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While it would at the same time be a source of pride to be able to demonstrate to the world our capacity to manage our own affairs, Not only in raising but in preparing and
and carrying our products to Market. To do this in an equinomical and just manner we propose to form an association composed of the lepees [[lessees]] working this plantation and adopt such rules and regulations for the management of the ginning as will be impartial and satisfactory to all concerned. Each Member paying his share of the expense in proportion to the amount of cotton he may have ginned.

Last year the Government agent Superintended the ginning of the cotton and it is well known to all that the result fell far short of giving satisfaction, and we believe that it would be even worse if the matter was intrusted to the cupidity of mere speculators [[as we?]] earnestly hope the calamity will not be visited upon us by having the gins
placed in the hands of any individual as a Monopoly and speculation, who would rob us of the fruits of our hard years work.

With these suggestions we humbly leave the matter with you ever praying and believing that whatever your decision may be you will keep in view our interest, with that of the Government under whose protection and encouragement we will struggle on in our efforts to make an honest living - ever grateful for the favors thus bestowed.