The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 63, July 1959 - April, 1960 Page: 301
684 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Notes and Documents
nor do these differ greatly in fertility from each other though there
are some exceptions. The creek and river bottoms vary from these
classes of course the Brassos [sic] bottoms particularly being com-
posed of a rich brown aluvious soil surpassed perhaps by no nature
soil. On the bottoms the timber common to rich soils is found;
consisting of elm ash hackberry 8cc. Cedar glades also consist of
light rich soil though the rocks are often near. I thought I could
give you some idea [of] Texas lands on this page but I find the
compass of a letter will embrace but little of what I could say on
the subject. I have the honor to subscribe myself your filial and
affectionate son. THos. W. BELL
JONES P.O. REPUBLIC OF TEXAS August 17th 1840
DEAR BROTHER.
I am enjoying very good health and have been ever since I wrote
you last. The health of the country is still not very good. Many
persons still are sick and it is a general thing all over the country
so far as I have heard. Aunt Mary King has been very ill but has
recovered. Rufus and Caroline are both sick at this time but not
dangerous. John A. is as usual, not daunted by climate or weather
and very little by change of fortune unless it is to be a little more
energetic. Thos. Bell I have not heard from since my last, and I
know nothing of Jas. Bell except Aunt Sarah28 says in writing to
Aunt Mary that she intended to have written by him to this country
but he was disappointed in coming so I presume he is in Miss.
I wrote a copy of the epistle to James Neel29 to James Bell and sent
it to Thos. as it was concerning his father's family. Thos. K. Nelson
is sick though not dangerous and talks of returning to the States,
and I am not certain but I may follow his example as money is
so scarce here that I can hardly get enough of Texas money to pay
postage since I have to pay 56 cts and 75 cts on each letter. Texas
money and the Government itself is at a very low ebb the laziest
and triflingest kind of men at the head of affairs. Indeed the Presi-
dento himself cannot see an inch beyond his own nose and is a
perfect old granny and all his acts and his course in the administra-
tion of the affairs of the nation show the [sic] he is the dupe of
the designing. The Comanche Indians paid us a friendly visit lately
took and burnt one town and besieged another for several hours and
went off after murdering several persons at and near both places
28Mrs. W. C. Chambers in Grenada, Mississippi.
29James Neel Bell was the second son of John and Margaret (Neel) Bell, who
lived in Southland, Kentucky. John Bell was a younger brother of William Adam
Bell. Three of the Bell brothers (Robert E., William A., and John) had sons
named Thomas and James; so positive identification is often difficult.
soMirabeau B. Lamar.301
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 63, July 1959 - April, 1960, periodical, 1960; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101186/m1/377/: accessed April 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.