The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 70, July 1966 - April, 1967 Page: 471

Notes and Documents

than he has merchandising since he has been in Texas. I presume
he now has $2o.ooo due him besides his land which is worth at least
$lo.ooo. He is now a member of the senate of Texas & is quite
popular as a man, who is ready & willing to fight for his country
at any moment--enough said about him. Jno. R Jones is living
on Sayers place 1-1/2 miles above Bells landing and is making a
very good crop this year. Mr Perry is now recovering from a severe
attack of fever, the rest of the family are all well or at least were
when I heard from them the other day. Mr Perry will make 1/2
crop this year only. Uncle Stephen has been in bad health ever since
he returned from the U. S. he is however in tolerable health at
this time.21
If you receive this before you start to Washington county, please
say to my old school mates and friends I wish them good health a
speedy construction of rail roads &c all through their country; but
I do say that nothing-all the rail roads, turnpikes, can make mis-
souri such a country as Texas will be when our independence is
acknowledged by the U. S. or we are annexed to that Government,
which I hope will be the case before the 4th of March next.22
I am glad to hear you have escaped through the sickness which
has prevailed in your country and I am rejoiced to here that you
are so well pleased with your change in life,23 and further I do sin-
cerly hope you have or will have an heir, and that a boy before
many years pass off who will contribute to your happiness in this
world of trial.
I will send your letter down to Mr. Perry who will write you
and let you know his views of matters and things in this country
and also about acts. &c. Our congress is getting on very harmoni-
ously and I hope good will result to Texas from their deliberations.
My paper is giving out so good by for the present, and write me
when you have leisure and I will do the same to you. Remember me
to your lady and accept for yourself the best wishes of your friend
in Texas.
M. Austin Bryan
21Austin died on December 27, 1836.
"2His reference was to the end of President Andrew Jackson's term in office.
"Hunter married Amanda Watson, apparently the "Verginia girl" that Bryan
mentioned in an earlier letter.

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