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there debt they owe me is paid but [[mark]] it gives me the right to hold everry thing untill they pay me for what they eat last year, and I have all wready given them as mutch corn and wheat when they leaft me last fall as I am saft in doing until I sell the crop of Tobaccoe and see whether there is any thing more due them after Settleing there acount. please attend to this at once and let me have and answer on the Subject by Thursday Morning if Possible I have not put the names of the hands in this coppy as it is unnessary

I want you to state to the gov that all the farmers in this section are anctious to no the result of this affare. for if a contract is not to be valled as a matter of corse wee cant have any thing more to do with free negroes. for if my contract is not valled I shall be compeld to turn out of doors at this time 20 women and children for if I am not to be [[strikethrough]] fed [[/strikethough]] paid for those I have fed I shall feed no more. pleas no of the Yankey govee what I am to defend and for the way Hellbrand is going on he will make those negroes burn me out I am anctious to see you and am comeing down soon  your friend

[[signature]] R M Abbott [[/signature]]

Transcription Notes:
Make sure to use double brackets for any indications like [[illegible word]]. If single brackets are used ("[illegible word]") it means that the original text has brackets. -- Beth Thank you Beth (You're welcome.) I wonder if Yankey govee is "goveer" (for governor)? -- Beth