To Col. Stephen F. Austin

Respected Sir The Alcaldas of this District have been pleased to confide to me the office of Constable and in making out bills of cost I have invariably charged (except in case of warrants where I was commanded to find the body and bring it forthwith) mileage from the office of the Alcalde to the place of residence of the person summoned whether I found him at home or elsewhere—this is complained of by some though I thought hardly any rule was more uniformly and universally established—As we are about to fall under your jurisdiction and such matters will sooner or later be refered to you I request that you will do me the favour to state to me whether I have misconceived the rule or not and if I have erred to state what the rule is—

Atascosito District Nov. 14th 1826

Joseph W. Brown

P. S. I know not who will be the bearer of this letter but if he returns to this District I pray you will send an answer to my request by him—

J. W. B.