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Courtland Ala
May 28th 1867.

Dr. F. W. Sykes

Dear Sir

As you are going to Montgomery, & will see Gen. Swayne I wish to make a statement to you which I respectfully ask you to lay before him. And request him to indicate what course I am to take.

The whole truth, as to contracts, operations &c of last year was before you when the affair between the estate of J. H. Harris & myself was investigated last January.

Some days before that arbitration I told Maj Jones Agent for this Co. the whole truth - that owing to failure on the part of the estate to fill contract, summer drouth, late rains, early frost & I would be unable to meet all my indebtedness, but believing it simple justice that the labor that makes what was made should be paid first, I requested him to take charge of my cotton & pay the hands before other claims should