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