The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 40, July 1936 - April, 1937 Page: 52

Southwestern Historical Quarterly

we have had plenty of grass for our horses and what cattle we
brought, though our horses got pore but are now recriting-there
was much talk of war with Mexico and the Indians before we
left Illonois and on the way but when we came here it cest except
the indians they continue to infest the country not so particu-
larly to kill but to steal horses-(and it is said and perhaps
true) that they are the most efficient hands for what that can
be found in North America though the greatest cowards Known-
however they have not got any of ours yet-we have brought our
bread from the red river the distance of perhaps 10 miles we
got it at 75 cts per bushel and have generally enough to do us
pork has sold from 3 to 4 cts per lb beef where cattle is plenty
at 11 cts we bought one near this place some days since at 2 cts
it was a 3 yr. old and weighs 600 lb was as good as I ever saw
but I have not said as yet (you may say) how I like the country-
to that I can answer although I would wish it could have some
properties it has not, yet as it is it suits me better than any other I
every saw speak of the waters of the Trinity River the water the
land an prospect for Health for three of the best properties that
I have seen united in any Country and there is . . . sufficient,
if wisely used, to supply . . . one thing were just naming there
has not been one of us that has had a bad cold nor cough since
we come nor have I seen the like in others I want you and others
that may perchance take it in head to move to this country to
prepare as well as possible have good horses waggons and harness
and try to have double the money that you think would answer
and dont stay too long in St. Louis from St. Louis take the Road
to Springfield Missouri thence cross the Red River near the upper
settlement of the same thence to Dallas the forks of the Trinity
thence to ten mile or the Green-Settlement if you should write
direct your letters to Rawlins or ten miles near Dallas I shall
hope to hear from you as soon as you can hear when I have
stopt it has been frequently said in Illonois the inhabitants thereof
a more friendly intelligent people than I find here it is in vain
for me to under take to write all that I would wish and shall .. .
subscribing ourselves yours in affection
R. & Milley Rawlins
The letter which Rawlins' daughter, Milly (Mrs. Day's mother)
wrote fails to reveal enthusiasm and satisfaction. There is in it
a note of loneliness and a longing for her young friends in Illinois.
Her letter follows:
March the 7th 1845
Robertson County
Republic of Texas
Dear brother and sister Kind moments afford me an opportunity
of writing to you to let you know that we are enjoying the same