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Port of Galveston 8th Nov 18^57^ Friend Perry Dear Sir, Yours of the 4th inst. is beforef^J. I regret exceedingly not being able to be in Houston as well on your Account as my own; having inportant business which my presence demands; Indeed I am a great loser by not being able to visit this place one month ago. The Storm, however, and its consequent effects at this place have rendered it out of my power to serve either you or my self. 1 trust, however, that the report which you and Capt Austin made relative to the land business, with the assistance of John will be gotten through *.ith as well as though I had been personally present, for I feel a deep interest in that Matter; but hope John will exhibit facts, which in a transaction like Col Austins lant business is all that is necessary as it appears to me. You Say, you have never heard v.hat I did -Aith theppEkxga package which you sent to Jas. Reed and 6o: I wrote you particularly on the subject. The Enclose letter was enclosed to me in a letter from Mr- Reed in which he says "Please forw rd the enclosed to Mr. ^er^ry by some safe conveyance" The stress which he placed on the last words induced me not to send it by mail which has so often failet to convey letter^ certain: and therefore have kept it till < ovj not having found any other"safe conveyance".