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Southern Division Miss. Central R. R.
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE.
Canton, Jany 6^th 1864

Gen^l. Cha^s Clark
Gov of Missⁱ

Dear Sir

I have received your letter of the 31^st Dec^r. Previous to its reception I had submited a proposition for the purchase of Cotton & wool Cards for the state through Mr. Jno C Matson. I think the price put upon the cards is as low as they can be furnished even if all purchased can be brought through the Federal lines. If any portion should be lost, then the proposed price will not pay cost. If delivered, the [ssale?] could readily sell what if it does not donate at $10 or $15 per pair & this really would not cost the State one cent. In my proposition I required a permit to send out 1000 Bales of Cotton—This is probably more than would be required to pay for the Cards—I supposed if the cotton was purchased with the funds of the State—that I should have to repay the State the amount advanced in Cards at $5 per pair Thus virtually paying the State the cost of the Cotton in Federal Currency and my intention is, if the contract is granted to me, with the remainder of the proceeds of the sale of the cotton to purchase & introduce within the Confederate lines, if it can be done, Bacon, Blankets, Shoes and other articles of necessity for our army & people & sell them for Confederate money at Cost & transportation with such reasonable profits as may be thought reasonable & right.

I cannot say how soon—or at what time I could deliver the Cards, but should do it in the least possible time—certain it is they cannot be introduced at one & the same time—