it about, I would in that case stand foremost among the candidates for its


government. But should war ensue, & an attempt made to gain its indepen-


dence by arms, the country would be ruined, the disorders reign then


for years, & we all die before we can realise [sic] any thing from our


large expenditure. Mr Jno Chs Beales empressario, is there some


where on our track on the Nueces, but we cannot get a line from


him. This puts us much back, as we know not what to do for want


of information. It was my intintion [sic] to have gone about this time to


my old District in NC to have raised a party of settlers & sent


on but I cannot stir from his six months silence. His lady &


children are here but can get no tidings from him. If you can


send him word how much distress & injury his unaccountable


silence occasions you will do us a great favour. Should you


travel this way part of our two Comps lands, or gain any infor-


mation regarding them & the best quarters for locations, I shall


take it as a great favour to receive the benefit of it. There are fre-


quent opportunities by land & water. I am acquainted with Madm


Zavala who is here, & goes on with a friend of mine from this to


Galveston; where she hopes to meet her husband. Pray act only on


the defensive, but if you are invaded, our companies will both [be]


sympathetic in your cause and make it our own as far as


our absence will admit, I mean by good wishes, contributions in money


& stores & in fact every way we can. Should you declare inde-


pendence I hope the past rights of our companies will be acknowledged


& all facilities afforded for the settlement & sale of our lands.

Before I conclude, I must beg of you to beware of


Mr Hotchkiss, who I have reason to know, is much incensed against


you