William Hunter to James F. Perry, January 8, 1833

Summary: William Hunter updated Perry about their business in Texas. He did not have much news to give as business was quite slow. He did say that he bought two slaves for about $1000 dollars in paper money and cattle since he had little cash on hand. Complained that doing business in Texas was hard because it was so difficult to collect debts and payments.

San Felipe de Austin

8 Jany 1833

Mr. James F. Perry

Dear Sir This will inform you that the letters forwarded by you from New Orleans & Philadelphia have come to hand One from Stephenson & 2 from Ferguson Jones & Co I wrote you by Capt Chriesman & enclosed letters from Mo. brought in by Hill & Hewkins. which I suppose you have by this time received. News I have none worth your attention any we get here you recive below first. the Col. has retd[sic] from Bexer & I presume will give you all from that quarter. Times still dull Money soaros[sic] & Collections slow. I forwarded by Mr. Casse in Oct. Last 650.$ 400 to be paid to Rodgers & Slocomb which must be about Brazoria some place if he did not give it to Austin Brian

I have paid Mr. Fletcher what we were oweng[sic] him. the fst a/c[sic] still unpaid. I have now cash on hand to pay that & will have some li[t]tle left & I would send it dow[sic] but have no paper money I have bought two Negroes one of Col. Best a Mulatto Man about 21. years old, stout and of excellent character raised by Best. price 600.$ the other about 13. A verry smart boy. I got of R.M. Williamson price 400.$ I have been able to turn in paymt for them about. 600$ in Cattle & paper

Old. Jimmy. two days ago brought me an order from Old Grobe for. 300.$ which he is to pay me at sight. as McKiny & his son have come home and brought lots of money. I have no doubt but that he will promtly attend to his order. My Old Arsenage has come out like a whitehead paid all up but 15$. I named in my letter by Chriesman. I would be dow[sic] to see you all soon. but oweing to the heavy Rains & Bad roads since I cent[sic] say what time. I should be pleased to have a few lines from you as soon as convenient. give me the News from Washington Mo. If anything particular you have I have had no letters from my friends there since early in the summer--I am completely tired waiting on the people to make money in Texas is nothing compared with the trouble of getting it in hand after out. I much hope I will be able to quit this charming Little Village in the month of Feby. My Compliments to Mrs Perry and Miss Levenia and Except. My best wishes for Yourself & Family.

Wm. Wm. Hunter.

I was much surprised to learn from Mr Hawkins that Jas Guns had joined the church and exhorted regularly, and it was generally believed he would come out a preacher--Mr. Urbran's Wife has got to Town. She appears to be a verry smart and fine woman. I now board with him & does Mr. McQuin we have much better faer[sic] than is had at the tavern French for good Living

W. W H

[Addressed:] Mr. James F. Perry

Gulph Prarie

pr. Maj. Westall

[Endorsed:] W W Hunter

San Felepe

8th Jany 1833

Source Copy Consulted: William Hunter to James F. Perry, January 8, 1833, James Franklin Perry and Stephen Samuel Perry Papers, Records of Ante-bellum Southern Plantations, Series G, Part 1, Reel 13, Frames 111-113