32

[?] Richards 14th Janry 1822

Dear Sir

My wife has some property that is exclusivly
her own. It is the wish of her Brother that I write you & Employ
you as Councel to protect the property for Her - and asks this
fav'r of you to write Him that You consider yourself
retained as a Councel for Her & Her Trustees - & on rect of yr letter
a fee will be sent to you. She is the more desireable as
I am about to bring from this State a considerable number
of Negroes belonging to Mrs. S. Oshale (I now think/ Came
straight on to Hillsbrough, wher it is probable my family
may move & reside - in addition to the west of [?]. I
shall esteem it a favr if you will consider yrself
engagd - the property is not only legally but equitably
& [?] Hers. on that rest her support of Her [own?]
Children & the Education of [?] Boys - may I beg
the favr of you do write by next mail -

I am with respect -
yr [?]
[? ?]

please [?]
by
Majr James Richards.

Fredericksburg]Va