Philada. 21st. Novr. 1835—

Jas. F. Perry Esq

My dear Sir,

The Bearer, Stephen Decatur Hurst Esqr. atty at Law of this City—is my nephew—and under the influence of warm zeal and deep interest in the sacred cause for which the Texians are nobly contending against despotism, bigotry and superstition, has determined to rally round the Texian Standard and devote his energies in its defence—

He has been Captain of a handsome volunteer Company and recently appointed—Colonel of a Regiment of Militia in this place—

He also was attached some time since to an Engineer Corps in No. Carolina—and has, I believe, a pretty good knowledge of surveying—As to his nerve, I think I can venture to vouch for that—Under these circumstances—I take the liberty of recommending my nephew to your kind offices—and best advice—as to the most eligible plan in your opinion—for him to pursue in order to render the most efficient aid in his power—for the furtherance of yr. cause—and the promotion of his individual interests—in yr. promising region—I have but a few moments to add, that my most inauspicious movements in 1829 to Potosi—has been the primary cause, as I verily believe, of the premature death of my late invaluable Wife and inestimable Theodosia and but for it—my poor dear infatuate Louisa wd not now be the Wife of a canting bigotted untalented itinerant Methodist Preacher— This last sad event has deeply afflicted me—I had left her—confidingly left her—under the roof and charge of Squire Brickey and his wife (who lately died)—whilst I proceeded to Tennessee to attend to some Land business and after my arrival here—arrangements were made by Edward Hurst Esq. Notary Public No. 42 Dock Street—to get her on to this City—where she wd. have been comfortably situated— But alas! in the mean time— the very good Methodists of Potosi—exercised their religious spells and incantations around her—and the poor child has literally thrown herself away!— My dear Sir, my heart is with you— in yr. present contest and so shd. be my arm also—(feeble as it is) did the situation of my family and the state of my health admit of my joining you—a very powerful excitement in yr. favor is rapidly spreading in Boston New York Philada. etc; and old and feeble as I am still indulge the pleasing hope—that I may sooner or later be enabled "to wend my way"—to yr interesting and promising country— Do, my dear Sir, write to me as soon as convenient address'd to the Care of Edwd Hurst Esqr here and tell me frankly whether my temporal prosperity and that of my family—wd. be likely to be promoted by a removal to Texas—and inform me of every thing else you may deem interesting—My Nephew will inform you of the particulars respecting my situation and that of my family—Please make my most respectful regards acceptable to Mrs. Perry and all the Children— and believe me, Dear Sir, with much respect—

Robt. Wescott.