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lately sold at $25.⁰⁰ per acre and even for
more and I think– if labor can be had–
the lands in the Bottom will— in a few years
go up again: but this is, of course, to
be tested by time. I have but little hope
or confidence in negro labor now, tho'
some are doing well and former could
getting rich. I do not think labor
could be had yet here– in any reliable
quantity and it would be better for
Maj: Collins to bring hands from
N Carolina– making written contracts
in due form with Federal approval
and strong arrangements to coerce in some
way the negroes to a Compliance: but
even then there is yet no confidence
in them– and I almost despair of
the future success of any business
or Scheme dependent upon negro
labor: but in the face of all their difficulties
I see no hope for the Southern people
unless they hold on to their lands. I
shall try to hold mine— heavily in debt
as I am– in the hope that labor will become
certain & fixed– will keep my Stock
&c: and my advice is the Same to you.
Let Maj: Collins move to Memphis
go into business– with an undoubted
partner– a man of integrity and