page_0002

I believe it will be a misfortune not only to myself but to my neighborhood, for by the blessing of Providence upon my crops I have been enabled to supply a number of families with corn In this portion of the State where there are so many destitute women & Children & comparitively so few negro laborers we can but poorly afford to spare any of them. If I could hire a negro at any price to go to Mobile or if one of mine were willing to go I would not trouble you with this appeal -

Please be so kind as to write back immediately & let me know if I cannot be allowed to pay an equivalent in money -

Yours Respectfully
David Atkins

Jacksonville Ala
Calhoun County