NICHOLAS CLOPPER TO J. C. CLOPPER. 97
San Jacinto, 9th April 1834. My Dear Son
A Mr. Thompson from New York is now arrived here via N. O and says one of the Gentn who contracted for my point, 98 1600 acres at $2, is coming on prepared to pay and improve it hand-somely.
You ask wheather we have any protestant preaching, and say you are told that all denominations are tolerated. We have never yet had preaching on our section, but there are a few travelling preachers of difft sects, who preach occasionally but it can not yet in a proper sense be said they are tolerated, but the general expectation is that this will be the case. We are not yet organized in a State Govt. on this subject there appears to be more division than was at first apprehended. Colo Austin is not yet returned, he had started from Mexico, and was brot back and retained a prissoner owing to some expressions in a letter written by him to his friend in Texas,— how this Business will terminate we can not tell, the people are divided among themselves and we have many lofty minded men, who are aspirants to Office. Yet upon the whole Texas must flourish in the end. Men of Capitall and enterprise are continually coming out, etc. ... We shall have the new buildings ready soon and land fenced for Corn etc. Doctr P. has built and improved about 10 miles above Capt. Lyndsay is at work on Trinity, but we expect him daily, to assist on our buildings, he talks of going to Kentucky this Season. You will write immediately on Rect of this, as I think June will arrive before we get away. I send much love to Mary and the girls 99 and our friends generally, and particularly to Mr Ludlow and family, Dr. Willson and family, etc Continue to pray for us. And will write soon.
Yr affectionate father N. C. 100
A. M. CLOPPER TO NICHOLAS CLOPPER.
Highland Cottage 2nd. Jany.—1836. Dear Father,
I recieved your letter dated 5th September about a fortnight ago from Doctr. Patrick, who got one at the same time. I was truly glad to hear of your good Health and that of my Brother and Sisters. I wrote to you about the last of Septr. it being the first chance I had by way of Nacogdoches. I hope you have recieved it 'ere this the Country is in such a state at this time that there is no business done; the Texonians have taken Labahia, and march'd from thence to San Antonio. on the 5th. last month they compell'd Genl. Cos to surrender, whose army being 1100 strong, and that of the Americans about 600. we have to regret the loss of one of our bravest Citizens, Col Milam, who was shot in the forehead while passing across the street. Edward Burleson is commander in chief, F. W. Johnson Commanding Col. American loss at San Antonio, about 8 kill'd and several wounded, Mexican loss about 300 kill'd and a good many wounded. John Iiams had been at San Antonio. on his return he told me that Dimmet 101 and one other man was taken near Labahia by the Irish, and put in Irons and sent to Matamoras. a few days ago I mention'd it to G. F. Richardson. he told me it was not true, that Dimmet was now stationed at Labahia for the purpose of keeping it in possession. Col. Morgan has arriven about a fortnight ago with two Schooners laden with Goods, who told me he had reciev'd a letter from you dated in November, that you were in good health which I was glad to hear. he was advised at the Balize not to come here at present as they thought it dangerous that he would be taken by Mexican Cruisers. he then ask'd his men if they would be willing to fight, should they be attack'd. they said they would. he then purchas'd an eighteen Pounder, Muskets, Cutlasses and every thing necessary, and came out in company with the Schooner Pennsylvania and brig Durango 102 bound for the Brazos as far as Galveston. after those two had left them they discover'd a Sail in sight suppos'd to be the Montezuma. she made off and they got in without molestation. his large Vessel call'd the Flash, 103 intends sailing for Orleans in a few days, therefore I embrace the present opportunity of writing by her. the Col. did not bring his family with him, he brought out Governor Zavala's family who live at Singleton's place. Col. Morgan inform'd me that 9 tenths of the United States is with us, that there is about 10000 coming out here in the course of a few months all hot for fighting. sooner than not have a fight that they will go to Mexico. the Americans here intend marching to Matamoras and taking it. I have seen Stephen Richison and he does not appear willing to have the Land referr'd to Arbitrators [He said] that he had once offer'd to do it, and Davis was then displeas'd that he was as that time hard run but he has now got out of his difficulties and does not think it right that he should wait any longer. he told me to let you know. Doctor Patrick told me he thought it a dull chance to get anything done at present, that there is no business doing now, owing to the present state of the Country this Stephen Richison told me also. there is now lying at Galveston an armed Schooner of 12 Guns from Baltimore call'd the Invincible 104 she has come out to protect the coast, and Lynch told me that Col Macomb has gone on to New York to purchase 4 Vessels with arms and ammunition, 6—32 pounders 4—twelve pounders and some 6 pounders for the protection of the coast they intend fortifying Galveston this spring. I inform'd you in my last latter of the failure of our crop owing to the ants and worms and sickness of Britton and myself also. I am now enjoying good health at present, except occasional attacks of the Rheumatism. Doctr. P. intends living at the Point the Present year which is now call'd New-Washington.
Bancroft went to the army and has return'd a few days ago I have not seen him there is no person to be had to do any thing at the present crisis I should be glad to see you out here as soon as practicable. there is now living at sloop point a Mr. Seymour and family from New York very clever people he had selected his land near Robinson's 105 Colony last year but does not like to move there at present he says he would like to purchase one or two hundred acres for a residence on the Bay. I told him I would write and let you know whether he could have it off of the land adjoining Dr. Ps. and Col. Morgans. he wish'd to buy 50 or 100 acres from me but I wont sell at the new house. I shall expect an answer on the reciept of this. and now my Dear Father may God grant you every happiness this world can bestow while here on earth and at last that you may be reciev'd up to the Mansions of bliss where there is Joy and pleasures forevermore. this prays
your affectionate Son, A. M. Clopper Remember me with love to Brother and Sisters friends etc. Mr. Burnet and family are well. Edward Este is determin'd not to write untill he recieves letters
NICHOLAS CLOPPER TO J. C. CLOPPER AND SISTERS. 106
Highland Cottage San Jacinto 5th Jany 1835 My dear children
In my last, I mentioned the death of Mrs. Jackson the sister of Mr W. Willson who was living in our house at the point. in a few weeks after Mr. Willson himself was taken off leaving a young and amiable wife, and two Children one an infant. Mrs. W. has had severe and hard trials, but has been wonderfully supported, under them, and bears up under them like a Christian. She is now living in the house with us we have an excellent house wench, and live as one family in peace and quietness. in the Spring her calculation is to return to her friends in Boston, and we calculate to go together as far as N. Orleans, and perhaps to Cincinnati. if so she will rest a while with you. your letter dated 27 Septm. enclosing one from Mrs Bowering came duly to hand, inclosing a Letter to Miss Elizabeth B Jack at Mr T Hopes informing her of a legacy left her in England. this information they recieved long since, and Mr. Hope her Step-Father, went from here to England some 18 Mo since, as I understood with power, to recieve the same, and has not yet returned, and it is thought will not again return. when I was last in Sanfelipe, I saw Capt Christman, 107 who married a daughter of old Mr Hope. I asked him about Miss Jack. he said she was living in his family and was well, and has had the benifit of schooling etc, and that she was a fine girl etc. Capt C. lives high up the country, say 150 miles so that it is not very probable, that it will be in our power to deliver the letter before we go to [the] U. S. in that case shall inclose it to her.
I was a few days since at Mr. Burnetts. they are all well Mrs. B. says she has written frequently, and has not been favd. with any Letters for a length of time, and her Brother E 108 says the same Edward E. has been but little with us owing as he says, to the Judge being so much from home, makes it necesary for him to remain with his Sister. Colo. Austin has not yet returned from Mexico, but writes favourably on the whole. our country is improving, and settlers continue coming in. the Harrisburgh Steam Mill, land and Lotts is now selling at Auction, and we understand is going off at good prices. the purchasers principally Strangers. ... 109
N. Clopper.
A. M. CLOPPER TO J. C. CLOPPER AND SISTERS. 110
My Dear Brother and Sisters,
It is with pleasure I take up my pen to address you with a few lines, knowing that it is the only mode we have of communicating our Ideas to one another. Father and I were both taken sick on the 16th Septr. and remained so about seven Weeks. I was badly salivated; so much so that I had recourse to the slate to make my wants known, my tongue being all raw, and swelled to such a degree, that I could with difficulty, get it out of my mouth. ...
Father has sold 1600 Acres off of the Hunter League the Point 111 included at $2.00 p Acre, 1-3 to be paid down, 1-3 in twelve months, the balance in two years. Edward Este has been to see me. he told me that you J. C. C. had written his Brother a very severe letter, and wishes you to write him, and let him know whether he answer'd it, and if so, to let him know the sum and substance of it. I have not returned his visit yet, but expect to do so ere long. I hope I shall be able to pay you all a visit in the Spring. ...
your affectionate Brother, A. M. Clopper. 112
A. M. CLOPPER TO NICHOLAS CLOPPER. 113
Highland Cottage 17th October 1836. My Dear Father,
I reciev'd your letter on the 14th inst. by the hands of Doctor Patrick, and it was truly gratifying to me, to hear of your recovering and gaining strength. I hope there is many days if not years, for you yet of happiness here below (comparatively speaking.) I hope to see you once more at least in this world, and at Death; to meet you with all my dear Brothers and Sisters, in the mansions of Glory, and join in singing the praises of our dear Redeemer, throughout the boundless ages of eternity. I just got home from the Island of St Louis which lies between the west end of Galvezton and the main land. I have been station'd there for about five months for the purpose of carrying Express to Velasco and back, and another would take it on to the east end of Galvezton. I have now been six months in the service. the brown mare Phillis was taken to San Antonio last fall I have never seen her since, and as soon as Tomlin came in I lent him Tartar to ride to Matagorda, and the people press'd him from him into the service, so he told me. he then went on board the Independence 114 and remain'd there a few months. the last I heard of him he was in Orleans, and I'm inclin'd to think he has gone on to Boston. I had been riding Fidelle a few days on the express, before the battle of San Jacinto and shortly after the battle, I hobbled her out near Brinsons, in the care of Adam Smith, untill I could go down to Galvezton Island to get my chests which I had put on board of the Schooner Flash, to go to New Orleans, and from thence to Cincinnati, and when I return'd home, our Cavalry had taken my mare off to the army, so that I have not a single animal to ride. I will now endeavour to break the roan filly. my dear Father I have been very unfortunate. I had a furlough to come home from the Island about 3 months ago from the President, and I had to return again in the course of fifteen days and from the reports of the Enemy's coming on again in a large body in a short time, I thought best to box up all the papers and Deeds, and bury them, [being] afraid to trust them with any person on this side of the Bay. Doctor Patrick was then living at Anahuac, and I had no way of sending them to him. my Canoe has also been press'd into the service, and immediately I came home, I dug it up and open'd it, and found them all nearly ruin'd. I have been ever since I came home which was on the 12th inst. opening and drying the Papers with the greatest care I possibly could. some of them are very much torn and scarcely legible. I shall never bury again even for the shortest time. Mrs. Wilsons Transfer to Doctor Patrick was also amongst them and is nearly ruin'd, though the signers names are all to it. I was very much hurt to find them in such a condition. Doctor Patrick is now gone to Columbia and will return in a few days. he will then write to you. I saw Colonel Morgan day before yesterday, and I told him you would allow him six pet in Orleans on the same bank or place or which was most convenient to him. he told me he would take 12½ or the Hammer'd Dollars are ready for you here at any time, he says that they are 8 pet. and then freight and risk in the bargain. he told me he reciev'd your letter and will answer it. when you write to Mrs. Wilson tell her I have written 3 letters to her, and intend writing in a day or two. I am very much in want of Provision and Cloathing. I wish you could send me two Bbls flour 100 lbs. Coffee and Sugar according. our army will suffer unless they can obtain supplies shortly from the U. S. a rifle would be very acceptable at this time. I will endeavour to see Mr. Barnet 115 as soon as I can. God bless you my dear Father.
A. M. Clopper.
A. M. CLOPPER TO J. C. CLOPPER. 116
18th October 1836. Dear Brother,
I recieved your letter under date 20th April directed to Doctor Patrick and myself on the third July and was very sorry to hear of Father's illness, but your letter bearing date Septr. 1st was truly gratifying to hear of Father's recovery. it appears you wish to know the reason why I was not in the battle. I will relate it to you; sometime in march I started on my way to the Army which was then station'd at the Colorado. I had got as far as San felipe. I there saw Jack Roark who told me that there was a letter for me at his mothers from the U.S. and that it felt very heavy as if there was money in it. I then went to my Captain Daniel Perry, and told him that I should like to get it, before I Join'd the Army, knowing that it was either from you or my Father. he consented and told me to return as quick as I could. the people were then moving off as fast as possible. San felipe was full of waggons with families, and on my road to mrs. Roarks away below Staffords, nearly every family from Sanfelipe to her house was gone. I then tho't it necessary to go home and see if it was the case there, as I was within a days ride, so as to secure my papers. I then rode down to the point very early in the morning and Colonel Morgan invited me to stay untill after breakfast that he wish'd to see me. I then staid. he told me at the table in the presence of Mrs. Mather, Miss Johnson, Mrs. Patrick and Adam Smith, that he wish'd me to ride Express, as he was acquainted with me and knowing that I was acquainted with the President that he would prefer me to any other and that I could render double the service to the Government in this way, to that of being in the army. I told him that I was ready to start back next morning to the army, and had promis'd my Captain to return. he told me he would have that fix'd. I then told him if any one told me that I accepted it through cowardice I would immediately quit it and go to the army. he then wrote a letter by me to the secretary of State Saml. Carson for me to ride and I have been in that service ever since. Colonel Rusk Secretary of War, wrote a Note to Captain Perry why I was detain'd I was then satisfied. there was a good many tories on the trinity viz. Judge Williams, Doctor Whiting, Bloodgood and many others. I have now given you my reason for not being in the army if you think it a sufficient one you will inform me in your answer to this Doctor Patrick intends writing shortly and will give you all the news. tell Rebecca to send me a few pair winter Socks, 4 Shirts, as I am short, both in clothes and provision. ... Mrs. B's youngest child died at Velasco a short time ago. the eldest had like to have died also, is now recovering. Provision is very high, Corn from 3 to 4 Dollars a Bushel and money very scarce and hard to get, it is my wish to go in 117 if I can possibly do so. Col Morgan told me he would give $1.50 pr Acre for the Land adjoin[ing] him and Patrick if I would let him have it now, before he goes to the States. I told him I could not take it. Capt Spillman holds the Island that he's living on at $10,000 Dollars. I think it best to hold this a little longer. I have not had time to look over the Cattle since I came home therefore can give no account. expect to write again shortly.
Your affectionate Brother A. M. Clopper.
A. M. CLOPPER TO NICHOLAS CLOPPER.
Highland Cottage 18th Decr. 1836. Dear Father,
I saw Capt. Wm. P. Harris yesterday and he told me that he will start for N. Orleans in the course of a few days on board of the Kosciusko. I therefore embrace the opportunity of writing. I had written about a month or six weeks ago to Joseph pr Schooner Flash. I hope he has reciev'd it 'ere this. I wish you to send me 2 Barrels of Flour 100 lbs Coffee and ½ Bbl Sugar as soon as possible. Provision is very scarce and hard to be got. Flour is now selling at Lynch's at $18 pr Bbl, and I am told it is 20 on the Brazos. Sugar 20 cts pr lb. and no money to be had Corn very scarce $1.50 pr Bushel on the Brazos there is none to be had in our neighborhood tell Rebecca not to forget what I had written to her for I am told that there is 25000 Mexicans on their march and will be here early in the Spring. St. Anna and Col Almonte cross'd at Lynch's ferry about 3 weeks ago on their way to the City of Washington, escorted by Majr. Patton Col. Hockley and Col Bee to make a treaty. I hope and trust that we shall have Peace by Spring, that we may be able to attend to our own affairs. Burnet told me at the runaway scrape or in other words last Spring that he would write to you in a short time I have never seen him since. I have no horse that I can ride as yet I am not able to give you an account of the stock as yet I rather think there is a good many of them missing. some people lost all their Stock. I am fearful unless peace is made shortly or a sufficient force [comes] from the U S. that we shall not be able to contend with so large a force. last fall Col. Morgan ask'd me what I would take per acre for the land laying between his, and Cedar Bayou. I told him $1.50 he then thought it too high. he now wants it, and I told him I would not take it. he has purchas'd Doctor Patrick out at 1.50 Mr. Reynolds was over there some time ago (Anahuac) where Morgan resides. he return'd to my house and told me that Morgan told him that he was determin'd to have that land at that price that you told him that he might have as much land as he wanted at $1.50 per acre and I am determin'd that he shall not have it. he has been trying to scare me into measures, by telling me that the Mexicans will be on and take all my stock etc, as if I could not risk as well as he can. I have since been offer'd more. I was thinking from Reynold's talk perhaps Morgan might write to you, and try to bargain with you for it. I told him that I should keep it myself, unless he gives me a good deal more for it. The Seat of Government is now at Columbia and will shortly be removed to the Town of Houston, 6 miles above Harrisburg on Buffaloe Bayou at John Austins place that place is purchas'd by the Allen's the same Allen that was about purchasing the point from you. they have agreed to build a house that will cost $10000 Just to have Government there for three years. should Government then be removed elsewhere the House will then revert back to the Allens. this of course will enhance my Property. should peace be made by spring, I intend if possible to go in. 118 tell the Girls I have got a small box of Shells ready to take to them. I hope Sister mary has got home tell her that Edward is well and is keeping Batchelor's hall, at Majr. Burnets place. the Majr. and his Lady is now living at Velasco Wm P. Harris told me yesterday, that Majr. B and family intends coming to my House immediately to stay till spring, will then remove to Houston as soon as he can build. he talks of selling his place as he never intends living there again, upon the account of Scott and Lynch they are enemies to him. I think a good deal of Burnet now. he told me that he would do any thing for me, that was in his power with pleasure. him and his Lady have been very clever to me indeed I always make their house my home when there. do not forget to send me the articles I have nam'd if possible. times are very hard here at present.
Now my Dear Father I must bid you adieu. May God of his infinite mercy bless and protect you through life and grant you yet many days of happiness here below and at last receive you to himself and oh! God! grant that we may all meet around thy throne, whenever thou see'st fit to take us home is the prayer of your affectionate Son
A. M. Clopper.
A. M. CLOPPER TO NICHOLAS CLOPPER.
Highland Cottage 1st March 1837. Dr. Father,
I reciev'd your letter dated 10th December per Mr. Stratton on the 1st February and was much gratified to find that you are still in the land of the living. The Schooner Flash will start in a day or two for N. Orleans, and Mr. Stratton if he can get a passage in her, intends returning to Orleans. he is much pleas'd with this part of Texas, and would like to stay. he thinks that there is to much wind here, but Orleans would agree with him much better; you wish to have a full account of the cattle, which I am unable to give you as yet. I only got home in october last from public Service which was upwards of six Months and I have had no animal to ride I have rode the Roan filly a little but had to turn her out on account of the grass being so very bad, and no Corn to give her that she fell away very fast. she pitches pretty bad, however I intend taking her up again shortly and breaking her complete. I hardly think the Mexicans got any of my Cattle, but still I have miss'd several, and two or three of the Cows died, Pink, Calico and Whiteface. I intend collecting them as soon as I possibly can. Kate looks thin, the two Colts look tolerable well I have got the Cow pens between this and Spilman's well broke up, and intend planting them in pumpkins and Corn I have made but little fence. if I can possibly get any person to come and make me 4 or 5000 rails, I intend doing it; as I am not able to work now as I have done, on account of Rheumatic pains. I have had no chance to get my upper House finish'd yet and I am afraid there will be a dull chance of getting it done this season as every person appears to be flocking to Houston. I am told they are building there rapidly. Col. Morgan told me yesterday that Lotts were selling at Houston as he understood at $1000, that there had been something like thirty sold, if I recollect aright. I inform'd you in my last where Houston lies, and who was the purchaser's the Messrs. Allens, one of them has purchas'd Sloop Point. I told Col. Morgan that one of your friends wish'd to purchase a Lot, and ask'd him his price, he told me 1st choice $500—2d 300—3d 200 and so on down as low as $25, but if he would put up a two story frame building he might have one of the first choice for $100, and so on in proportion, if a one story building, the Lots would be higher. I also told him that hammer'd Dollars would suit you as well as any. he replied that they were ready. he them ask'd me if you had sent his note on. I told him it was likely you had, and I expected he would find it at the House of Messrs. Sloo &Byrne. I told him should he go in by the way of Cincinnati that you would be very glad to see him, and where you reside he said he would do so should that be his route. the highest I have been offer'd for the Greenfield tract as yet is $1.50 by 2 persons, Col Morgan for one. he has purchas'd Doctor Patricks part at that price. I dont wish to sell it yet. Mr. Stratton told me to hold on a while and not sell yet, that there was a Gentleman on board of the Vessel he came out in, that told him as soon as the affairs of Texas become settled that there was a great many of the Mississippi Planters coming out to purchase farms, that they had worn theirs nearly out that they were determin'd to have places here. this Gentleman heard numbers conversing in this way in N. Orleans, and he thought that it would break up the state of Mississippi. I therefore think it Best to Defer the sale of it a while longer. I think I can do much better with it here, nor you can there, I therefore wish you not to sell it, as you have given the disposal of it to me. I therefore consider it mine. if I cannot sell it for more than your friend offers, I will write and he shall have the preference. I have some Idea who it is. the Buildings at N. Washington were all burnt by Santa Anna himself; except the Corn Crib that I built. Col Morgan is now about putting up a large 2 Story frame Building I have not secur'd any land on the Brazos yet and Mr. Tomlin I expect has gone to Boston I have not seen him since last July and know not whether I shall ever see him again or not I have not heard from Mrs. Wilson for a long time if you have heard lately let me know how she is. I was very thankful to you for the things sent and Garden seeds I planted the Onions a fortnight ago they are now growing handsomely. And now my dear Father I must bid you Adieu, may God in his providence increase your days on earth at least a few years longer that we may be enabled to see each other face to face again that you may be restor'd to perfect health should it be otherwise order'd Lord grant that we may all meet at the right hand of God, is the prayer of your affectionate Son,
A. M. Clopper. Love to Sisters and friends. Mr. Mather was here in the latter part of Jany. he lives on chocolate. he came over to Col. Morgans for provision, and on his way home one of his Oxen died. he tyed the other to a tree, the other side of Choats, and took his Saddlebags to go home, but never reach'd there. his saddlebags was found near willow branch, it being high, and I rather suspect he was drown'd, as he could not swim. Col. Mc. Comb Mov'd his family out here last summer. his wife died last fall. about a week ago he cut his throat with a razor, and has left 5 Children the eldest a daughter 17 or 18 yrs old. I believe you knew him. I expect Majr. Burnet and Lady at my house shortly to spend a few Months untill as I understood he can build, which will be at Houston.
A. M. CLOPPER TO NICHOLAS CLOPPER.
Highland Cottage 27th June 1837. Dear Father,
I wrote you per Steam Boat Constitution, in the fore part of the present month, stating that Mr. Burnet had been at my house a few days previous. he reciev'd your letter written in February fav'd per Mr. Bamford. I also reciev'd several at the same time with one from Mrs. Wilson, she was well and desir'd to be remember'd to you. Mr. Burnet told me that it was impossible to get any thing done ever since the war began. he told me that he would write a long letter in answer to yours immediately, as he pass'd through Harrisburg. Martin Allen was with him. he got Darius Gregg and had that League of Land survey'd, and it came out exactly right so as to take in Martin Allens land to the lower half. Mr. Callaham told me he never saw a man more pleas'd than Mr. Allen was. I saw Gregg a short time ago he told me he gave the notes of it to Allen.
I have been to see Majr. Burnet lately, relative to my getting a Petition for the Land that my Brothers was to have gotten. he told me that it could not be done and that he thought it very doubtful whether you could hold your League as you had left the Country. I told him that you had been rendering all the assistance for Texas that you possibly could at Cincinnati, that you had furnish'd ½ Ton balls for the Cannon that came from there etc. he said that might make a difference. I went up to Houston and show'd my discharges to the President, and he told me that they were not made out right, that I must have them made out correct against next Congress, which I shall get Majr. Burnet to do. the weather has been remarkably dry for six or seven weeks past, so much so that the sun has parch'd nearly every thing up I rather think that crops of Corn will be short on account of the Drouth I have not been able to get scarcely any thing done. I have been afflicted with Rheumatic pains more or less this whole season. from the tone of your last letter I am daily looking for you and Rachel. I hope you will bring some Corn, Flour, Coffee and Sugar with you as those articles are very much needed. a few Mackerel would be an excellent relish and very acceptable. at the time of the runaway scrape the Mexicans enter'd my House, and took what provision I had, and some of the Tories or negroes I know not which, stole my sieve, plates Cups and Saucers, Knives and forks, milk pans etc, broke me up in the house Keeping line. should this reach you before you start, I wish you to bring such articles with you also cooking utensils, viz. Pots, skillets with covers, and Dutch Oven large enough for roasting Geese Ducks etc—Washing Tubs.
I have understood that Montezuma and some other General who are Liberals, have gain'd a decided victory over Bustamente. the Land office has been clos'd by the consultation of 1835 and was to have been open'd the 1st June 37. it still remains clos'd, it will not be open'd before the 1st October. Kate and Colts look well—the Cattle look well also. there has several of the Cows died. I believe there has been but few lost by the enemy. I wish you would bring me out some good Chewing Tobacco, 10 or 12 lbs. at least. I have been offer'd 2.50 per acre for the Greenfield tract. I think I can get three in a short time. I have understood that Ritson Morris has sold the ½ of his League on Clear Creek for 12 thousand Dollars. I intend to sell some Land the first good opportunity so as to enable me to purchase a couple of negro fellows and a house Girl for I am not able to do much myself. I have understood that Negroes are very low in Tennesse and alabama this Season, that some of the best Hands have been purchas'd as low as three hundred Dollars and from that to four. there is but very little sickness here at present as far as I can learn. your friends here are all well. My best love to Brother and Sisters and all enquiring friends. tell Sister Mary I should be much gratified to recieve a few lines from her. now my Dear Father may [God] Grant you a safe and speedy return to Texas, and many happy days here on earth, and at last a safe transmittance to his heavenly Kingdom is the sincere prayer of your affectionate Son—
A. M. Clopper.
MRS. A. L. WILSON 119 TO NICHOLAS CLOPPER.
Roxbury, Sept. 18, 1838. My Dear Sir
I should have answered your letter immediately on receiveing it, but as I was uncertain about the money requisite for my journey, I thought it best to wait until I could write with certainty; which I was about doing, when I received a letter from Dr. Patrick on Friday last, dated Houston August 1st. After speaking very affectingly of the death of his wife, whom it seems took the Small Pox in May, of which she lingered (or rather a consequent disease) untill July 31st when her eyes were closed forever on things of mortality, Fatigue and want of rest he says brought on an inflamation of the liver of which he is but just recovering being so weak as not to be able to sit up but part of the day. But I presume you have heard from him long ere this. He mentions advising me to return to Texas, but as I do not intend making it my Home and the law prohibits foreigners from holding lands and as there is some risk in having it held in trust it might be advisable to sell. He says if I come to this conclusion my affairs can be settled without my coming to the country. He likewise says he was doubtful whether my title to the League could be obtained without my being in the Country, but he has obtained a Certificate in which (if nothing new takes place) a Patent must issue as soon as they have a president that will sign them. Houston still refuses to sign any, but Lamar who it is supposed will succeed him is in favour of carrying into effect the land law, so that we may expect patents for our lands some time next Spring I have written almost word for word of what he says that you may be the better able to advise me. . . .
(Mrs.) A. L. Wilson.
97. Endorsed on back “Received May 25, 1834”; and, in a different hand, “after Husband's very severe illness at Beechwood,” the words “very severe” and “Beechwood” being underscored twice, and the word “illness” once.
98. I. e., what was then called Clopper's Bar or Clopper's Point, and is now known as Morgan's Point. It is at the northwest extremity of Galveston Bay, between that and the arm of it known as San Jacinto Bay.
99. Nicholas Clopper had four daughters: Rebecca, Ruhamah, Mary Ann, and Caroline, none of whom married. The first two died in 1845, and the last two in 1875.
100. On the margin of the sheet, with index referring to these initials, is the note: “Died Deer., 1841, aged 76.”
101. Captain Philip Dimitt.
102. The Durango was soon afterwards pressed into the Texan service, for which indemnity was demanded by the United States government and paid by Texas. See Garrison, Texan Diplomatic Correspondence, Part I (Annual Report of American Historical Association for the Year 1907, Vol. II), p. 271; U. S. Treaties and Conventions, 1078.
103. In reference to the Montezuma and the Flash, see The Quarterly, XII, 175, 193-5, 197-8, 252.
104. See The Quarterly, XII, 201-2, 252-261.
105. Robertson's.
106. This letter and the next are written on the same sheet. It is directed simply to J. C. Clopper, but the contents, as well as the addresses within show the letters were intended for both himself and his sisters. On the back of the sheet is written “received March 7th, 1835.”
107. Chriesman.
108. Edward Este.
109. In the part of the letter here omitted. Mr. Clopper indicates his intention to return to Cincinnati in the spring. Following this part is a note which reads as follows: “Came—made 2 trips after that the last one in 1840—returned with Caroline July, 1841—died in December, 1841.”
110. See note 1, p. 132.
111. See note 3, p. 128.
112. Written at the end of this letter is the note, apparently referring to A. M. Clopper, “he died in 1853.”
113. This letter and the next are written on the same sheet, which is directed to Nicholas Clopper.
114. See The Quarterly, XII, 203, 265-275.
115. Plainly written, but possibly intended for Burnet.
116. See note 1, p. 134.
117. I. e., to return home. See note 1, p. 138.
118. See note 1, p. 137.
119. Concerning Mrs. Wilson, nothing has been learned further than what appears in this correspondence.
How to cite:
"THE CLOPPER CORRESPONDENCE, 1834-1838 ", Volume 013, Number 2, Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online, Page 128 - 144. http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v013/n2/article_2.html
[Accessed Thu Dec 4 0:07:06 CST 2008]
