4

the negros are likely saleable and we will get
back our capital vested and some profit but if
on the contrary they are old & unsaleable they will
remain on hand until next Spring & [?] Bills
& funeral Expenses will take off what little we
make on the right kind as this is my last
effort I feel some pride in making a good
return this season I have become rather dissatisfyed
with myself on acct of some assurances but not as
regard you I have made a Slave of myself for the
benefit of others could have made if I had been selfish
as much moor for myself & now it seems my good
intention is construed by nephews as entirely selfish
& that I am under obligations to them or at least
it seems so to me but old fellow it will all
be the same thing a hundred years hence
Adieu Dear Ballard
and believe me as usual
Isaac Franklin
Some say that there has been
some sales at $1000 a head for men but you
are well enough acquainted with the market to
know that sales will be very slow indeed
when at the price above cotton has declined
a fraction