than total disappointment, conscious poverty and remediless despair!  What should I then have done?  My health was restored, but my detention and consequent expenses had been so great that my funds were nearly exhausted.  I came to the country for an important purpose; and I reasoned with myself thus; although my way is closed in this State, cannot something be done elsewhere?  I will not boast of the stoutest heart among men, but mine must not quail.  Something further must be done if possible, and I will try.

In the course of my travels, I had seen a part of the adjoining State of Tamaulipas, and had been informed that the colonization laws thereof were liberal.  I was even aware that some parts of it are more suitable for the culture of the sugar cane, than any tract I could have obtained in Coahuila and Texas.  And upon a little reflection, I determined to make further investigations in Tamaulipas, and had been informed of the State.  As soon as my horse was a little rested, I set out, alone, on a journey of between four and five hundred miles, part of the way through an awfully mountainous region, and much of it an uninhabited wilderness.  I encamped out almost every night, during the whole journey; very seldom near any human habitation.  I had no fire-arms nor anything to defend myself against the ferocious beasts of the forest, which I had evidence to convince me were frequently numerous, and not far distant.  In two weeks I reached the city of Matamoras, in the State of Tamaulipas, quite destitute of funds, after parting with almost every disposable article belonging to my wardrobe, &c.  The people of this place being all perfect strangers to me, I did not for a while unfold to them the real object of my visit; but instead thereof, I opened a shop, and commenced working at my old trade—­ the saddling business.  I soon got as much work as I could do—­supported myself, replenished my pocket, made some acquaintance with a number of people, and obtained more information respecting the Colonization laws of the State.  A few weeks elapsed, while I was employed in this way.  I then mounted my horse again, and proceeded to the capital of the State; and after negotiating for some time with the Governor and Council of the State, I succeeded in obtaining a grant of land, upon advantageous terms.  I then performed another journey of almost two hundred and fifty miles, “alone,” to Matamoras again; and soon thereafter embarked for the United States.

My friends will thus perceive that I have not been idle; though much time has been occupied in my last expedition.  I shall not attempt to excite their sympathy by exhibiting the twentieth part of what I have suffered.  I do not even like to look back upon some of the scenes through which I have passed.  But thanks to a kind and all-sustaining Providence, complete success has at last crowned my exertions.  I strove hard to command it; and I leave it to others to say whether I have deserved it or not.