Bradford C. Fowler's Selected Letters to Family Members, 1838-1843

Date: 1838 to 1843
Location: Texas
Surname/tag: Fowler

The first two letters are reprinted in Dora (Fowler) Arthur, Annals of the Fowler Family (Austin: The Author), 1901,

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Jonesboro, Ark. April 13th, 1837

[written to John H. Fowler, but with no salutation]

During my travels in Texas I visited many places of interest -- San Antonio, San Patricio, Victoria, Columbia, Brazoria, Velasco, and various points on the Gulf.

I see that the independence of Texas has been recognized by the U.S. and only awaits the signature of the President. This being the case my lands in Tex. will be worth a double fortune; I have claims for the half of twelve leagues, exclusive of my own headright.

Our relatives here are all well. Cousin George Wright left this morning for Columbia, as you know he is a member of Congress;Travis [Wright] is in New Orleans; Alexander [Wright] is grown.

Affec., your brother, Bradford C. Fowler

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Clarksville Nov. 12th 1838

My Dear Sister Missouri:

In a letter to Jack I learn with pain of your precipitate flight from your comfortable home in Nacogdoches to a smoky cabin of refuge in San Augustine, while fearing for your life on account of the Indian uprising. I know only too well both Mexicans and Indians; in'36 I numbered one of the Red River Volunteers. Littleton is expected through here daily, as we learn he is in Ark. on his way home.

Your brother, Bradford

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[from the Littleton Fowler papers, SMU, Dallas, TExas]

Revd Littleton Fowler San Augustine Texas

Clarksville, Texas January 8th 1839

Dear Brother

Our campaign against the hostile savages have ended with affecting [?] notwithstanding the forces [?] commanded by Generals Rusk & [John H.] Dyer. But it is to be hoped that the fact of such forces as ours passing through the midst of a country claimed by those [?] Indians will ever strike terror to these mighty foes and teach them to know that the white man particular a Texan is yet to be dreaded. Genl Rusk is now on a visit to the lower end of the county but will return next Thursday to await a dinner [?] preparing for him on the 14th Inst. He has been waited on by a committee for that purpose and a [?] the whole proceedings will be published. The remarks of Sam Houston against Rusk are such that has drawn down upon (Cherokee) the merited indignation of a respectable and intelligent community and it is to be hoped that this man Houston will return to his former Red-man-like position, and cease to interfere with those matters which he has so ungenerously abused.

Immediately after the adjournment of our county court I shall visit you and perhaps I may accompany Genl Rusk (uncertain). Our relations are all well. Bro Jno has not as yet returned. Jack is quite well still pursuing the course first taken. Prospects good &c. Present to my sister all my particular respects and believe [me] truly your Bro. Forever,

B. C. Fowler Revd L Fowler Nacogdoches Texas

P.S. Brother Joseph has not as yet arrived but expected hourly.

B. C. Fowler

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[from the Littleton Fowler papers, SMU, Dallas, TExas]

Revd Littleton Fowler San Augustine Texas

Tollett’s Prairie [Lamar County] June 5th

Pin Hook, Lamar County Office, Texas 3d June [18]43 Revd L. Fowler

Dear Bro.

Yours of the 17th May arrived by this morning’s mail. It brings the only direct intelligence I have had since you left. Only when did a visit of five weeks to the magnanimous state of Arkansas -– having traveled to Washington the same road that you passed down and at Mr McAtee’s [?] where Aunt informed me you came near loosing your horse in the quicksand at some point on Red River.

I have just closed our week’s [?], the hardest labour a [?] more lengthy than ever performed before, in a criminal prosecution for an attempt to kill & murder by administering poison, and was successful in getting an unfortunate individual released who I now believe to be the most depraved man I ever saw, so circumstance has even occurred in the surrounding vicinity that has caused the same excitement. Brother Jack was council for the Republic who did his duty & conducted the Prosecution in a lawyer like manner.

I have not seen cousin George yet upon the subject of purchasing the animal you want; but if he has not disposed of her [last two lines obliterated by old Scotch tape]

Please say to Sister that I am more than anxious to see her and intend to do so this summer but [?] my return from Arkansas I have been engaged, particularly until now I am almost worn out; and have in addition to go immediately to Fannin and will be absent some ten or fifteen days on a collecting mission. This will be highly necessary before leaving for a journey. While in Arkansas I received a fee of $100 dollars on the estate of Levi [?] and by virtue of a special power of attorney appeared as agent and was successful, and was pressed by my brothers to make application for the credentiallis to practice in that state. But I preferred to be excused; as I am not now nor soever [?] will be a citizen of that Partriotic & Magnamious State. It is posed [?] I should have consented; but for the business I have at; and [?] which is now more than I can [?] attend to, having recently received for collection some old debts contracted in Nacogdoches.

You charged me being indebted several visits to which I plead guilty. But hope to be able to atone for that omission by blending some t[w]o or three visits together & should I be so fortunate as to exercise some degree of control over any other besides unless I shall be able to visit at the same time, and when this shall have been done I shall feel myself perfectly able to sustain a similar charge against you for not coming up from Bowie from whence I have this morning received your letter.

I have not received a line from Kentucky since you was here; but heard from Bro. Willie a few days ago by James Ashby not long from that section, all well &c.

The production of our fair Texas soil looks considerably [?] the in weather from the incessant rains that have fallen, which have thrown the farmers more than a month behind the usual time; and injured the crops so much that the same portion of land will not produce more than one half as if the season should have been favorable.

I cannot positively say at this time I shall come down; but believe I shall come home about the 15th July & will go down by way of Port Caddo where I shall perhaps be detained some days and from thence to your house.

Present my love to Sister, that I shall be more than proud to see her. May heaven bless you both. Truly and sincerely your Brother

Bradford C. Fowler