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New Orleans Jany 11th, 1834
R C Ballard Esq. Dr Sir
It is just two weeks since I Landed the Shakespeare from the Brey Lisbon + have not sold the first negroe out of that lott The repeal of the Law will not have the affect to raise the price I have had no offers since they landed Some of the traders have sold a few but keep the price a secret there were 70 offered at the Exchange the day before yesterday and none of the fellows sold for more than $800 Twelve months credit without Interest I am told that there has been sales made within the last week at $700 and girls said to be uncommonly likely at $550 There is a Mr. Cobb here from near Linchburg who has sold nearly out at $530 + 700 Indeed he offered me his men for $700 I said they were very likely I had almost come to the conclusion to purchase them but he told me that none of them cost him but $500 if we had purchased at that price we could have made lotts of money but I canot contend with men when they can sell for a profit when they get what [?] cost I have great fears for the latter part of the market this season I never have seen it so dull at this place in my life its true the weather has been unusually bad It has rained or snowed every day since the negroes landed and there is great fears express on acct of the Freeze Some say that the Rattoon Cave is entirely destroyed and the greater part of the [Mattasses?] that
was intended for planting this spring should that be the case the sugar planters will have scarcely anything for the hand they have already to do and will Brake up a great many plantations & bring these hand into market in fact I have never seen a worse prospect before me and would give it as my advice that it would be well to purchase sparingly unless at a reduction on former prices I will send a part of this late to Natches in a day or two as [IWPR?] has nearly sold out those I left I will remain here with part & try what can be done untill the Brigg [Uncas?] arrives & then I will deside on something we will be hard run for cash for the next year business & would advise that we had better curtail our business next season & by that time we will be largely in funds so as to commence the year after on the long credit business & make at the single [opporation?] money enough to do us and not sail all our days my spirits are considerably depressed was in fine spirits untill a short time since the way your old One Eyed friend Liked the pirate was a sin to Crocket but he is brought up all standing the Fancy Girl from Charlottesville will you send her out or Shall I charge you $1100 for her say Quick I wanted to see her I fear the time for the 1000 Dollars prices are over and that I will not Get to see the fancy maid I thought that an old robber might be satisfyed with two or three maids I will do the best I can Advise Isaac Franklin
NB [Greer ?] family is not like to be a profitable vestment I do not approve of vesting funds in such slack had they not better be sent Back [?] the old lady and Susan could soon pay for themselves by keeping a whore house they work your custom as well as in "Armfields James purses – IRF & Co" let it be kept for the benefit of the consern it might be located estabblished at your place Alexandria or Ballimon for the Exclusive benefit of the consern & theire agents Take it turn about in whose house [b?] Adieu I Franklin
R C Ballard Esqr
Richmond
Virginia
Natchez Feby 2 1834
Dear Ballard
I have nothing that can be interesting to you -- only I have collected of A Buckner $718.71 ¢ being the amt. of balance against Isac Grisson & I have also collected of Chas S Loc $4093.75¢ being the amt of his note & interest. I would remit you the amt. but cannot obtain much for less than 1 1/2¢ at [prn?] I therefore make my remittimce to made Isaac below & the first moneys remited you will be. Ballard & Alsop My dear Rice I never have spent such a month as last. Last week I sold about 35 negroes @ about $1400 apiece but was compelled to take long paper. We cannot receive one dollar in cash for negros. I see good men offered $700 & even less. every persen is holding back. & say they will not pay more than from $1000 to $1200/ [?] I have had the damd Small Pox to brake out on two or three Plantations among negros sold
If you & [?] has shipped my negroes on the Uncas & Tribune I do not calculate upon seeing you all this Summer for I must stay with the negros for I think we cannot sell them all Do not ship a negro after the Tribune sales Adieu I R F