E.W. Ripley Stating the Eagerness of a Group of U.S.Citizens to Emigrate and Settle on the Colorado River.

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A number of men of good character and patriotic f[ ] are desirous of emigrating from the United States into the Mexican Territory on th[e] South Side of the Colorado of the Mississipi. Their object is to form a colo[ny] of Agriculturists. This tract of terr[itory?] at present [is] inhabited by the Ca[ ] and other Indians and the prese[nce of] such a colony would materially chec[k] their depredations. Should they go to this point they will conform to your language and political Institutions. they would defend your territory; and be a powe[rful au]xiliary TORN [ ] their agent from [ ] [ ]. He and the other Colonists would remove immediately with their families if they can obtain a grant of lands to settle and I think they would be of vast service to yourself individually and to the nation of Mexico I have the honor to be with sentiments of high respect

Your most obedt Servt
E.W.Ripley (rubric)
New Orleans Au[gust ??] 1823