Progress of Three Forks Settlement as of 1845

From a gentleman who arrived here a few days since, direct from the colonies on the Trinity, we hear that the settlements are in prosperous condition, and emigrants continually coming in. The number of families in Peters' Colony, on the 1st of July, was six hundred—three hundred of which, or eleven hundred and one souls, having been introduced during the past year. At the election for Delegate to the Convention, held on the 4th June, in that part of the settlement lying in Nacogdoches County, one hundred and thirty-four votes were cast, by those who had been more than six months in the colony. Had all voted, without regard to the time of their residence, more than three hundred could have been polled.

Gen. Mercer's colony is also filling up with an industrious and thrifty population, principally from Virginia and Kentucky. The number already settled, is supposed to be sufficient to complete his contract with the Government.

The crops of corn, although raised upon lands under the first year's cultivation, are said to be good. The average yield is set down at forty bushels per acre. Wheat has been tried, upon new prairie soil, and twenty eight bushels gathered from an acre—weighing sixty four pounds per bushel. The settlers are confident that this grain can be cultivated with great success. It is found growing wild, in considerable perfection, in the prairies on the upper Trinity.

No difficulty has occurred with the Indians for sometime past. A trading house has been established at Marrowbone Spring, eight miles southwest of Bird's Fort.