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New Orleans May 21st 1853
Coln Ballard

Dear Sir

I ship you by the
Southern Belle a negro man named Adam
for which I paid $1500- he is the best man
in market I could no better I hope he will
suit in the place of the boy bob you wrote
me about I have also shiped by the H.
R.M Hill to the care of Goodrich three
other boys for which I paid $1275-
$1250 & $1250_ one of them about the
size of Adam & the other two not as
tall by 1 inch but about 2 years yunger
they are all black fine teeth + strip
well. I could do no better + in fact
they are the only ones in market that
I would by for you at any price I may
say the market is now closed there is
about 100. negros in market all total &
I may say all scruby I had thought I
would not buy them at the prices but your
last letter stated you needed them & I
was compelled to pay the price or not buy
I hope they may turn out well write me
what boat you want to go up on & I will
try & be on board I want to leave before the