[dateline] Nantes 23 October 1780
[salute] Sir
I was duly honored with your Favor of the 2d Instant.
1 Mr. Thaxter having left Paris, I applied to Mr. Grand for the twenty Louis d'ors
which I received, and shall invest them in Calicoes and ship on Board the Mars as
directed. In this Vessel I think to take passage myself, mortified and disappointed
in all my Attempts to execute the Commission I am entrusted with, I cannot flatter
myself a longer Residence here will prove more favorable to my Wishes, the Enquiries
I have made and the constant Attention I have paid to the Business, convince me that
future Applications will only serve to renew my Chagrin, increase my Anxiety, and
terminate ineffectually; besides, my Situation since I left America has been very
disagreable, more so perhaps than any who have left it on the same Errand—without
Money, without a Line of Credit, or a single Remittance.
{ 302 } The Impracticability of obtaining the Loan, has led me for some time to turn my Attention
to procure, if possible the Cloathing, many of the Obstacles which occur'd in the
first I experienc'd in the last Attempt, and tho' I have represented the Ability of
our State in every advantageous light, yet my Rhetorick has not been sufficiently
powerfull to impress the least Confidence, or procure a warm Garment for a poor Soldier.
Had I been furnished with anything to work with, had I brought out with me sufficient
to pay for one third of the Goods wanted, or had the Mars been loaded with some sort
of Cargo its probable a small Advance would have procur'd a part, if not all the Cloathing.
On my leaving America, I was determined to prosecute the Business with the utmost
Attention, in hopes of accomplishing it, tho' I have failed in my Attempts, yet I
rest satisfied my Exertions have not been wanting. I have not taken it for granted,
(agreeable to my Friends predictions) it could not be effected, 'till I had made every
Trial. As your Excellency is well acquainted with the Steps I have taken in the Business,
permit me to request a Letter from you to our General Assembly upon the Subject, with
your Sentiments relative to my proceedings and whether you would advise me to return
by this Ship or wait here in hopes of a more favorable Moment.
2
I am with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient & very humble Servant
[signed] Jon: Loring Austin
PS. Please to direct to me to the Care of Mr. Williams.