St Louis Apl 21 1821.
I am sorry to say that I have not yet settled finally with the Bank
I claim upwards of (21) thousand Dollars for stock and sale of my
property, at the Mines, but the Honorable gentlemen are not willing
to give me much over (17) thousand this I will not take. I find
there conduct has been so unauthorised that I can sett a side the
sale of the mine a Burton estate and obtain a Credit for the full
amount of my stock, unless they make a compromise with me,
calculating that I would never return—they have acted quite
unguarded—which puts it in my power to over sett everything, they
have done and have the estate returned again If I am, driven to this
measure I must be detained some time longer and I am in a most
unpleasant situation with out a Dollar to get a shirt washed
Mr. Reed is in town and a call of stock Holders will be made this
day. I shall take the liberty to place your Name to the letter which
will be handed in, as a stock holder and when they meet I hope you
will attend and see if something cannot be don to take the Books
and papers from the present holders and stop more money going into
the hands of those that now hold command
Remember me [to] Dear Emily and the little boys—
Respectfully
Moses Austin [rubric]
from Mr. Eads I find it will be necessary for you to visit St Louis
and pray bring a few dollars for my use
M A
[Addressed:] Mr James Bryan Hazel Cottage