St Louis December 5, 1818

Dr Brother

I wrote you this day directed to Alexandria, and now write to Nachitoch to inform you that oweing to ill success in collecting I have thought it most prudent to detain the Boat a few weeks and sell some of the Flour to pay Gillet and Clemmens they would have attached the Boat, and were injureing your reputation by reports— in this state of things I went to Herm and Sister and Elias advised to stop the Boat and pay those debts Flour is makeing to make up the cargo and by the time it is ready I shall also be ready to leave this country and shall therefore go down in the Boat—and if no accident happens you may expect me in Feby at Nachitoch

The Legislature I think will adjourn in 10 days and I will then attend to fitting out the Boat etc. Emily and the children are all well. Mother is some better tho still very ill

S. F. Austin

we have heard of you frequently—

[Addressed:] Mr James Bryan Nachitoches State of Louisiana