LEFTWICH'S GRANT,
For the Texas Association,
It has heretofore been made known to the public, that a portion of the province of TEXAS had been ceded to Robert Leftwich, for the use and benefit of a number of the citizens of Tennessee and Kentucky, who had formed themselves into a society, styled the "Texas Association."
The design of the present publication, is to afferd (sic) to all who may wish to participate in the acquired territory, an opportunity of doing so, on the terms which will be made known to them, as hereinafter mentioned.
The portion of Territory ceded to this association, comprehends all that fertile, elevated, salubrious, and desirable country, extending from Austin's north boundary line north up the river Brasos, on both sides to the great road leading from St. Antonio to Nacogdoches; It is bounded on the west by the ridge near the Colorado, dividing its waters from those of the Brasos — on the east by the river Navisoto, and is situate between the 30th and 34th degrees of north Latitude. The river Brasos is one of the finest streams west of the Mississippi, said to be 400 yards wide, is a deep flowing river, with high banks, navigable for Steam Boats far beyond the north boundary line of this concession. Its tributary streams are numerous, with banks well adapted to the location of Mills &c. and it is rare for the banks of any of these rivers to overflow.
The southern extremity of this Grand, is about 100 miles from the Gulf of Mexico — the whole country included in it affording numerous springs of excellent water, possessing a rich and productive soil, and enjoying the advantages, through its whole extent, of steam boat navigation. The climate is celebrated for its mild and unvarying temperature, having the benefits of the sea breeze, and exempt from almost every cause of disease incident to southern latitudes. Of the products of the country, it may be said with propriety, that Cotton is its favorite plant. It grows to great height, is clear from the rot, and yields an abundant crop. It has been stated by persons who are worthy of credit, that the quantity of Cotton raised on the adjoining Grant of Austin, is 1700 pounds of see Cotton to the acre, which yields one third the quantity of picked Cotton. Tobacco and Corn grow in great abundance, as much so as in any portion of Tennessee or Kentucky, and Sugar Cane is also cultivated to advantage in some portions of the Territory.
The laws of the country prohibit the introduction of slaves for the purpose of commerce, but are permitted for the purposes of agriculture or other uses of the emigrants and it is necessary for persons emigrating to obtain from some civil authority in their own country, a certificate of their industrious habits and good moral character, as no others will be admitted.
Doct. FELIX ROBERTSON, of Nashville, has been chosen by this Association, Commissioner to superintend the settlement of the acquired territory. He will repair to some point on the Brasos near the road leading from Alexandria, about the 1st of November, with authority to contract with, and assign lands to emigrants, and with other powers vested in him by this association, necessary for the settlement of the Grand, &c. Persons wishing to contract for lands within this grand previous to their arrival in that country, are referred to BENJ. w. BEDFORD of Nashville, Ten. Dr. B. ROBERTS of Russelville Ky. or Mr. BENJ. F. WEST, Commission merchant, New Orleans, who have fuill power and authority to contract with those who are desirous of emigrating.
After the great trouble and expense attending the acquisition of this territory, it could not have been expected that emigrants would have been admitted on such favorable terms as are proposed, viz. lands furnished at the price of 12-1/2 cents per acre, payable in cash, negroes, or produce delivered at New Orleans, the settler paying the expense. This is our offer for the present, in order to induce a speedy settlement of the country. In the grant of Austin's lands have already been sold as high as $3 per acre, and large sections of it at the rate of 50 cents.
Several families of respectability will depart for Texas, from this and the adjoining states about the time our Commissioner starts to the point of his destination. There need be no apprehensions of suffering for want of provisions, for the adjacent settlements of Austin's grant, independent of the plentiful market of New Orleans, which is also within a convenient distance, cannot fail to afford abundant supplies to those who are able to purchase, until they can provide for themselves by the cultivation of their own soil.
It is said that corn can now be procured in Austin's settlement at a moderate price.
In relation to the government of the country, it is like our own, republican and representative. The Mexican government has been settled down in peace for the last 18 months, — it is founded upon the same principles which formed the basis of our own great republic, the United States of America.
By the Directors of the Texas Association; October 10.
"LEFTWICH'S GRANT.", Nashville Whig, (Nashville, TN), Monday, October 10, 1825; p. 3.