How a pioneer regarded Texas: John E. Cole, in a letter to the late David W. King

Writer Was Once Owner of the Bever Farm, Which he Sold to Late Sampson C. Bever in 1851 – Letter Worth Place in Historical Society Collection.

Coroner David W. King recently found in a box of old letters a communication which is well worth a place in the museum of the Historical society, which it is proposed to install in the new public library. The letter was written to his father, David W. King, whose name will ever be inseparable from the early history of Cedar Rapids, by John E. Cole, another pioneer resident. Mr. Cole was once the owner of the Bever  farm, part of which is now comprised in Bever park, and sold it to the late Sampson C. Bever in 1851, shortly before removing to Texas. The letter is written on blue paper, folded, pasted, stamped and addressed, no envelopes being issued by the government at that time, and reads as follows:

He Didn't Like Texas

“Oakland, Texas, Apirl the 18th, 1853 – Mr. D. W. King. Sir: I am halting between hawk and buzzard whether to return to that country or not. Times seem hard in this country. No one has any money. Only the slaveholders, who raise cotton, can get money for their commodity, and they know how to keep it, unless it is to buy negroes with. The wealth of the country consists in the traffic of men and women, but sir, I must confess I can't give heed to their principles or policy. Now sir, is their articles of faith good, I mean in slave holding, according to the bible? I think not. Or is it in accordance with men's nature and principle? You must excuse me for writing to you in this way, but I must confess I feel that way myself. If this land of hog and corn bread holds me I guess you will know it. Young men can do well here, but old men (that is free born and half white) had better stay in a free country and breathe fresh freedom's air. Good policy and economy will not cause men to bring their families to this corn cracker land.

“In my last letter to you I gave you a fair description of the country that I had traversed over. It looks flattering and pleasing to the eye, but turn over the picture and you may see whether the mind is composed of  the same enjoyment that the man can have in a free community. Although men may vary in locality and I may vary from the most of people in things, but sir, the picture seems so plain that no wayfaring man can err therein. Although the climate is good and vegetation looks well, yet for my life I can't see where the solid comfort they can take is in laziness and self-indulgence. You may think this is novel to mankind, although it is not more novel than true. The truth in all cases ought not to be told, but you can construe this as you please.

“I wrote you to send me some plows, but you will please withhold them until you hear something more from me. Mr. Boss left here with Mr. Vardy, who will arrive before this communication comes to hand, with their heads bowed and minds fixed on staying there.

“If you have not sold my farm you may hold on till further orders from me, unless you can get $1,500 for it. I want you to see W. and J. Greene and tell them that my money hasn't come to hand yet. Give my respects to all my friends. Tell Mr. Hollan I should like the Rickard money. Tell R. Matthews I will write to him as soon as I return from my tour through the country, and you at the same time, and please write as soon as you receive this from me. Direct your letter to Oakland, Texas. We are all well at present and remain yours in Christian bands, farewell.

“This from JOHN E. COLE To D.W. King, Esq.”

THE CEDAR RAPIDS EVENING GAZETTE, THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1905