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