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Tuscaloosa Ala. Mar. 4th 1867.

Mr. C. W. Buckley:

[[stamp]] The National Archives of the United States [[/stamp]]

Dear Sir,
I this day contracted with Mr. Edward Foster for thirty desks with seats at $4.50 each. Both Mr. Heart & myself think the pattern he has made is superior in durability to your desks in Montgomery. His first price was five dollars. Mr. Foster is a colored man; a good workman; deeply in sympathy with us & am confident he can not afford to make them - nor can I get them made - for less than the price fixed upon. Lumber is worth $30. & upwards per thousands & screws are fabulously high; corn sells at $2.00 per bushel & other things in proportion - besides, the desks must be made wholly by hand their being no machinery in town for such kind of work. It is with regret I inform you that I am having trouble with Mr. Allen Williams. As I previously wrote you, soon after my return from Montgomery I informed him another teacher was expected; & when he came we would no longer need his services. Upon Mr. Heart's arrival I told Mr. Williams his services as teacher in this place were no longer required & that his