Stephen F. Austin Lieut. Col. of Militia Political chief and Superior Judge of Austins Colony in the Province of Texas—

Charged by the Superior Authorities of the Mexican Nation with the government of the Colony untill its organization is completed and considering the great inconvenience that attends the administration of Justice in consequence of the extent of the Brazos District I have thought proper to order and decree as follows

1—The tract of country lying between the Coshatta road, so called, and the Sea Shore including the waters of the Brazos and of Chockolate Bayou and the east bank of the Bernard Creek up to said road shall form a new district to be called the District of St. Felipe de Austin

2—This decree shall take effect and be in force from and after the first day of January next—

And that this decree may arrive to the knowledge of all persons I have caused it to be published and posted up in the most public places hereby commanding all officers and inhabitants of this Colony to obey it accordingly under the pains and penalties prescribed by the laws in such cases

Given under my hand at the Town of St. Felipi de Austin this 2 day of Decem 1823-—3d year of independence and 2d year of liberty of the Mexican Nation—