Brassis Feby 25th 1824

Sir

I received your order of the 23d Instant in the case of Wm. Pettus vs Hanker and Massie to deliver the negro man Edmond now in my possession to Mr William Pettus ox his agent there has a man cald for the boy without any thing to show that he is Pettus agent nor has he any thing from Pettus to receive him I do not therefore think proper to deliver him the negro but that there may be no disappointment I send the negro to you and wish you to deliver him to Pettus as the order directs and take Pettus receipt as he did not Come himself nor sent an order your attention to the above will much oblidge yours

J. H. Bell

[Addressed:] Col. Stephen F. Austin San Felipe de Austin