Detroit, Nov. 12,1832,

Dear Sir,

I have the satisfaction of introducing to your acquaintance Mr. Robert Le Roy, (a connexion of mine) and Mr. E. Comstock. They are young men of the strictest "probity, of the most exemplary habits, and possessing enterprise and industry so as to render them an acquisition to your colony, and to ensure to themselves an enviable independence. They are but the pioneers of several families who will leave this part of the U. States next season for Texas, and they wish to find a place which will justify them in erecting a saw mill and other works, and which will warrant the formation of a neighborhood of fifteen or twenty families. With the families, (which will be formed into an emigrating company) it is my intention to be numbered—indeed, it is from my advice and representations, that the plan has been adopted—consequently, you must be aware of my solicitude respecting the location of the contemplated settlement. I was much delighted with the district of country in the vicinity of Brookfield's, but am not certain that water power of sufficient magnitude can be had without it is found some 10 or 15 miles from him, in some of the bends of the Colorado. A water power and timber would be desirable. The former, I was told, is abundant in the interior far as your most northern grantas —please direct the young men to those parts where they will be most likely to find what they desire, and also tell them what the advantages are for industrious agriculturists and stock raisers. These young men are a sample of those that will emigrate next season; and are such as will do, each of them, more actual labor, either as merchanics or agriculturists, than three or four men, black or white, that have been reared with southern habits—they are just such as I know you wish to see Texas filled with—and just such as your glorious country deserves. I am more and more impressed with the correctness of your views, as expressed to me, relative to the destinies of Texas, and the proper policy to be pursued.

Mr. Le Roy and Mr. Comstock will inform you of the extent of the desire to emigrate to Texas, among the people of the county in which they live—the feeling is spread far even in this new country, from even the slight information which has been diseminated among them. What then could not be done in the eastern and northern states, in the way of forming emigrating companies, if proper measures were adopted ?

I feel, sir, that I have embarked in an important business, (the arrangement and formation of an emigrating party) and it would always be a source of regret to me, to be instrumental in deceiving the hopes or just expectations of any one: for this reason, sir, I feel that every particle of information from Texas, at all affecting the interests and well-being of the settlers, will be of high importance, I assure, you, sir, that those who emigrate with me shall not have it to say that I withheld or misstated any thing in my power to communicate, and important for them to know.

By the latest information which has reached me from Mexico, I perceive that Santa Anna has met a reverse in the defeat of Moctezuma—and that he himself is in somewhat a critical situation. Tell me, sir, should those against whom Santa Anna took up arms, prevail against him, will they dare attempt to be avenged on those of Texas who have declared in his favor? Or will they dare attempt to narrow the privileges of your colonists, from the disposition which they have manifested to abrogate the abominable law to pre- vent emigration, and the desire which they have expressed to be a sovereign state of the Republic? For myself, I am certain that, let the civil commotion terminate as it may, the people of Texas need not, from that result, be subjected to any loss, or have their prospects of rapid advancement in wealth and importance, much impeded—so sure am I that the dominant party in Mexico, must be aware of the strength, the spirit, and the resources of the people of Texas. At all events, you would oblige me much by letting me know your views, so that I can have it in my power to reassure those who may feel fearful about the peace of the Settlers.

You may rest assured, sir, that the families who will compose the emigrating party to Texas will be just such as you will rejoice to see—respectable, intelligent, and industrious such as you find always among the most valuable citizens of our villages in N. York or Pennsylvania: for they will for the most part be people from the states who have removed here, and find the winters too rigorous. All our farmers indeed, appear to be sighing for your genial climate and rich meadows and soil.

Should you happen to see Doctr N. Labadie, of Anahuac, please inform him that his mother and connexions are well, and wish very much to receive a letter from him.

Give my best wishes to Mr Williams and other gentlemen of my acquaintance and beleive me, sir,

Col S. F. Austin

Jno P Sheldon [Rubric]