Stephen F Austin Lieut Col of Militia and Political Chief of
Austins Colony in the Province of Texas.
The detached and exposed situation of the lower Settlements on
the Brasos River in this Colony requiring that an officer of the
Militia should reside in that quarter.
Therefore I do by these presents appoint Josiah H. Bell a
Lieutenant of the Militia within the district of Country on the Brasos
and Oyster Creek from the Fort and on the Bernard from the Mound
to the sea Shore, and the said Bell will addopt all necessary
measures to protect the said settlements from the attacks of the
Karankawias, Cokes, or any other Indians, and to chastise them for any
depredations they may commit within said limits without wating
for orders from his Superior officer, avoiding in all cases the sheding
of blood where more gentle means are likely to produce the proper
effect— In all other cases the said Bell will be subordinate to the
Captain of the Brasos Company The sd. Bell will also watch over
the public peace and the observance of the laws generally and
forward on to the Alcalde of the District for tryal all persons who
violate them—he will also be attentive that no vagabond or
fugitives from justice are harbord or protected within his command nor
any persons who are avowedly enemies of the Mexican Nation,
giving an Account to me of all such and if necessary apprehending
and forwarding them to the Alcalde for tryal—he will be particular
to give frequent statements to me in writin[g] of all his official acts,
as also of the arrival of any vessels or emigrants or any other
remarkable occurrance— And I command all persons to obey the said
Bell accordingly—under the pains and penalties prescribed by the
law.
Given in the lower settlement of the Brasos this 31, day of March
1824 in the 4th year of the independence and 3d year of the liberty
of the Mexican Nation
Stephen F. Austin [Rubric]