Herculaneum Feby 8 1820
Dear Son
I have inclosed you a Ten Dollar Note on bank Tennessee I am
sorry I could not send you better money but there is no money but
State Bank Tennessee and State bank Kentucky and Missouri bank
bill to be had in this country. I hope I may Next mail send you
as much money as will discharge all your Bills and Dues—I sent
you in Jany 20 dollars on state bank of Kentucky—which I hope
you have rec'd I have wrote to Washington City to have
arrangements made for you to obtain a place on board the United States
Navy—I also sometime since—wrote Mr Holly to get Mr Henry Clay
to befriend you in Washington City, also Henry Miggs [Meigs] and
Mr John Scott from these gentlemen I am in hope you may obtain
a place on board the Navy next spring—you will therefore make
use of your best exertions, to forward yourself in your studies—
and remember that everything depends on yourself—I am sorry
my son to say that my situation will not allow me to do for you
what I could wish but when I am clear of all my difficulties I
can then say what I can do for you in the mean time I shall forward
to you Money—to pay your bills and Cloth you as your station in
life requires keep up your spirits and hope for the best and make
the exertions that is with in your power and I have not a Doubt
but all will turn out as you wish your Mother will remain in
Herculaneum and I shall this spring go down the Country in the spring
to see your brother and determine what I then shall do. my estate
is greatly injured and I shall not save over 15000 dollars after all is
settled I loose 26,000 Dollars by the bank of St. Louis its that
business that has so much injured me Know from Mr Holly whether he
has wrote Mr Henry Clay in your behalf
Moses Austin [Rubric]
my stock in the bank of St Louis is not worth a Cent 12-300 is
sunk in Bank stock
M. Austin
[Addressed:] Mr James E B Austin Nicholas Ville Kentucky