Comisionado del Pueblo de San José
Since I have been traveling until today, I have not been able to answer your official communication from this past January, in which you inform me of the latest events concerning Mission San José and the livestock in that area. I have notified the Jefe and when something new develops you are to inform me that the Señor Gobernador can take measures he deems appropriate.
I place in your hands the document regarding matters of the Royal Service.
The soldier who is carrying this letter will travel up to Mission Santa Clara to deliver the enclosed and a knife for cutting quills to Reverend Father José Viader. The soldier will return when his Reverence tells him to.
Tell Alcalde Ygnacio Castro that if he is able and willing to come, I will wait for him tomorrow at this mission since, on the day after that, I will head for the presidio.
God keep you many years.
San Juan Bautista, February 14, 1809
José María Estudillo
Royal Service