Lexington December 9th 1821
S F Austin
Dear Sir
I have an oppertunity of writing you a few lines by an
acquaintance of mine Mr Atter who will hand you this i have wrote
you more fully on the subject by mail if Mr Atter should find you
in Orleans dont fail to write by him my object in writing to you is
for you to write me and say what offer you will make me to come
on and settle in your country write me which will be the shortest
and the cheapest way of going and what it would cost me write
me whether any of my acquaintances has gone to that country
please to give me some idea of the country respecting the health of
the place and the lattitude that it is in a word I would like to be
there I think I could make a fortune there no more at presen a
dieu till I see you
James C. Shields.
write me imediately on the recept of this by Mr Ayter if you are in
Orleans
[Addressed:] Mr Stephen F Austin New Orleans