Letter from F. Y. Paine to Mississippi Governor Charles Clark; January 16, 1864

Olive Branch DeSoto Co Miss Jan 16^th 1864

To His Excellency Gov Clarke

I have received your dispatch to Genl Ruffin in relation to the Cotton Cards

I have contraded with parties (Who are Endorsed to Me by My old Merchants in Memphis and one who I know will) to deliver to Me within the Confederate lines ^10,000^ Ten thousand pair Cotton Cards in the sheets, that is without backs, The price is not yet settled but from investigations Made within a a few days. I will say that I will deliver them to you at Panola, in installments as fast as they reach our lines at a price not Exceeding $240 pr Doz and if needed 40 Doz with backs at the same price and perhaps sooner than the 10000 can be gotten on account of the prize All on Condition that I am to be permitted to take Cotton to any Market I May find Most Convenent to pay for them.

I have Cotton in Panola now and would like to have the privilege of Moving it Wherever it ^will^ not interfer with the Military occupying the front here, but only so far as to be convenient When needed to pay for ^the Cards^

I am living near the lines and have the facilities of getting supplies and would

cheerfully obey any orders from ^you^ or others in authority. And take any Kind of Service any where.

And in as much as these cards are for ^the^ benefit of the community and Much Needed, I will ask that, whether you agree to take them or not, you commend me to those in authority here that I may be able to pay for them and also dispense of them without [loss?] or hindrance.

I am Sir Your Obt Servt F. Y. Paine

Address Me at Panola Miss Care Maj J. C. Armstrong.

P S. I have Cotton in a few Miles of Memphis but constantly refuse to let a pound go to the Enemy unless in Exchange for supplies which I think is our true policy .

I will go to Columbus if necessary or if you Msh me to do so.

F Y Paine

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Cotton Cards