Hercn. Decr. 30th 1813
Dr Brother,
In consequence of not arriving here in time to Hammonds I was
compelled to go St. Louis — whence I did not return [until]
yesterday evening—
On my arrival here I found a Mr Bent (Brother of Judge Bent)
who has a keel Boat to Sell in which I think a good bargain may
be had and have therefore sent out this express to inform you of
the terms that you may embrace them if you think proper
The Boat is of Thirty-Seven (37) Tons, built in Pittsburgh last
fall, and very strong, and well built, and may be had for Six
Hundred Dollars, one Hundred down, and the Balance in Pittsburgh
She will make a very good Barge with a little expense and is about
the proper size for an Orleans Barge,—Boats are in demand in St
Louis and I think the one which you got from Morrison may be
sold well for cash—
This Boat is the same that Wilson purchased for 525 Dollars but
Bent refuses to let him have it She is coverd about 15 feet only
and with . . . rigging,
I give you this information that [you] may do as you think proper
I have made no engagements with him if [you] take the Boat it
will be necessary to send to Elias, or come in, immediately as Bent,
wishes to sell her and will do it in St. Louis. Mr Bent will wait
here untill Monday morning to hear from you.
I go to Kaskaskia this day tho [I] shall not get there untill
tomorrow Col. Hammonds has been offered (3000) Three
Thousand Dollars for Herculaneum by Smith and Von Phal, and also by
Genl. Clark and Genl. Howard in partnership to whom he will sell
if you and Morrison do not take it— I shall state the terms to
Morrison and bring out his answer
Tell Father that the Bank is progressing agreeable to his last
Plan.
S. F. Austin
J Bryan Esqr
I think you had better not do anything with this Boat without
coming in yourself to look at her
S.F[A]
[Addressed:] James Bryan Esquire Hazle Run Missouri
pr Jerry