Viewing page 172 of 229

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

go unpunished, it will have a very bad effect upon, not only my plantation, but upon the surrounding country; and if they are allowed to violate a contract made in good faith whenever they see fit to do so, the agricultural interest through out the country must necessarily suffer to a very great extent. I beg, therefore, that you will give this matter your earnest consideration and that you will adopt some plan by which this evil can be remedied.
You promised to send me a competent man - one who could not only overlook my plantation, but who could exercise a surveillance over the whole neighborhood. Such a one would be invaluable to me and I would be very glad indeed if you would send him to me at once. Any communication that you may feel disposed to make on this subject, you had better forward by steam boat- either Steamer Flint or Coquette, as the mails with us have not been reestablished. With my kind regards to Judge Bibb and family, the gentleman with whom you are staying, I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your obt svt
Lorenzo James