elizabeth and give it my love and accept
my wishes for your happiness and prosperity now and forever. Write
immediately
Affectionately
R K CLARK
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 53, July 1949 - April, 1950, periodical, 1950; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101126/m1/85/?rotate=270: accessed March 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.