Lexington May 17th 1810

Dr Stephen

You must excuse my not writing sooner, agreeable to promise but I must plead want of time as my excuse- I went to Shepherdsville and Bairdstown after I left you at Louisville and returned home by Shelbyville very much pleased with my trip- I met George Shannon at Shelbyville and stayed a day or so with him. There is no news here as usual except that I saw Eliza P. this morning, the little girl you are so fond of, and I am very happy in letting you know she was in a very good state of health; Mrs. Nat Hart has a Son and has been very ill for several weeks but is now rather on the mend. I got a Letter from Tho Butler at Massac this Morning he intends Coming up this month, to see his friends and I think probably he will resign at least I think he is wrong if he does not for he is now spending his time for nothing: I intend quitting Mrs. Bodley in about six weeks and turn in to studying Law like a house afire, for I have already spent my time with very little Consideration- I wish I had known two or three years ago the value of time as well as I do now and I am sure I should have made a much better use of it- A Young man knows not the value of time untill it is past and then he sees his error.

I seen Betsey yesterday but she was so guarded by her Mother and Sister that I Could get no Opportunity of speaking to her. I however intend making a movement Some of these days that shall astonish all of them, there is nothing like acting with decision in those Cases and I am very much mistaken if they dont experience Some of it shortly. I then intend Coming down some where in the Lower Country and try my fortune I hope you will not neglect writing the first Opportunity or as soon as this Comes to hand; All your Old Schoolmates or a good Many are going to the University again.

If you see any of my old friends down Your way give my respects to them and believe me

Robt: S: Todd [Rubric]

Stephen Austin Esqr.

[Addressed:] Stephen Austin Esqr. St: Genevieve Louisiana.