March 03, 2008

When I am Ready

The General Land Office is the only State Office which has continuously been situated in the City of Austin since 1839. Though there are probably other historical reasons why it has never been moved from Austin, the following letter to Sam Houston, as found in the Archives, is at least one good reason for the land records remaining in this city:

"Sir Old Sam:

We did heare that you was goin to move the land papers and that you swore you would do it and then when you come to Austin and found out the boys would not let you do it you said you never was goin to move it. Now Sam you told a dam lie for you did promise the people in Houston that you would move it and I heard a man say that you told Hockley not to bring all his servants because you would all go back soon. But the truth is that you are afeared you Damn old drunk Cherokee. We don't thank you because we would shot you and ever dam waggoner you could get started with the papers. You can't do it and we ax you no odds. Travis and Bastrop Fayette Gonzales can bring 1000 men out and Ned Burleson and Lewis P. Cook have promised that you shant budge with the papers. I heard them myself and you know Burleson and Cook can make you squat you dam blackguard Indian drunk. Now old fellow if you want to try Ned Burleson's spunk just try to move these papers and old Ned will serve you just as he did your Cherokee brother when he took the hat whot you give it to your Daddy Bowler. You shall hear more from me when I am ready.

John Welsh