New York January 27 1832

My dear Cousin,

Your Esteemed favor of the 27th Ulto. is at hand and contents noted with a lively interest. In answer to your main question, I will refer you to my letter to Henry per yesterdays mail, via New Orleans, as showing that no time had been lost since the receipt of your and his letters, that the business is in its proper train appears to have excited due interest, and as far as could judge did not think you need fear the result etc, etc, etc., which I requested him to communicate to you immediately on receipt and would write further next week. A friend, wellknown to Henry, in whom, as he will tell you, the utmost confidence can be placed, takes a deep interest and will render every aid in his power to accomplish the object and I know no one better qualified or that has half the weight with the principal gentlemen interested in the Galveston Bay Company that he has or who is so well informed on the subject generally or the means of obtaining so correct information either private or otherwise and further I am well satisfied he will go heart and hand with us, a true friend every wish of him, so that whatever we do you may rely on secrecy. I could wish however, that you could see Mr. M. [John T. Mason?] as I have good grounds for believing he would meet your views and wishes fully with ample power to act. It is possible he may be with you, as he with Mr. Butler were to have left the City of Mexico for your colony, the present month, but is to be feared the Counter revolution of which advises were received here last packet from Vera Cruz, majr detain them both. I send you and Henry, with this, an abridgement of the Colonization Laws etc of Mexico, just published by Col. Langworthy, who visited your colony the last year. Have also sent Mrs Holley a copy. I regret extremely that circumstances should delay your intended visit, which we have been anticipating with so much pleasure. My sister Mary, appears, from her letters, perfectly delighted with her visit to your colony, says there is no mistake or exageration as to the favourable impression she had previously received that she wishes all she has was there and that she would not return upon any account, she mentions her book on Texas, and was to send the manuscript per first packet. Also requests me to pay fifty dollars, for her, on your account, which Mr. Leaming has drawn for, and his Draft duly paid, agreeably to your letter of advise, and the amount placed to the debit of Mrs. Holley. It is to me highly gratifying to hear you passed your time so agreeably atHenrys as well as the high commendations in which you name Mrs. H. She mentions that visit with rapture and says would have done me good to have seen how all enjoyed it, and quite made me wish myself and wife could have been of the party, as I know nothing that could give me more pleasure than to make you a visit, but fear will be some time yet before circumstances will admit of it which alone keeps me here. The weather is so intensely cold, it is with difficulty I can direct my pen (4 Degrees below zero) I beg you will let me hear from you by every opportunity as I can but feel an intense interest in your and colonys welfare.

J. P. Austin

P. S. I would refer you to the enclosed letter recd, per last packet from Vera Cruz, as giving some particulars of the movements there. I also send with this a file of papers for your and Henrys perusal, which will give much interesting matter if not previously received and to which I would refer. To days mail from Washington, brings the news of the rejection of the Senate of the nomination of the Honbl. Martin Van Buren as minister to London.

J. P. A.