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.