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R C Ballard Esqr Richmond Va
Natchez Dec 19th 1833 Dear Ballard This will inform you we have only about forty Negros on hand here sold fast for 10 days at tolerably fair prices but have been unfortunate in loosing 8 or 10 since Since they arrived. Uncle Isaac will leave for New Orleans on tomorrow & will remit you Some finally from that Place would do so from this but cannot get checks for less than one Pct [prn?] in this City. we have Strong opposition & have about 550 Negros in market & we do expect to have hell this spring for they do Say they are some Cholora in these [dizzins?] Try to reduce the Prices if possible & Send more but there likeliest Negros they will sell Adieu Isaac R Franklin
(postmark Matchez MI)
R C Ballard & Co Richmond Va
Natchez Dec 9th 1833 Dear Ballard I have nothing of importance only Uncle Isaac arrived last evening with all his Negros except the 9 he sold below & three men who died of Cholora on the Steam Boat two of which I find belong to your Concern we have Some few Cases of Cholora & I believe the Small Pox though in a mitigated form. I would advise not to Purchase unlikey men at the prices you all are paying (rest of page is torn leaving only occassional words) north I am really affraid you...ahead to fast...
(letter continues written vertically) ...you all have hand ..[unreadable words] .Lee will forward you the Same in a few days
Dear Ballard this I dislike my [torn] an old pirate but here goes [torn] you buy in your market for [torn] or when they are all offered let them [torn] of the lot brought out by land [torn] men & have received Some this [torn]