At Bellpass at the entrance of Bayou Lafouch
March 25th 1822
Then received of Col. Pettus a negro Boy now a my [sic] by the
name of Joe, which was Contracted to me by the Said Pettus at the
time and place above mentioned for his passage to this Country in
Company of which was Freeman Pettus, and Mr Baileys Family, in
all amounting to 24 or 5 persons—Those persons Contracted with me
in New Orleans to bring them to County for $475, but when they
Came on board the Vessel the[y] said they had no money, I observed
they had good property and this negro Joe now in the possession of
Colo. Pettus was bill of sald to me at the time and place above
mentioned to defray their passage—I have call'd on Colo Pettus for my
property but he refuses to give it up, I therefore wish to know in
What manner I am to proceed.
Samuel Sheares [Rubric]
N B I can produce evidence that will testify to the foregoing
statement.
S. Sheares [Rubric]
[Addressed:] Colo. Stephen F Austin San Felipe de Aus[tin]