New Orleans 3d May 1822

Stephen Austin Esqr

Dear Sir

I embrace the present conveyance of troubling you with a few enquiries relative to your part of the Country—I wish to know if could do anything to advantage there with a stock of 2000$ to 3000$ worth of goods. What kind of merchandise will suit the market— who would be the principle purchasers—Emigrants Spaniards or Indians—and what I can get in exchange—cash or mules—What part of the Country would be best to locate myself in—Whether your settlement St. Antonio or some other village—Your answer to the above or such information as you may think necessary or useful will confer a particular favr—I leave this city in about two months—and should anything offer in your part of the Country I have no doubt some of my friends will advance me an outfit—By late accts from Arkansas I understand our friend James Hamilton is appointed sherriff—H. Soule has moved to Cuba—I have quit that country all together—Please inform me the distance from yr place to St Antonio—the convenience and expense of traveling to the interior etc—and what a person can do there without goods or capital—I have a strong disposition to visit you at all events but will wait yr address, in haste Yr friend

Saml Ricker Jr.

Direct to care of Townsley & Bouny N. O.