Dr Sir,

I recd your letter by Col Philips relative to the place that was reserved to the 1 of this month for your motherinlaw—-On the first day of this Mr. Duke applied for the same place pr Mr Moore who lives in Bay Prairie and presented a letter from Moore on the subject—I was compeled to say that on that day all previous promises of the place were out, and that it was therefore vacant, and it was consequently entered pr Mr. Moore—I could not do otherwise-—

I expect to be at my brothers about the 20 of this month and will call and see you, tho my stay below will be very short, not more than one day—

Remember me to Mrs Bell,

S. F. Austin [Rubric]

Jany. 8. 1828—

J. H. Bell