Williams, Samuel May to Edward C. Hanrick
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02576 Author/Creator: Williams, Samuel May Place Written: Mobile, Alabama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 July 1834 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 25 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Hanrick was an Alabama speculator in Texas lands. Williams held the lands in trust until colonists from Alabama were to arrive. Docketed on address leaf.
Mobile July 1 1834
Hanrick Esqr
Montgomery
Dear Sir
I am convinced that you like myself will find pleasure, in all things and every thing that relates to the future prosperity and grandeur of Texas and alth.o while with you in Montgomery. I drank deep draughts of delight seeing the deep interest that the inhabitant took in the welfare of Texas. I felt it my duty to restrain my feelings, lest unintentionally I might lead some one into anticipation & that they might not realise.
Yesterday old man Dexter shew me a new Colonization law made by the Legislature of our state. The main feature of it is throwing open the vacant lands of the state for sale at auction to the highest bidder in lots of from [one] Labor the 25th part of a league to Eleven Leagues, and establishes as the minimum price 10$ for each Labor, or 250$ per League exclusion of surveying [inserted: or other title] fees - 1/3 cash 1/3 one year & 1/3 in 2 years. - Foreigners are allowed to purchase under the promise that within one year from the date of purchase they settle in the Country - No one permitted to purchase more than Eleven Leagues. No one will be troubled for their religious or political opinions - but required to be peaceable and quiet Citizens and not distract the public tranquility. [2] (another step you see toward a rational and liberal government.) The Contracts made with Empresarious to be concluded under the old law. I urge Mr. Dexter to have the law published and it will be done, when your friends can better see and judge for themselves. For my own part I hail it as one of the most flattering events that has transpired for Texas
My trip to Orleans continues delayed for the competition of your arrangements. Which I am pleased to observe by yours of 28th June I may took for soon. G. Dobson will go over with me. The price of the negroes is satisfactory -
Will you be kind enough to present to Mrs H Baker my respects and offer to her [inserted: on her arrival in Texas] the little comforts my house and family may afford until her husband may furnish those which will be more agreeable - Do not be surprised at my exertions to procure Lady advocates for Texas. I have found out that the earnest advocations of one Lady is worth all the visionary speculations of half dozen gentlemen. Yet you must say to those Gentlemen who in time visiting Texas that they must not omit to call into action my services and exertions in their behalf. To Mr Wm Sayer, that I recollect with much pleasure the evening passed with him and his family.- To George Whitman, that his kindness and attentions are not mixed with any other regret, than being deprived of an opportunity of becoming acquainted with his wife and children. To Mr. Hyman & his wife that [3] they have the kindest feeling of a man who although from the wilds of Texas duly appreciates the attentions of those whose kind hearts cause them to be open and sincere -To Doctor Brown & the Misses Faulknert, that they must not fail to give me an opportunity of extending to them civilities in Texas. And to all in which include yourself - If they do not come to me - I will serve them as [Mahamet] did the mountain of Mecca when it would not go to him, - why he went to the mountain - so do not be surprised to see me and my troubles with you next spring
With my best wishes for your health and prosperity. I remain with esteem your friend & Servant
Samuel M Williams
P.S.
Since writing the foregoing Nat and myself have been up to Charley's which we took a julep, or in other words he one and two, one weak and one strong well iced and drank them for you.
[docket]
S.M. Williams
July 1 1834
[address leaf]
Edwd Hanrick Esq.
Montgomery
Mail Alabama
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