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9 also 10 ones for the little transit there is in this direction; viz - a very few travellers & the 'Mail rider'. The Sun-flower roads are called "Sam Houstons" and the comparative desolation of this the Western part of Texas is attributed to his removal of the Seat of Government from Austin. thus suspending in a great measure the former trade & traffic. It is asserted by the Western people x that had the City of Austin remained the Seat of Government, the Western country would have become settled rapidly instead of being "broken up" & in all probability the Mexicans would not have annoyed Texas in the Spring & Autumn of 1842 but this was not Houston's opinion. As it is, the West has been paralyzed and can only recover with prospects of peace. 16th - [Crossed out: Three miles from Mr. M ___ brought us to] Arrived at Rutaville, over a pretty [crossed out: undulating] country; only awaiting settlers to take advantage of its gifts & resources. ____________________________ x Western people - War Party - Archive War Party & the opposition

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