pears upon the Deed Record of Bexar County with the note upon the Index of Deed Records that on October 27, 1814, the Spanish Government executed a Release-Confiscation to a large body of land in his favor. This instrument, together with many others of that period, is not now obtainable. The recorded copies of many such instruments were carried away from San Fernando de Bexar, some by the Spaniards to Seville and others by the Mexicans to Monclavia and Saltillo. Copies and translations of some of those instruments have been made and recorded in the Deed Records of Bexar County.
The records show that Don Erasmo's title to the first of these lands was evidenced by the ancient custom of "livery of seisen", that is, in company with a representative of the Government he went upon the land and pulled up weeds, threw stones, drew water from a stream and poured it back and erected monuments at the corners of his grant.
Upon this ranch Don Erasmo, in later years, erected "Casa Blanca", a wonderful house for that period, where he and his family entertained most royally—Americans being especially welcome. This place, also locally known as "The House of Don Erasmo" is fairly well preserved. It is situated about four miles north-west of Floresville and one-half mile west of the highway to San Antonio. It is upon a considerable elevation, overlooks the surrounding country, its broad veranda faces the rising sun, emblematical of the faith its builder had in the future of the Commonwealth he had done so much to establish, at its rear stands a magnificent live oak tree under whose branches was dug a well of sweet water. Its outer walls are of red sand stone plastered white, its inner walls are of cobie brick—the depth of both walls being approximately twenty inches. The ample windows are set flush with the outer wall, the broad, deep window sills are at a heighth from the floor to form comfortable seats. The lower "half story" rises above the ground and provided ample "cellar space" and ventilation. The entire structure is suggestive of the foresight and refinement of its builder.
He owned vast herds of cattle and horses which grazed not only upon his own lands but over a large part of what is now eastern Bexar, southern Guadalupe and western Wilson. His generosity with the use of his horses and cattle was at times abused by his less fortunate neighbors.
Don Erasmo Seguin from his early days appeared as a public spirited citizen and frequently served his people in various official capacities. He was postmaster at San Fernando in 1815, and Alcade of San Antonio.
The outstanding service of his career, that which will forever endear his memory to the hearts of all loyal Texans, was rendered in conjunction with Don Juan Martin de Veramandi (father-in-law of James Bowie and who was afterwards Lieutenant-Governor of Coahuila and Texas). The Spanish Governor Martinez from his royal palace at San Antonio de Bexar appointed Don Erasmo Seguin as Commissioner to meet the incoming colonists of Austin at Nachi-
