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 Señor 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