Cant[onment] Jessup La.

December 20th. 1830

Dear sir.

It has been a long time since I had the pleasure of your acquaintance, but I beg leave to bring to your recollection The time you passed Fort Riply, on the Sabine in 1821.

The bearer of this Mr. N. D Labadie I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance, as, a, young Gentleman, who visits your Country with a view of locating himself somewhere, in your District of Country, Either in the profession of medicine or in the Mercantile pursuits—

Mr. Labadie has been in the Employ of Harrison and Hopkins for the last Eight Months and from what we have found, from That Experience, we have no hesitation in introducing him to you as a Gentleman worthy of the highest, respect, and one well qualified to discharge the duties of his profession—

If you can render Mr. Labadie any services in the way of his making an advantageous location—you will not only place him under particular obligations to you, but aliso your

D R Hopkins [Rubric]

[Addressed:] To Col. Stephen F, Austin St. Phillipe de Austin Texas Pr Mr Labadie