Detroit, Oct. 22d. 1832.

Dear Sir,

I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance, Mr. Saml D. Colt Jr., a young gentleman of Massachusetts. He has spent some months in this Territory, and finding his health poor, and business here not answering his expectations, he determined on going to the delightful region which I constantly praise and often dream of—-Texas, I regret to say, that after all my exertions and arrangements I cannot get ready to remove my family this fall. It was more difficult than I anticipated to arrange numerous accounts, which had been accumulating for more than twelve years, and to change my little property into money—and I found that I could not depart for Texas, with enough in my pocket to render me independent of contingencies that were very probable. However, I do not doubt that I shall be in a condition to undertake the enterprise next season.

Since my return I have conducted a weekly journal in this city, and have occasion [ally] published articles relative to Texas, which have been well received and copied into other papers. During the coming winter I propose to myself to write and publish several numbers upon the same subject.

The pamphlet, containing the interesting proceedings of the past summer, reached me some weeks since. It has been in great demand among my reading and enterprising acquaintance, and will effect much good for Texas.

Believe me, my dear sir, there has been no disappointment in my worldly affairs, which has caused me more regret, than my inability to carry into effect my intention to remove to Texas this fall. I feel that I shall not rest contented until I am settled for life in that genial climate and delightful country; and every month that I am withheld from the gratification of the predominant desire, I consider as a great and absolute loss.

You will see several gentlemen in your colony in the course of the winter, coming from this portion of the Union; and I should not be suprised if the fame of Col. S. F. Austin, and interest which Texas has excited, will soon cause you more trouble (by increasing your visitors) than you are prepared to encounter.

I should be very glad to receive letters from you often; and rest assured, that any suggestion of yours will receive that attention which my sincere desire for the welfare of Texas and your intimate acquaintance with her interests, cannot fail to secure. I beg, sir, you will, at least, think me willing and able to do a little for the good of Texas.

Gen. Mason left his home in this city a few days since, for N. York, whence he will go to Washington. Before setting out for Texas he will return to this place; and in all probability he will not see you until February or March next.

I perceive by a Nashville paper that the Tenesee company are about sending an agent to Mexico, in order to arrange their claims. I also learn, by a gentleman just returned to this place from N. York, that a Mr. Jamieson had been engaged to survey lands for the N. Y. compy in the grants bordering the Trinity, etc.

If Mrs. Holly is in Texas please give her my respects and best wishes for her happiness. Remember me also to Mr. Williams and other gentlemen who have not forgotten me,

John P. Sheldon [Rubric]

Col. S. F Austin