Jackson [Missouri] 25th Decr-1821

Sir, Having been introduced to you at your Fathers (Potosi) and formed a short but agreeable acquaintance and having some knowledge of your political character which stands fair in our State, I am induced to Introduce to your notice my friend Capt Saml. Dixon the bearer of this letter.—

I believe Sir, you will find him as I have done a gentleman of good character of a handsome education Industrious, firm to his purposes confidential to his friends, he understands surveying and navigation theoretically and practically, acquainted with mankind having travelled much both by sea and land it is the opinion of myself and his friends in this quarter, that he deserves to be patronized and as such I cordially recommend him to your friendship-

Zenas Priest

[Addressed] : Stephen F. Austin Esqr. Province of Texas Capt. Samuel Dixon