ENPages
New Orleans 13 May 1846
Col R. C. Ballard Care J.J. Creen & Co. Warrenton, Miss Dear Sir Enclosed we hand Sales of 12 Bales Cotton for your account $282.20 to your Cr Annexed we hand over mornings P/c which contain in addition to the ordinary news of our markets, the late advices from England which are considered favourable. They have however produced no impression on our market, mainly on account of the scarcity of money, but partly on account of high freights & insurance. We cannot believe this condition of things will long continue & we are consequently holding on to your Brushy Bayou crop of which we have 125 bales. When do you expect to come down? Very Respy. Yr frds Nalle & Cox
How about Govr Burnes' notes? he has again written us on the subject. Please attend to it -
SECOND EDITION. Eight Days later from Europe, PER STEAMER CAMBRIA.
The CAMBRIA's advices were not received in full by to-day's mail, but we extract the Boston Atlas the following reports of the Liverpool and Havre markets.
LIVERPOOL, April 17. COTTON.- The decreasing receipts of Cotton at the ports of America, as compared with former years, is producing some effect upon our market. The arrival of the Hibernia steamer, with statements to the close of March, sets the matter at rest. According to one list the failing off in quantity is 361,000 bales, another makes 393,000. In addition to this the reports of the Manchester market are becoming more favorable. We have consequently to notice an advance of 1/8 to 1/4 on nearly all kinds of American, and indeed, we may say of the market in general. When it is seen that our stock in this place, which is the lowest market in Europe, and perhaps in America is already decreased below that of last year, in the supply likely to be materially abridged below general expectation, it is in no way surprising that some upward tendency should show itself in prices. 8500 American, 100 Pernam, 1000 Egyptian, and 100 Surat have been taken on speculation, and 81500 American, 650 Pernam, 930 Surat, and 170 Maranham, for export. The sales to-day are about 5000 bales. The sales of the week amount to 53,360 bales.
APRIL 18. The sales to-day are estimated at 5000 bales, including 1500 on speculation. The market continues steady, prices are well supported but not higher.
LIVERPOOL, April 18. At the market held on the 17th inst. English and Irish wheat advanced 1d. over the rates of the 14th inst., and fine qualities in partial instances were 2d. dearer. Inferior descriptions, of which the market was principally supplied, were unsaleable at late prices. Canadian Flour was in demand at an improvement of 6d. per bbl. Indian Corn fully supported previous quotations. A cargo of American wheat sold at 7s. per 70 lbs., and a few hundred barrels United States Flour at 26s. per 196 lbs, are the only transactions to-day in bond.
LIVERPOOL, April 18. AMERICAN PROVISIONS.- For Beef there has been a good inquiry, and the market is quite bare of stock. None of the large shipments from N. Orleans have yet arrived, waiting which the dealers are buying cautiously. Prices are unchanged. In Pork little doing; a few small parcels finding their way into consumption in the country. Lard is still a dull sale and with large arrivals and still larger shipments on the way, the tendency of the market is downward; 36s is the highest price attainable except for extra quality in kegs, for which 38s can be made. Tallow is a ready sale, and with light stock and fair consumption on the market is likely to be well maintained. Cheese, more freely advanced on the quotations of the last steamer; 48s is a top price for present stock, but 50s or over would be obtained for dairies of strictly fine quality.
HAVRE, April 15. COTTON.- The market has undergone some improvement in prices. The increased activity displayed in the buying occurred on Wednesday and Thursday after the arrival of the Havre packet with advices from New-York to the 18th ultimo, having led to a further advance of f.1 on United States descriptions. The high pretensions of holders nad the dearth of the qualities sought after, has created a pause in the buying, and the demand has in a great degree subsided- without producing any unfavorable effect on prices. Sales 3104 bales New-Orleans f.54 @ 90; 2300 do Mobile 64 50 @ 77 50; 1993 do Upland 63 @ 78; 550 do New-Orleans, to arrive, 69 @ 76; 46 do Peruvian, damaged, 57 @ 72.
Col. R. C. Ballard
Care J. J. Green + Co
Warrenton
[Mpi?]
Paul Jones }
This page is not transcribed, please help transcribe this page
NEW-ORLEANS: WEDNESDAY MORNING, MAY 13, 1846.
REMARKS ON THE MARKET, FOR THE PAST THREE DAYS.
The embarrassments in the way of trade, referred to in our last report, have become still more formidable within the past few days, and in an experience of several years in this market we have scarcely known a period of such sudden and complete derangement in the business operations of our city. The continued enhancement of freights, the depression in exchanges, and the impossibility of negotiating business paper- whether drafts or notes- to any important extent, even at extravagant rates of discount, have all combined so entirely to depress and unsettle trade, that it may in truth be said that we have no market, so far as regards many of our most prominent articles of export. These difficulties, particularly high freights, press with peculiar force upon Flour and Grain, and it will be seen that these have suffered a further important decline. Supplies of nearly all kinds of produce continue to arrive freely, our warehouses are already full to overflowing, and unless some relief from the present difficulties come speedily, increased embarrassment, and possibly disaster, must be the consequence.
The European advices by the Cambria were looked for yesterday, but instead of her accounts we received the intelligence of her loss, contained in the following communication from New-York, conveyed to Philadelphia by Magnetic Telegraph, and which we find in an extra of the "American Sentinel."
"NEW-YORK, May 4. "The steamer Cambria, from Liverpool for Boston, was wrecked on Cape Cod. Vessel a total loss- passengers and crew all saved, together with the mails. She brings eight days later news. "There has been no change in the Corn or Iron trade since the last advices. The Cotton market was steady and well supported. Sales 500 bales, and prices closed an 1/8d higher. "In provisions there had been large arrivals, market dull and attended with few sales."
We shall probably receive the Cambria's accounts in full by to day's mail, in which case shall issue a Second Edition. The weather has continued clear and pleasant for several days past. The river is 3 feet below high-water mark.
COTTON.- Arrived since the 8th instant, of Louisiana and Mississippi 7143 bales, Tennessee and North Alabama 8281, Arkansas 1445, Mobile 31, Florida 100; together 17,000 bales. Cleared in the same time for Liverpool 7437 bales, Havre 4901, Bordeaux 559, New-York 1226, Boston 1200; together 15,326 bales- making an addition to stock of 1674 bales, and leaving on hand, inclusive of all on shipboard not cleared on the 12th instant, a stock of 230,974 bales.
Over review of last Saturday morning, it will be recollected, left the cotton market considerably depressed at the reduced quotations than given, owing chiefly to the advanced rates of freight, and the great difficulty of negociating bills of Exchange. Since then these causes of inactivity have been acquiring more and more force from day to day. Freights have not only farther advanced, on account of the great disproportion of shipping in port, compared with the amount of produce to go forward, but there has also been increased tightness in the money market, resulting in another and more important decline in the rates of Exchange. As a consequence of this state of things, the depression in our Cotton market has been greatly increased, On Saturday the sakes amounted to about 2500 bales, but in order to relieve themselves of even this comparatively small amount, holders were compelled to submit to a reduction of an eighth of a cent, on account of their being so few buyers. The difficulty of effecting sales on Monday was still greater, and although prices further declined about an eight of a cent, the transactions only embraced at the most some 2200 bales. Yesterday slips were received from the Philadelphia North American, and American Sentinel, announcing the receipt of news at that place by the Magnetic Telegraph, of the loss of the steamer Cambria on Cape Cod, her passengers and mails, however, being saved. From these slips we learn that there continued to be a good demand for Cotton at Liverpool, and that prices on the 19th ult. the day the steamer left, were quoted an 1/8d. higher. These accounts, which might at another time have given some impetus to business, appeared yesterday to be but little regarded, owing to the powerful and growing influence of the adverse causes spoken of above, and in consequence of which, the business of the day was confined to some 1500 bales, the market closing with great heaviness and drooping, and with a larger stock in first hands than usual at this period of the season. Our quotations have been altered to conform as nearly as possible in the decline noticed above. The sales of the three days only amount together to 6200 bales, and most of the business has been on English and French account. We give some of the pariculars, as follows, viz: 50 bales Louisiana, Mississippi &c. at 7 1/2, 300 at 6 3/8, 92 at 7 1/2, 123 at 7, 150 at-, 53 at 6 1/4, 151 at 6, 75 at 6 1/4, 300 at -, 620 at 6 1/2, 785 at 6 3/8, 300 at 6 1/2, 350 at 6 3/4, 49 at 7 1/2, 201 at 6 7/8, 160 at 6 1/4, 50 at 6 1/2, 223 at 6 5/8, 495 at 6, 9-16, 48 at 6 5/8, 120 at 7 cents [illegible] pound.
NEW-ORLEANS CLASSIFICATION (Assimilating to that of Liverpool.) Louisiana & Mississippi. Inferior...5 1/4 @ 5 3/4 Ordinary...5 7/8 @ 6 1/8 Middling...6 3/8 @ 6 1/2 Good Middling...6 5/8 @ 6 3/4 Middling Fair...7 @ 7 1/4 Fair...7 7/8 @ 8 1/4 Good Fair...8 1/2 @ 9 1/4 Good and Fine 9 3/4 @ 10&-
Tenn. and N. Ala. AVERAGE LISTS: Good,...6 @ 6 1/4 Common,...5 3/4 @ 5 7/8 Extreme Prices, 5 @ 7
Comparative prices of Cotton at this date, in the following years. [table]
SUGAR, Louisiana.- The demand for Sugar on the Levee has again been very limited, the transactions since our review of last Saturday morning having only amounted to about 575 hogsheads, nearly all of which has been purchased in small parcels for the Western markets. In consequence of this continued dullness in the market prices have been gradually tending downwards, and the market closed yesterday at rates about an eighth lower than previously quoted- say for inferior to ordinary 4 @ 4 3/8, common 4 1/2 @ 4 3/4, Fair 4 7/8 @ 5 1/8, Prime 5 3/8 @ 5 5/8, strictly choice in small lots 5 7/8 @ 6 1/8 cents [illegible] lb. The stock on the Levee continues to be very ample for the season. We have heard of no sales on Plantation, the rates asked being still much above the views of purchasers- say from 5 1/4 to 5 1/2 for fair to prime crops. Arrived since our last 669 hhds. Cleared for New-York 402 hhds, Boston 200 bbls.
HAVANA SUGAR.- There is now a stock of about 1500 boxes in market, and only a very limited demand at the following quotations, for Brown 6 1/2 @ 6 3/4, Yellow 7 1/2 @ 8 3/4, White 9 @ 10 3/4 cents [illegible] lb.
MOLASSES.- Since our review of last Saturday morning the molasses market has been very dull, the demand, owing to the high rates of freight coastwise, being almost wholly confined to small lots for the interior. The sales during the three days only amount to about 600 barrels, and prices continue to range from 23 @ 24 cents [illegible] gallon, though it was difficult to obtain yesterday above the lowest of these rates, on account of the large stock which was offering. Arrived since our last 1338 bbls. Cleared for New-York 180 barrels.
TOBACCO.- We remarked in our last Saturday's report that advancing freights, the difficulty of negociating bills of exchange, and some other obstacles which the state of the times had suddenly interposed, had materially check operations in the Tobacco market, and we left it in a depressed and drooping state. Since then all the difficulties above alluded to have increased in degree, and it may with propriety be said that during the past three days we have absolutely had no market for this important staple, which up to within a week or ten days has met with most ready sale, at liberal prices. The parties who have recently operated to the most important extent have either entirely withdrawn from the market, or claim a more material reduction in prices than holders are disposed to submit to. Under all these circumstances prices are entirely nominal, and no strictly accurate quotations can be given, though for the present we continue former figures, remarking that the few trifling sales made since our last report have generally been at rates somewhat in favor of buyers. Inferior 2 @ 2 1/2, Common 3 @ 3 1/2, Fiar 4 @ 4 1/2, Fine 5 @ 5 1/2, Choice and Selections 5 3/4 @ 7, Segar Lead 2 1/2 @ 12 cents [illegible] lb. The business of the three days scarcely amounts to 250 hhds., of which 150 hhds. were Mason county, on private terms, and the remainder several small parcels, the particulars of which are altogether unimportant Arrived since the 8th inst. 4127 hhds. Cleared for Liverpool 232, Bordeaux 750, New-York 28 hhds. Stock in warehouses and on ship-board 26,925 hds.
FLOUR.- We closed our last report with the remark that there was in fact no market for Flour, so completely had advanced freights, the scarcity of money &c, driven buyers from the market.- Since then the difficulties have increased rather than diminished, and we have seldom or never known the market so entirely unsettled, or so greatly depressed. On Saturday about 1200 bbls were disposed of, the greater part at $3 50 for Ohio and similar brands. On Monday the sales amounted to about 2000 barrels, at a further decline, the market opening at $3 50 and closing at $3 25 for Ohio and other country brands.- Yesterday the market was more depressed, if possible, than before, and round lots of Ohio and similar brands were offering freely at $3 25, without finding purchasers. Indeed we heard of some lots being offered for less, but there appeared to be no parties possessing the means or the disposition to buy, under existing circumstances; so that in fact we have no market, and can give no accurate quotations. Up to the time we left the market we were unable to learn of any sales of importance, the transactions being only a few limited lots, at $3 25 for Ohio and common Illinois and Missouri, and $3 50 @ 4 00 for St. Louis City Mills. Arrived during the past three days 8415 bbls. Cleared for New-York 3355, Boston 5069, Providence 43, Pensacola 200, Matagorda 200, London 7395, Liverpool 3023 bbls.
PORK.- This article is better maintained than many other descriptions of produce, but still it feels in some degree the depressing influences which are operating upon the market generally, and prices have given way somewhat. The transactions are to but a moderate extent, being principally in Texas, and the present prices are for Mess $10 50 @ 10 75, M O $10 20 @ 10 25, Prime $8 75 @ 8 87 1/2 bbl. The demand is still confined almost entirely to Mess, Prime being called for only in occasional limited parcels. Bulk Pork is without demand, and holders have been compelled to store. Round lots are offered at 3 5/8 @ 3 3/4 cents [illegible] lb. Arrived during the past three days 136 hhds 9503 bbls and 318,000 pounds in bulk. Cleared for New-York 1896, Boston 428, Providence 1070, Pensacola 30 bbls.
BEEF.- The entire absence of any transactions of consequence renders prices little more than nominal at the moment, though we continue to quote the rates of the last limited sales- say for Mess $8 75 @ 9 00 [illegible] bbl, do in half bbls $4 75 @ 5 00, Prime $6 25 @ 6 50 [illegible] bbl. The stock is moderate, but lots of any considerable magnitude could not be disposed of without submitting to lower prices. Arrived during the past three days 762 tierces and 468 barrels. Cleared for Boston 194, Providence 100 bbls., Liverpool 1463 tierces.
BACON.- We have observed for some time past that Hams and Shoulders, particularly the latter, have been excessively dull, and we have now to remark that the almost entire absence of demand renders it impossible for holders to effect sales to any important extent. Sides, also, have become duller than usual, and prices for all descriptions are unsettled and declining. We now quote for Uncanvased Hams 4 1/2 @ 5 1/2, Canvased do, and Extra Sugar Cured 7 @ 9, in retail lots, Sides 5 @ 5 1/2, Shoulders 3 @ 3 1/2 cents [illegible] lb. Arrived during the past three days 1275 casks and 23,000 lbs in bulk. Cleared for Pensacola 59 casks
LARD.- The Lard market partakes of the excessive dullness and depression which are common to most other articles, and holders find it impossible to most other articles, and holders find it impossible to effect sales to any important extent. The only transactions of which we have been able to learn since our last report are the following- 100 bbls at 5 5/8, and 150 kegs at 6 cents [illegible] lb, with small lots of strictly prime for home consumption, at 6 1/4 @ 6 1/2 cents [illegible] lb. The impossibility of effecting sales has compelled parties to store, and the market is so unsettled and depressed that no accurate quotations can be given. Arrived during the past three days 2240 bbls., and 11,529 kegs. Cleared equal to 6456 kegs, viz- for New York 1379, Boston 4142, Providence 400, London 495.
BUTTER AND CHEESE.- As we have had occasion to remark for some weeks past, the market for Butter remains extremely inactive, particularly for the inferior and medium qualities, which have become quite unsaleable, even at considerably reduced prices. We now quote for inferior grease qualities 6 @ 6 1/2 cents, ordinary to fair 7 @ 10 good to prime 11 @ 12 Goshen 16 @ 18 cents [illegible] lb. Cheese is in moderate request at 7 1/2 @ 9 cents [illegible] lb, according to quality, with a light stock. Arrived during the past three days 847 kegs and firkins Butter, and 472 boxes Cheese.
BAGGING AND BALE ROPE.- These articles have remained inactive since our last report, and prices are little more than nominal at the moment, though we repeat former quotations- say for Bagging 10 1/2 @ 11, Rope 4 @ 4 3/4 cents, according to quality- cash, or with the addition of interest. There are no sales on long time, so far as we can learn, and that market for these articles, as for everything else, is an unsettled and uncertain state. Arrived during the past three days 2161 pieces Bagging, and 1195 coils Rope.
GUNNY BAGS.- The demand is only [illegible] rate, but the rates continue at 12 1/2 @ 13 cents for those of 2 1/2 bushels.
WHISKEY.- Increased receipts, a limited demand and the general derangement of business have had a depressing influence upon this article, and prices have given way. We now quote for Rectified 17 1/2 @ 18 1/2, Common 18 1/2 @ 19 cents [illegible] gallon. Cleared for New-York 606, Pensacola 20 barrels.
GRAIN.- The continued scarcity of money, and a further material advance in the rates of freight, have operated with such a depressing influence upon Wheat and Corn that there can hardly be said to have been any market for some days past, and prices are so extremely irregular that no accurate quotations can be given. The extremes for Corn appear to be 30 cents for inferior to 40 for prime White nad Yellow, as we hear of sales at both these rates, though only to a limited extent, and holders are compelled to store, or ship as they find opportunity. Some of the principal sales that have come to our knowledge are the following- 500 sacks Yellow at 40, 400 do White at 40, 800 do do at 30 1/2, and 1000 sacks inferior mixed at 30 cts [illegible] bush. In Wheat we notice sales of 1800 bushels fair at 65 and 1000 sacks good at 70 cents [illegible] bushel. We understand that prime lots are offered at 75 cents [illegible] bushel. Oats are in good request for city consumption and army supplies, and prices are rather higher. A lot of 9000 bushels in bulk was taken at 33, and a flatboat load, in sacks, at 38 1/2 cents [illegible] bushel. Small lots from store sell higher. Arrived during the past three days 8200 bbls. 62,208 sacks Corn, 7752 bbls. and sacks )ats, and 18,139 do. Wheat.- Cleared for New-York 5514, Boston 5750, Providence 1800, Pensacola 1200, Tampa Bay 100, Matagorda 1480, Liverpool 500, London 444 sacks Corn.
HAY.- Western may be quoted at $20 00 @ $21 00 [illegible] ton, though there have been no sales of importance since our last report.
HEMP. - There is no sale for this article, and prices are altogether nominal. The high rates of freight and the scarcity of money preclude all operations, and it is scarcely possible to ship at any price. We heard that as high as 1 cent [illegible] lb was paid for a lot to a Northern port. Arrived during the past three days,... bales 556 "previously,... 18301 Total since 1st September,...18857
LEAD.- The market for Lead has given way since our last report, and we notice the following sales- 1000 pigs at $3 57 1/2, 300 at $3 52 1/2, and 1000 at $3 52 1/2 per 100 pounds. Arrived during the past three days 6758 pigs. Cleared for Havre 5069 pigs.
COFFEE.- The Coffee market continues very inactive, and prices are little more than nominal, as holders have not been able to effect any sales of important for some days past. We quote for Rio 7 3/8 @ 7 5/8 [illegible] lb, and notice the arrival of two further cargoes, amounting to 6136 bags. Occasional small sales of other descriptions are made at quotations.
SALT.- The market is bare of any Liverpool afloat, there having been no arrivals for some two weeks past. There is a very fair demand for lots from store, at $1 20 @ $1 25 for Coarse, and $1 60 @ $1 65 for Fine, including drayage. We learn of no transactions in Turks Island, Bonaire, &c., of which descriptions there is a fair supply in store.
RICE.- The demand is extremely limited at the moment, but the occasional small sales are at rates ranging from $4 50 @ $4 75 for fair to prime, and $5 00 for retail lots of very choice.
BEESWAX.- This article is now dull, at 27 @ 27 1/2 cents [illegible] lb.
EXCHANGE.- The tightness in the money market, to which we have before alluded, has greatly increased since out last, and it is almost impossible, therefore, to negotiate even the best bills. As to the rates, they have further declined, and the market is in such an uncertain state, as to put it beyond our power to quote with any degree of accuracy. Most of the transactions in Sterling have ranged from 6 3/4 @ 7 1/4 [illegible] cent premium, and Francs range from 5f. 35 @ 5f. 55. New-York and Boston 60 day bills are selling at from 3 @ 4, and Philadelphia and Baltimore do 4 @ 4 1/2 [illegible] cent discount. Sight checks on New-York and Boston par @ 1/2 [illegible] cent discount. Havana short sight 4 1/4 @ 4 3/4 [illegible] cent dis.
FREIGHTS.- Freights have further materially advanced since our last report, but the market is so unsettled that it is impossible to quote with accuracy. Two American ships have been taken for Liverpool, one at 5/8 and one at 11-16d, and two oshers have been laid on for heavy freight. The increased rate of insurance in American vessels gives British bottoms the advantage, and an engagement af 500 bales Cotton has been made at 3/4d, which rate is now refused. The greatest advance, it will be seen, is to Coastwise ports, and it is still difficult to effect shipments, even at the greatly enhanced rates. There are now but 11 ships, 1 bark and 6 brigs in port unengaged. We understand that the ships on the berth for London are engaged full, and as no further shipments can be made at the moment we can give no rates.- The same remark applied to several other ports, and for several articles, the rates for which we have been compelled to leave blank. For particulars in regard to rates, as nearly as we have been able to ascertain them, see table.
EXCHANGE.- OUT DOOR. On LONDON,...6 3/4 @ 7 1/2 per cent. prem. On FRANCE,... 5f. 35 @ 5f. 55 per dollar. On NEW-YORK, at 60 days,...3 @ 4 per ct. disc. Do. short sight,...par @ 1/2 disc. On BOSTON, at 60 days,...3 @ 4 [illegible] cent. disc. On PHILADA.. at 60 days sight,..-@4 @ 4 1/2 disc. On BALTIMORE, at 60 days sight,..-@4 1/2 [illegible] cent. disc. On CHARLESTON, S. C., 60 days, 4 1/2 @ 5 [illegible] cent. disc. On HAVANA, 5 @ 8 days sight,...4 1/2 @ 4 3/4 [illegible] ct. dis.
FREIGHTS. COTTON- To Liverpool,...[illegible] lb...11-16 @ 3/4 d. Do. To Havre,...-@ 1 1/4 cent. Do. To New-York,...5/8 @ 3/4 cent [illegible] lb. Do. To Boston, &c...3/4 @ 7/8c [illegible] lb. TOBACCO- To Cowes, &e...[illegible] hhd...none shipping. Do. To London,...-s. Do. To Bremen,...-s -d 2 -s. Do. To Antwerp, Hamburg, &c...-s -d. Do. To Liverpool,...-s@ 0s 0d. Do. To Havre,...none shipping. Do. To New-York...$-- @ --. Do. To Boston,...none shipping. Do. To Philadephia,...$-- @ --. SUGAR and MOLASSES- From the Coast to Northern Ports, [illegible] hhd. $5 00 @ $5 50 From the City, do. do. $5 00 @ --. BACON- To New York,...do. $4 50 @ 5 00 Boston,...do. $4 50 @ 5 00 PORK, &c- To New York,... [illegible] bbl...$1 25 @ 1 50 Boston,...1 25 @ 1 50 London,...-s -d @ -sLiverpool,...6s 6d @ 7sPORK AND BEEF- To London..[illegible] tierce..s- @ -sLiverpool...8s 6d @ 9s - FLOUR- To New York,...[illegible] bbl.. $1 20 @ 1 25 Boston,...1 00 @ 1 12 1/2 London,...-s -d @ -s- Liverpool...5s 6d @ 6sLEAD- To New York,...[illegible] ten,...$3 50 @ 4 00 Boston,...3 50 @ 4 00 WHEAT- To Northern ports...[illegible] bushel..$-23 @ -25 London...-17d@-18d Liverpool... CORN- To Northern ports...[illegible] bushel..$-23 @ -25 London...--d@--d Liverpool...-16d @ -17d HEMP- To New York,...[illegible] ton.. $--@-- Boston...--@-- Europe... London...-17d@-18d Liverpool...[illegible] [illegible] -- d@--
Rodney May 14th 1846
Dear Sir Your favour some time since came to hand Inst as I was on my way to Providence to attend court and too late for me to draw up an act of subrogation from Dr. [Wermen?]. When court came on in our Parish my partner Genl Isaac Thomas and myself came to the conclusion to file an intervention in the suit and claim one half of the judgment in the name of Ballard Franklin & Co which claim we sustained, and obtained in judgment for Seven Thousand Dollars with Interest from the [?] of the note recognising Ballard Franklin as being entitled to the mortgage resulting from the recording of the Judgment in favour of Alexander Martyr against Hunter & Woodhouse, I now desire to know what I am to do in the matter as Mr Feathersten claims to have the right of exercising contronl of your portion of the judgment under an arrangement which he inferrs he made to that effect. I wrote to Mr. Armfield when I left him (directed to New Orleans) to know whose instructions I should obey in the matter. Mr Feathersten says the understanding was with Mr. Armfield, and fearing that perhaps Mr. Armfield should be absent I have thought it prudent that I should advise you of it prudent that I should advise you of