Señor Comisionado del Pueblo
Call upon Señora María Isabel Talamantes, the wife of the inválido Toribio Martínez, and tell her on my behalf that I would be deeply privileged to grant permission to her son, Juan María, to accept the position of soldier in this company. He is a young man whom I respect. His father will allow it if it is agreeable to his mother. Inform me of her response.
Deliver the attached report to the militiaman, José Antonio Higuera, who already has a soldier’s pass for this company. As soon as Artillery Sergeant Manuel Gómez passes by there he will present it to the settler, Francisco González, who will join the ranks of the militia in place of Higuera.
God keep you many years.
Monterey, January 5, 1809
José María Estudillo