Letter from Lieutenant Colonel James B. McRae to Mississippi Governor Charles Clark; December 9, 1863

Private

Columbus Missi Dec 9^th 1863

Governor Clark,

I will contract to deliver ten thousand pairs of cotton or wollen cards at ten dollars per pair. The cards to be of the very best quality and to be delivered at the earliest possible time. In return I ask the privilege of running out two thousand bales of cotton at my own risk and purchased with my own funds. A large margin is asked for, owing to the great danger and risk attending the running of the blockade

I do not think the quantity of cotton, provi-ded it is not too expensive, should be objected to, as the State looses nothing by it. Should I suceede in getting the above number of cards, I will be willing to take another contract return cargoes will be brought in as the terms spoken of by you to night I should be much obliged to you if you would give me your opinion of the above offer at Your earliest convenience in Writing I leave in the morning for the coast. A letter directed to me at Buckatunna Wayne Co Miss would reach me. In this matter I do not desire to make anything of the State, and therefore ask for a liberal outside margin.

Respectfully

Lt Col. Jos. B. McRae