5

New Orleans May 23d 18t3
Coln Ballard
{Warrenton Miss}
Dear Sir

I met you by the
Steamer H. M. Wright. I write you by the
Southern Belle What I had done I think
you must regret it for the boys I sent
you are likely one of from South Carolina
one from North Carolina & one from Ky
I bought from Talbot he is as likely as
the boy Adam I sent you there is now
no ngrs in Market but scumb & bad ones
at that if the boys I sent you live over
Summer they will be worth $200 a head
more in the fall I will write you by
the Southern Belle on Saturday the first
I will take & get a room for you, if
you do not leave before the Empress
leaves about the 1st & the [illegible] they are
the only chance except the [Shetsnell] &
Eclipse the Reindeer leaves to morrow
Evening Talbot goes up on her & she is
the first boat before the Eclipse all
well I hope you are better.

Respectfully
yrs
C.M. Rutherford