Mine a Burton Jany 31 [1816?]
Dear Son
You will suppose that I have Neglected the return of your horse,
but the extreem Cold Weather has prevented. I wished to send to
you a Boy to remain with you, but I was absolutely doubtfull he
would git some injury, by Cold, but this day is something More
Moderate and I have Concluded to trust him with your horse I hope
he may arrive safe We have Not heared a word from you since the
Doct. returned I hope to God you have again recovered so as to be
yourself again, can you send a load of Lead to Mr Bates I must
raise the Money for the Cape or I shall be in real distress. Mr Bates
has made Use of all the Lead I have sent him Except the last smelt,
and I have paid Captain Morgan 139 Dollars and to Stephen 150
Dollars to send to Kty which has so distressed me that I Shall I am
fearfull suffur much unless I make up the money Immediately and
to make things worse the furnace is so damaged she must be mended
before I can make any more Lead and the General Courts meet at
this place in four Weeks. I shall be really distressed my pork has
taken up about 350 Dollars all these things has press.d me greatly If
you can send a load to Mr Bates it will help greatly
I hope you mky be in a situation to Visit us this Week If the
Weather will admitt.
Moses Austin [Rubric]
N. B. Stephen has had the measles but is now nearly well again
your mother is as common—this extreem cold Weather put Business
back greatly
MA
[Addressed] Mr. James Bryan
Hazel Cottage