Gonzales 5 August 1831
Respected Sir
A short respite from almost incessant writing enables me by this
opportunity to make my acknowledgments for the Kindness
(unmerited altogether) with which you have favor'd an individual
personally a stranger to you; the value of which is doubly enhanced
by the testimony it affords of the disposition of the Govt to reward
in a reasonable way the services however humble of those who have
been instrumental in defence of the Country, and the source by
which it has been received, as without your interference, it would
in all human probability have continued for me a dead letter—
On reverting to Art's 10, 22 and 27 of Law 24 Mar: it appears
that this species of grant is exempted from paymt of any dues to
the State, this has not been attended to in my case, tho' officers
in the Navy from a Mid' in the line of promotion are " Militares "
and I would feel oblig'd for your opinion whether it is worth
troubling the Govr with a representation or whether a saving clause
could not be inserted in the deed to provide, against the payment,
I am undecided where to locate this League, I am poor and unable
to improve it when located, and would if a fair offer could be had
sell it, what is your opinion ?
We get on slowly making out the deeds, the people are fractious
and unprovided, the Commissioners fees are high, the Surveyors not
being able to get half their pay are hostile and untractable, much
praise is due to Mr. Byrd Lockhart for his forbearance and exertions
in the dispatch of business, and without him every thing would have
been por la obra de Dios. Col: De W. is well and will save his
premium. I have heard that two of Martin de L's Sons are in
durance on the Rio Grande taken in their laudable exertions for
the extention of the Tobacco business, one of them is Dn, Fernando
Commissr elect for his father's Colony. Compliments and best
wishes for your welfare and happiness from Mr. Navarro, the
DeWitts Lockhart and those of your much oblig'd and obedt.
Josh. R. Bedford [Rubric]
To S. F. Austin Esqre
N. B. I enclose you a dollar and a half which makes us quits.—
P. S. Mr. N. thinks that the Communication in No, 18— of
27 June last as coming from him and affecting indirectly the honor
of his friend Musquiz might have been better edited, the word
"declamation" is inserted for "acclamation" and he is made to
sign himself Seņor which appears to have been done thro' irrasion,
this is the liberty of the press with a vengeance.
J. R. B.
[Addressed:] To Col: Stephen F. Austin Austin