Alxa [Alexandria] 6th Novr 1824
Mr. S F Austin
Dear Sir. Having been disappointed in Receiving the Money
that was due me in this Count[r]y. I have been compeld again to
Commence work at my old trade of Enjineer in order to raise money
to discharge the debts I owe in your Count[r]y— I have now a
situation on board the steam boat Natchitoches— and as soon as
I can raise sufficient quantity of money shall forward it to you in
order to settle my debts— In the mean time I must beg you to
see that my property etc is not molested-—as I shall certainly send
money—and be out myself early in the spring
James Nelson [Rubric]