Rice C. Ballard Papers

the situation of the case and require your or Mr Armfield or who ever has the right of [const?ing] your claim for specific instructions I presume we will have more litigation with the Months before we can realise the money and if so I wish to treat it as early as possible as there has been a great deal of difficulty - and delay attending the suit, and I am anxious to terminate it as soon as possible Yrs Truly Alonzo Snyder for Thomas Snyder

NEW-ORLEANS: SATURDAY MORNING, MAY 16, 1846.

OUR CIRCULAR FOR THE BRITANNIA WILL BE READY TO MORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING

EUROPEAN PACKETS: The next steam packet from Europe will be the Britannia from Liverpool May 4th. She will also be the first steamer by which letters can be forwarded to Europe, her day of departure from Boston being June 1st. The sailing packets from New-York leave for Liverpool the 1st 6th, 11th 16th, 21st and 26th of each month.

REMARKS ON THE MARKET, FOR THE PAST THREE DAYS. The combined circumstances to which we have already referred as having suddenly prostrated trade yet remain in force, and the embarrassments resulting from their operation are bearing with almost unparalleled severity upon the mercantile community. The extraordinarily stringent course pursued by the banks immediately on receipt of the news of hostilities having commenced on the banks of the Rio Grande, combined with advancing freights, put a sudden and violent stop to the previously healthy and prosperous state of trade, and the revulsion came so unexpectedly, and with such astounding force, that all engaged in commerce feel its effects in a greater or less degree. Whether the emergency called for so severe a curtailment on the part of the banks is doubted by many, and unless relief is obtained to a more liberal extent than at present the consequence must be disastrous. Unusually heavy supplies of our principal export staples burthen our warehouses, and continue to accumulate, and a large amount of tonnage is wanted for their transportation to other markets.

The weather was rainy on Wednesday, but Thursday and yesterday were clear and favorable to business.

The river is 3 feet below high-water mark.

COTTON.- Arrived since the 12th instant, of Louisiana and Mississippi 3319 bales, Tennessee and North Alabama 5200, Arkansas 12, Mobile 50, Texas 222; together 8803 bales. Cleared in the same time for Liverpool 5514 bales, Havre 1973, Trieste 3015, New-York 776, Boston 4051, Providence 1143, Baltimore 275; together 16,747 bales- making a reduction in stock of 7944 bales, and leaving on hand, inclusive of all on ship-board not cleared on the 15th instant, a stock of 223,030 bales.

In our review of last Wednesday morning we said that in consequence of the great scarcity of shipping, and the impossibility of negociating bills of exchange to any amount, the market had labored under so much depression in the first of the week as to cause prices of decline a quarter of a cent, notwithstanding the favorable advices from Europe, per steamer Cambria, received on Tuesday morning. The circulars and private correspondence per steamer Cambria, and which did not arrive until Thursday morning, represent the markets and trade generally, on the other side of the Atlantic, as being in a more favorable state than was at first anticipated, judging from the Telegraphic slips received in advance of the ordinary mail. Trade at Manchester had much improved, and partly on this account, and partly owing also to the decreased estimates of the crop of this country, there had been a very active business done in Cotton at Liverpool, resulting in an advance of an 1/8d. @ 1/4d. [illegible] pound- Fair Orleans being quoted at 5, and middling at 4 3/8d. At Havre the demand continued good, and the market firm at previous rates. Arriving, as these accounts have done, at a period of almost unparalleled depression, they have had very little if any influence on our market, the high rates of freight consequent upon the great scarcity of shipping, and the difficulty of passing bills of exchange, having prevented buyers from operating. the sales of Wednesday amounted to only 2300 bales, on Thursday to 2800, and yesterday to 2700 bales, and with the exception of a few parcels, the business has all been on English and French account. We have seldom before known the market to exhibit so great a degree of irregularity as to prices, though the tendency, however, has been all the time downwards, and we have accordingly reduced our figures for most descriptions an eighth of a cent. In general, holders refrain from offering their stocks as much as possible-in fact, such is the state of affairs at present, that they can neither sell nor ship to any great extent, without making serious sacrifices. The week's business amounts to 14,000 bales, of which 7800 bales were sold during the past three days, and we give the following particulars, viz- 52 bales Louisiana, Mississippi, &c. at 6 3/4, 350 at 6 11-16, 50 at 5, 174 at 6 1/4, 21 at 8 3/4, 700 at 7 3/8, 322 at 6 3/8, 81 at 6 5/8, 419 at 6 1/2, 40 at 6, 287 at 6 1/8, 50 at 6 3/4, 53 at 6, 200 at 6 1/8, 140 at 5 7/8, 440 at 6 1/8, 301 at 6 11-16, 538 at 6 1/2 @ 5 3/4, 111 at 6 1/2, 254 at 6 1/8, 318 at 6 1/4, 34 at 5 1/4, 500 at -, 150 at 6, 554 at -, 67 at 6 1/4, 41 at 5, 367 Tennessee at 6, 270 at 5 13-16, 150 North Alabama at 5 3/4 cents [illegible] lb.

NEW-ORLEANS CLASSIFICATION (Assimilating to that of Liverpool.) Louisiana and Mississippi. Inferior...5 @ 5 5/8 Ordinary...5 3/4 @ 6 1/8 Middling...6 1/4 @ 6 3/8 Good Middling...6 1/2 @ 6 3/4 Middling Fair...7 @ 7 1/8 Fair...7 3/4 @ 8 1/8 Good Fair...8 1/2 @ 9 1/4 Good and Fine 9 3/4 @ 10&- Tenn. and N. Ala. AVERAGE LISTS: Good,...6 @ 6 1/8 Common,...5 5/8 @ 5 3/4 Extreme prices, 5 @ 7 Comparative prices of Cotton at this date, in the following years. [table]

SUGAR, LOUISIANA.- Since our review of last Wednesday morning the Sugar market has been characterized by a still greater degree of dullness than previously. There has been no business doing, indeed, except in small retail parcels, which have been taken almost wholly by Western dealers, nad by the city trade, and even in these limited transactions holders have been compelled to yield to a further reduction of an eighth of a cent in prices, our present quotations being for Inferior to Ordinary 4 @ 4 1/4, Common 4 3/8 @ 4 5/8, Fair 4 3/4 @ 5, Prime 5 1/4 @ 5 1/2, strictly choice in small lots 5 3/4 @ 6 1/4 cents [illegible] lb. The transactions of the three days amount to only 475 hhds., and the stock on the Levee is very ample, although there is now little arriving. On plantation there is nothing doing either in the way of sales or shipments, owing to the scarcity of vessels, and we much therefore omit quotations for the present. Arrived during the past three days 151 hhds. Cleared for New-York 45, Charleston 6 hhds., Boston 50 hhds. 75 bbls., Apalachicola 14 hhds. 4 bbls.

HAVANA SUGARS.- Business is confined to a few small sales to the city trade at former prices, Brown 6 1/2 @ 6 3/4, Yellow 7 1/2 @ 8 3/4, White 9 @ 10 3/4 cents [illegible] lb.

MOLASSES.- The transactions in Molasses on the Levee since our review of last Wednesday morning, have been on a very limited scale, not more than 450 bbls having changed hands during the three days. Owing to the dullness, and the large supply on the Levee, prices have given way a little, and we now quote from 22 1/2 @ 23 1/2 cent [illegible] gal. as the range of the market. Arrived during the past three days 632 bbls. Cleared none.

TOBACCO.- We explained in our last report that the Tobacco market had been brought to a complete stand by the pressure in the money market and the advance in freights, and the past three days, owing to the same causes, have been entirely devoid of any transactions of consequence. In the meantime the stock has rapidly accumulated, and the quantity now in factors' hands is much larger than at any previous time since the opening of the season, affording ample scope for extensive operations. Buyers, however, have kept out of the market, though we understoof that they manifested a willingness to buy yesterday at a reduction of 3/4 @ to 1 cent [illegible] pound, but holders could hardly make up their minds to submit to so important a decline. For the three days since our last report no sales of importance had taken place, up to the time we left the market yesterday; and as no accurate prices can be given in the present condition of the trade we omit quotations altogether, until some new transactions shall more exactly indicate the position of the market. Arrived during the past three days 1574 hhds. Cleared for New-York 7, Baltimore 31 hhds. Stock in warehouses and on ship-board 28,461 hhds.

FLOUR.- Our last report left the Flour market in an extremely depressed and unsettled state; so much so, indeed, that it was impossible to quote with accuracy. On Wednesday and Thursday only about 2000 barrels were disposed of at private sale, at very irregular rates, one lot of 400 barrels Ohio from the Levee being sold at $3, several limited lots from store and from the Levee at $3 15, $3 20 and $3 25, and 400 Illinois at $3 50 [illegible] barrel. There was also a sale from store, by auction, of 800 barrels Ohio, partially damaged, of which 300 brought $2 56 and 500 $2 50 [illegible] bbl. Yesterday we could learn of sales to the extent of only about 1500 barrels, the principal lot of which was 110 barrels Ohio at $3, and the remainder small lots at $3 25 for Ohio and similar descriptions, and $3 50 @ 4 00 for favorite bakers' brands. The market is still in so unsettled a state that it is impossible to arrive at its position with accuracy. Some parties contend that lots of Ohio and similar brands are offering freely at $3, while others state that offers of $3 25 have been made and refused for flatboat loads. From our own observation we should suppose that there were more buyers than sellers at $3 for good fresh lots. Arrived during the past three days 8742 bbls. Cleared for New-York 450, Boston 1192, Charleston 299, Liverpool 9825, London 3538, Bermuda 500 bbls.

PORK.- Ther pressure in the money market and the general derangement of trade have unsettled and further depressed prices for Pork, and holders are enabled to effect sales to a limited extent only, at the following range- say for Mess $10 00 @ $10 25, M O $9 75 @ $10 00, Prime $8 25 @ $8 50 [illegible] bbl. The last description is entirely nominal, being scarcely called for. Nothing doing in Bulk Pork, so far as we can learn, and holders have been compeiled to store for want of demand. Arrived during the past three days 3112 bbls, and 22,000 lbs in bulk. Cleared for New York 480, Boston 1377, Baltimore 1150, Havana 50, Liverpool 728 barrels.

BEEF.- The market for Beef remains wholly inactive, and the absence of any transactions worthy of note renders prices almost entirely nominal. The occasional small sales, however, are at slightly reduced rates, and we now quote for mess $8 50 @ 8 75 [illegible] bbl, do in half bbls $4 50 @ 4 75, Prime $6 50 [illegible] bbl. Arrived during the past three days 721 bbls. Cleared equal to 2174 bbls, viz- for New-York 150, Boston 572, London 1115, Liverpool 337.

BACON.- There has been rather more demand for Bacon Sides within the past day or two, and we notice one sale of 135 casks Cincinnati cured, at 5 3/8 cents lb. This is now the prevailing rate for this description, though occasional small parcels of choice being 5 1/2, while the lower qualities are very dull at 5 @ 5 1/4 cents, and some lots may probably be bought for less. Hams are almost entirely without demand, and prices are scarcely more than nominal, at 4 1/2 @ 5 1/2 cents for uncanvased, and 7 @ 9 for retail lots of extra sugar cured. Shoulders have further given way, and we now quote at 2 3/4 @ 3 1/4 cents lb. Arrived during the past three days 424 casks and 12,000 pounds in bulk. Cleared for New-York 58, Charleston 94, Apalachicola 88, Havana 50 casks.

LARD.- The Lard market remains in the same dull and depressed state noticed in our last report, and we have not been able to learn of any sales worthy of special notice. Under these circumstances prices are almost entirely nominal, and no accurate quotations can be given. Occasional small sales of prime and choice, principally for home use, are made at 6 @ 6 1/2 cents, but round lots of the low and medium qualities, which constitute the bulk of the stock, are uncalled for at the moment. The extreme range may be quoted at 5 cents for inferior, up to 6 1/2 for choice. Arrived during the past three days 424 bbls and 171 kegs. Cleared equal to 16,692 kegs, viz- for New-York 12,181, Charleston 50, Havana 2156, London 1830, Liverpool 475.

BAGGING AND BALE ROPE.- We have still to notice an inactive market for these articles, and prices remain almost entirely nominal. The asking rates, for cash, are 10 1/2 @ 11 cents for Bagging, and 4 @ 4 3/4 for Rope, according to quality, but only occasional very small sales are effected, and the present unsettled state of affairs renders holders averse to entering into any time transactions. Arrived during the past three days 1853 pieces Bagging, and 807 coils Rope.

GUNNY BAGS.- We continue to quote at 12 1/2 @ 13 cents each for those of 2 1/2 bushels, with a moderate demand.

WHISKEY- The demand continues limited, and prices have further given way. We now quote at 17 @ 17 1/2 cents [illegible] gallon for Rectified, the former being the prevailing rate for round lots. Common is more plenty, but we hear of no offers for round lots. The rates for limited parcels are 18 @ 18 1/2 cents [illegible] gallon. Arrived during the past three days 1114 barrels. Cleared for New-York 184, Baltimore 400, Charleston 35, Apalachicola 70 bbls.

GRAIN.- The Grain market continues to labor under great depression, and sales cannot be effected to any important extent. At the same time there are large supplies, particularly of Corn and Wheat, seeking purchasers, and prices are so unsettled and irregular that it is still impossible to quote with any accuracy. As we have before remarked, this state of the market is the result of greatly advanced freights, and the difficulty of negotiating bills of exchange. The sales of Corn during the past three days barely amounts to 500 bushels, in limited parcels, and the prices paid have general been 32 @ 33 cents [illegible] bushel for Mixed, and 35 @ 36 for White and Yellow, in sacks. Inferior lots are occasionally sold at 30 cents and less. Wheat is greatly depressed, and exceedingly difficult for sale, except at very low prices. A lot of 3000 bushels was sold on private terms, and 500 sacks at 60 cents [illegible] bushel. We understand that buyers only offer 60 @ 65 cents bushel for prime lots. Oats continue in fair demand, and meet with pretty ready sale at 36 @ 38 cents bushel, in sacks. Arrived during the past three days 18,500 bbls and 12,302 sacks Corn, 7050 bbls and sacks Oats, 7497 do Wheat. Cleared for New-York 3516, Boston 11,797, Baltimore 1000, Charleston 982, Liverpool 1563, Bermuda 744, London 1199 sacks Corn.

HEMP.- This article remains wholly neglected, and no quotations can be given. It cannot be shipped at any reasonable rate of freight, and the scarcity of money is another obstacle to transactions. Arrived during the past three days 526 bales. Exported the past three days,...bales 650 " previously,...18857

Total since 1st September,... 19507

LEAD.- The market for this article has given way, under the pressure of high freights and a tight money market. On Wednesday 1000 pigs were sold at $3 52 1/2, on Thursday 3000 at $3 50, and yesterday two lots of about 1000 pigs each, were disposed of at $3 20 and $3 25 100 lbs. Arrived during the past three days 6850 pigs.- Cleared for Boston 1700, Trieste 1000, Havre 2998 pigs.

HAY.- We are advised of a sale of 140 tons Western at $20 50 ton.

SALT.- there have been no arrivals of Liverpool for some two weeks past, and we have no cargo sales to report. The rates from store are $1 20 @ $1 25 for Coarse, and $1 60 @ $1 65 for Fine, with only a moderate demand. Nothing doing in Turks Island, Bonaire &c.

COFFEE.- The embarrassments in other departments have their effect upon the coffee trade, rendering the market extremely dull, and prices almost nominal, at 7 3/8 @ 7 5/8 for Rio, and other descriptions at our quoted figures.

LIME.- No cargoes having arrived some time past the sales continue to be confined to limited parcels from second hands, at $1 25 @ $1 37 1/2 cask from the Levee, and $1 40 @ $1 50 from store.

TALLOW.- There are no arrivals of consequence, and no sales, so far as we can learn. The nominal rates are 6 1/4 @ 6 1/2 cents [illegible] lb.

BEESWAX.- This article is without demand at the moment, and prices are nominal at 27 @ 27 1/2 cents [illegible] lb.

EXCHANGE.- The money market exhibits even a greater degree of tightness than at thedate of our last, and the difficulties in the way of negociating Exchange are pressing very heavily on all classes of the community. As to the rates they are exceedingly irregular, but the following quotations will, we believe, embrace most of the transactions- say for Sterling 6 @ 7 per cent. prem., Francs 5f 37 1/2 @ 5f 55. New York range from 1 1/2 @ 2 1/2 per cent discount.

FREIGHTS.- We have to notice a still further advance in the freight market since our last report. The engagements that have come to our knowledge are as follows- one American ship for Liverpool at 11-16d, six do. for the same port at 3/4d, and one for Brazos St. Jago, for government service, at $11,000 for the voyage. The rates coastwise have further advanced in several instances, as will be seen by reference to our table. There are now only three ships, two barks, and six brigs in port unengaged, while the quantity of produce to go forward is large beyond example for the period of the season, nad a heavy amount of additional tonnage would find ready and profitable employmont.

EXCHANGE- OUT-DOOR. On LONDON,... On FRANCE,... On NEW-YORK, at 60 days,... Do. short sight,... On BOSTON, at 60 days,... On PHILADA., at 60 days sight,... On CHARLESTON, S.C., 60 days, On HAVANA, 5 @ 8 days sight,...

FREIGHTS. COTTON- To Liverpool,...[illegible] lb...-@3/4d. Do. To Havre,...-@1 1/2 cent. Do. To New-York,...7/8 @ 1 cent [illegible] lb. Do. To Boston, &c,...3/4 @ 1c [illegible] lb. TOBACCO- To Cowes, &e...[illegible] hhd...none shipping. Do. To London,...-s. Do. To Bremen,...-s -d @ -s. Do. To Antwerp, Hamburg, &c...-s -d. Do. To Liverpool,...-s @ -s -d. Do. To Havre,...none shipping. Do. To New-York...$-- @ --. Do. To Boston,...none shipping. Do. To Philadelphia,...$-- @ --. SUGAR and MOLASSES- From the Coast to North Ports, [illegible] hhd. $5 00 @ 5 50 From the City, do. do. $5 00 @ --. BACON- To New York,... do. $5 00 @ 5 00 Boston,... do. $5 00 @ 6 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 25 London....-s -d @ -sLiverpool...5s 6d @ 6sLEAD- To New York,...[illegible] ton...$7 00 @ 8 00 Boston...7 00 @ 8 00 WHEAT- To Northern ports,..[illegible] bushel..$- 23 @ - 25 London...- 17d @ - 18d Liverpool...- 16d @ - 17d CORN- To Northern ports...[illegible] bushel..$- 23 @ - 25 London...--d@--d Liverpool...- 16d @ 17d HEMP- To New York,...[illegible] ton...$--@-- Boston...--@-- Europe...[illegible] [illegible] --d@--

N. ORLEANS AND LAFAYETTE CATTLE MARKET. May 15, 1846. Arrivals during the past three days: Cattle...230 Hogs...464 Sheep...200 The market has a full supply of all kinds of stock at present, and the demand is limited, at the following prices: Beef...4 @ 4 1/2 cents [illegible] lb. Hogs...4 @ 5 cents [illegible] lb. Sheep...$2 50 @ 3 50 [illegible] head.

VESSELS UP FOR FOREIGN PORTS. Liverpool 30 ships 5 barks, London 3 ships, Havre 9 ships, Europe 2 ships 1 bark, Genoa 1 ship, Antwerp 2 ship, Cadiz 1 ship, Cork nad a market 1 ship, Bremen 1 ship, Venice 1 ship, Hamburg 1 bark, Greenock 1 bark, Marseilles 1 bark 1 brig.- Total, 54 ships 9 barks 1 brig.

Concordia

New Orleans 19 May 46

Col. R. C. Ballard Warrenton dear Sir Yours of 15th with stated enclosures is to hand & contents noted. Enclosed on hand Incd of Salt & Pork for Magnolia & Karnac. We will arrange for your passage to Ky & will write you for Paul Jones next trip with Particulars. Bagging & Rope is now about 10 & 4 1/2 & we think it will not advance but on the contrary may decline. We have plenty & will conform to the market. If you dont buy at Ky we can furnish you. [I course?] you understand we furnish at Ky rates. Our A.G. Nalle is very sick & Edwd absent, so the writer has not time to write a long letter. He will make up your a/cs if possible for the Paul Jones if not you must bear with us a while. Money continues as tight as ever. In haste. Nalle & Cox

Confidential

Paul Jones

New Orleans 23 May 1946

Col. R.C. Ballard Warrenton Miss dear Sir Yours of 19th inst is to hand We will defer taking your passage until the Sultana comes down & will then write you if it be possible to find conveyance for a letter in time to give you notice of her departure. We fear, from the tenor of your letter that you intended our last shipt of Pork for Karnac, but the error, if any, was your own. We doubt if this article will be lower. There is a strong confidence that when 50,000 men are embodied in Mexico the demand will advance prices & it is only now kept down by the extreme tightness of the money market. You are right in denying the failure of our neighbours but between ourselves their paper is offered freely at 2 % Pr month. We hear of no failures lately but things are still tightening up & we shall not be surprised to hear some cracking at any time. Nothing short of an earth quake can shake us & we mean to hold this position, come what may Very Respy Yr frds & obt sts Nalle & Cox

With Papers Nalle is quite unwell & has been confined some days.

Commercial Times WHOLESALE PRICE CURRENT. Issued every Wednesday and Saturday morning, from the office of "Commercial Times," No. 40 Camp street. NEW-ORLEANS, SATURDAY, May 23, 1846. COMMERCIAL AND MONETARY. Friday Night, May 22, 1846.

There has been less demand for money during the past few days, but the condition of the market has not experience any sensible improvement. The effect of the war news at the North having been less disastrous than was anticipated, has led to a more liberal course of action on the part of the Banks, and they have extended their discounts for the moment as far as they deem prudent. Unfortunately, however, this condition of affairs is to some extent beyond the reach of those institutions, as in the absence of any facilities for shipping, the stocks of Produce have accumulated to such an enormous extent as to preclude the possibility of sustaining engagements predicated thereon-at a value, exceeding, in many instances, the present market rates by some twenty to fifty per cents.

Holders, under such circumstances, are compelled to make great sacrifices; and although the causes alleged may not serve to mitigate the extreme severity of the pressure, yet they will tend to show that the present scarcity of money is attributable to other causes than a general curtailment on the part of our banking institutions. We did not understand the cause of so sudden a contraction last week, which, coming as it did, in conjunction with a variety of other adverse circumstances, operated with such injurious effect upon the Money market, and we took occasion to set forth our views on the subject, holding the course pursued by the corporations to be ill-advised and injudicious.

The State Government is in the market for a loan of $200,000, authorized by the Legislature, for the purpose of equipping volunteers, and payment of other necessary expenses attending the war. We understood this afternoon that the City Bank would take $50,000, the Mechanics' and Traders' a similar amount, and the Bank of Louisiana the remainder.

Under the present aspect of affairs, the Stock market presents a complete blank, and the only transaction we are informed of since our last, consists of a few shares Commerical Bank at 27.

All descriptions of Uncurrent Money continue in a very limited request at former rates. We quote Citizens' Bank Notes; 7 1/4 @ 7 3/4 per cent dis.; Consolidated; 3 @ 4 per cent dis. Nothing doing in Exchange and Atchafalaya. Improvement money continues extremely dull at 28 @ 30c. Third Municipality Notes, 5 @ 10 per cent discount.

The market for Texas Securities remains in the same unsatisfactory state previously recorded. Since our last a further decline has taken place, and large amounts are pressing for sale on the market without finding buyers. The following sales have come to our knowledge: $10,000 Red Backs at 11c., $20,000 do. at 10 1/2c., and $10,000 at 9 1/2c. We have not heard of any transactions in Bonds. The Legislature of Texas being on the eve of adjournment without having taken any action to provide in some shape for the payment of the State Debt, has weakened the faith of the holders of the liabilities to such an extent as to induce many to throw large amounts in the market, for which there are at the present moment few or no purchasers.

THE MARKETS. Friday Night, May 22, 1846.

Since the date of our last semi-weekly report, the general market has exhibited the same languor and inactivity to which we have reluctantly been compelled to make almost daily illusion for a fortnight past. The obstacles then in operation continue to bear with undue severity upon every branch of Trade, not the slightest mitigating influence having arisen to present business matters in a more favorable point of view. the remarkable scarcity of unengaged tonnage in port offers the most formidable barrier to a ready and proper prosection of business; and until this growing evil is remedied by the arrival of a numous fleet of vessels, we may look in vain for any improvement. In the meanwhile the stocks of every description of Produce continue to accumulate rapidly, so that the difficulty of effecting sales increases in a progressive ratio, whilst the augmentation in the price of labor renders the task holding on to Produce so much the greater. This condition of affairs must necessarily have the effect of keeping back shipments of Western Produce to this city, and we may shortly expect to see a very marked diminution in the receipts.

The steamship Britannia, with advices from Liverpool to the 4th inst., will be due here on Wednesday next. The Great Britain. for New York is advertised to leave Liverpool on the 9th inst., and returns again on the 6th proximo, thus presenting the first favorable opportunity for dispatching correspondence from this quarter. Letters sent to-morrow morning will be still in time for the Britannia, if the mail should go through without failing. The Hibernia will leave Boston on the 16th June.

The weather since our last has been dry, and favorable for out-door business. To-day it is overcast, and looks very much like rain. The river remains at the same stage last noticed.

COTTON--- Arrived since the 19th instant, of Louisiana and Mississippi, 2541; Tennessee and North Alabama, 368- together, 2909 bales. Cleared in the same time, for Liverpool, 5998 bales; Havre, 6001; Hamburg, 2039; Trieste, 2362; New York, 485; Boston 1860- together, 18,745 bales; making a reduction in stock of 15, 836; and leaving on hand, inclusive of all on shipboard, not cleared this day, a stock of 205, 026 bales.

In our review of Tuesday night last, we stated that the Cotton market continued to exhibit a very depressed and unsettled appearance, arising more especially form the high course of Freights and the difficulty of effecting shipments to any extent, even at the advanced rates. The same cause has since borne heavily and with increased severity upon the market; and although holders as a body have offered their stocks sparingly, yet so limited is the demand, that when forced to sell, they have occasionally been compelled to make some further concession in prices. The reduction to be sure, is so trivial as to call for but a very slight modification in our quotations; but the constant and steady decline shows evidently that the downward tendency of the market has not yet been arrested. Most of the Cottons now on the market consist of North Alabamas and Tennessees, whilst the stocks of Louisiana and Mississippi are kept back, and offered in very small quantities.

Wednesday was a very quiet day, and the sales did not exceed 1500 bales. Yesterday, however, there was more inclination evinced to sell, and the transactions amounted to 3000 bales. The same feeling exhibited itself to-day, which resulted in 3500 bales being sold; making the entire business of the past week 15,500 bales.

The purchases of the past three days have been principally for the England and the Continent of Europe, buyers for the North having ceased to operate. A few parcels are occasionally bought, with a view of holding over for a more favorable range of freights.

The receipts of Cotton since our last have been very light, and from all accounts there remains now but little to come forward. On reference to our comparative table receipts. it will be perceived that the aggregate deficiency in the arrivals, as compared with this period last year, amounts to 355,838 bales. The falling off in the experts to foreign ports is 572,637 bales.

The sales of the week amount to 15,500, and those of the past three days comprise 8000 bales, which we notice as follows: 120 bales Louisiana, Mississippi. etc., at 6 1/2c. ; 253 at 6 1/4; 78 at 5 5/8; 181 at 6; 195 at 6 1/4; 1062 at -; 500 at 6 1/2; 500 at -; 153 at 6 5/8; 1000 at -; 744 at 6 5-16, and 287 at 6c. [illegible] lb.

LIVERPOOL CLASSIFICATION. Louisiana and Mississippi. Inferior...5 a 5 1/2 Ordinary...5 3/4 a 5 7/8 Good Ordinary...00 a 6 Middling...6 1/8 a 6 1/4 Good Middling...6 3/8 a 6 5/8 Middling Fair...6 3/4 a 7 Fair...00 a 00 Fully Fair...00 a 00 Good Fair...00 a 00 Good and Fine...00 a 00 Tennessee and N. Alabama Average Lists. Good...6 a 6 1/8 Common...5 1/4 a 5 3/4 Extreme prices...4 3/4 a 6 1/2

TOBACCO--- The transactions in Tobacco since the date of our last report have only been to a moderate extent, amounting in all to but 1200 hhds., of which 400 on Wednesday, 600 yesterday, and 200 to-day. Buyers do not appear inclined to come forward freely at the decline noticed in our last, but insist on a further concession in view of the advanced rates of Freight. The following particulars embrace the transactions of the past three days: 187 Admitted and 138 Refused on private terms; 10 Admitted at 2 1/2 @ 4c., and 11 Refused at 1 1/2 @ 2c.; 30 hhds. Admitted at 5c., and 8 do. at 4 1/4c. [illegible] lb; 93 hhds. Admitted at 4c., and 30 Refused at 2c.; 4 hhds. Refused at 2c.; 21 hhds. Admitted at 4c., and 13 Refused at 2c. [illegible] lb. We adopt the following scale of figures, although it is difficult to quote accurately at present: Inferior, 1 1/2 @ 2c.; Common, 2 1/4 @ 2 3/4; Fair, 3 3/4 @ 4; Fine, 4 1/4 @ 4 3/4; Choice and Selections, 5 1/4 @ 6; Sigar Leaf, 2 1/2 @ 11c. [illegible] lb. Arrived since the 19th inst., 2563 hhds. Cleared in the same time, none. Stock in warehouses and on shipboard, 32,573 hhds.

SUGAR--- We have again had a very quiet market for Sugar since our last. the sales not having exceeded 200 hhds., of which 100 to-day, chiefly for the West. In the present state of Freights, shipments to the North are out of the question. There is nothing doing on Plantation, the lots being chiefly in second hands. We quote Inferior, 4 @ 4 1/4c.; Common and Middling, 4 1/2 @ 4 5/8; Fair, 4 3/4 @ 5; Prime and Choice, 5 1/4 @ 6 1/4c. [illegible] lb. Arrived during the past three days, 480 hhds. Cleared in the same time, for New York, 21 hhds.; other ports, 18 bbls.

HAVANA SUGARS--- A mere retail business is going on in box Sugars at previous rates. Brown, 6 1/2 @ 7c.; Yellow, 7 1/2 @ 8 1/2; White, 9 @ 10 1/2c. [illegible] lb.

MOLASSES--- The daily sales of Molasses since our last have merely averaged 100 bbls., and the market necessarily presents a very dull appearance. The best parcels command 22c., but the lots now arriving are so inferior that several have been sold at 15 @ 20c. [illegible] gallon. and some even at a lower figure. Nothing has been done on Plantation. Arrived since our last, 803 bbls. Cleared in the same time, for New York, 3 bbls.; other ports, 10- together, 13 bbls.

FLOUR--- Since the date of our previous report a fair amount of business has been done in the Flour market within the range of former prices, the transactions having averaged about 4000 bbls. each day. On Wednesday 4300 bbls. were disposed of, including 200 bbls. Illinois at $ 3 12 1/2, 125 Ohio at $3 00. 238 at $3 00, 700 at $3 10. 200 Illinois at $3 30. 100 St. Louis at $4 00, 350 Illinois at $3 00, 600 Missouri and Illinois at $3 25, 150 Missouri at $3 30, 550 Illinois at $3 00, 478 at $3 00, 78 Ohio at $3 12 1/2, and 400 do. at $3 00 [illegible] bbl. Yesterday the business comprised 3500 bbls. as follows: 300 bbls. Illinois at $3 10, 100 St. Louis at $4 00, 100 Ohio at $3 12 1/2, 200 Illinois at 3 12 1/2, 800 Ohio at $3 00, 100 St. Louis choice brans at $4 50, 150 do. do. at $4 25. 100 Ohio at $3 00. 300 Illinois at $3 10, 600 Ohio at $3 00, and 250 Illinois at $3 10, [illegible] bbl. To-day 4000 bbls. changed hands, amongst which, 1000 bbls. Ohio from flatboat in various lots at $3 25, 400 do. at $3 10, 472 at $3 00, 200 at $3 10, 350 at $3 00, 700 Illinois at $3 25. 150 do. at $3 20, and several minor lots at the same range of prices. Round lots of Ohio may be quoted at $3 00 @ $3 12 1/2 [illegible] bbl. with more firmness on the part of holders. Arrived during the past three days, 9783 bbls. Cleared in the same time for Liverpool. 116 bbls.; New York, 2603; Boston, 1100; other ports, 390- together, 4209 bbls.

PROVISIONS--- The Provision market has been very dull since our last report, and the transactions few and unimportant. About 600 bbls. PORK have been disposed of during the past three days at $9 75 @ $10 00 for MESS; M O, $9 50, and Prime $8 00 [illegible] bbl. Nothing doing in Bulk Pork. Arrived since our last, 15,156 bbls. and 58,500 lb Bulk Pork. Cleared for Liverpool, 835 bbls.; Havana, 20; Boston, 1669; other ports, 72- together, 2596 bbls. The market for BEEF has remained perfectly quiet, and no sales worthy of note have come to our knowledge. Mess, in bbls., may be quoted at $8 00; half bbls., $4 25; Prime, $5 75 [illegible] bbl. Arrived since our last, 257 bbls. Cleared for Liverpool, 634 bbls. Very little business has been done in LARD, and the only sale of any note we are apprised of, was 135 bbls. at 5 1/2c. [illegible] lb. Extreme qualities may be quoted from 5 @ 6 1/2c. [illegible] lb. Arrived since our last, 468 bbls. and 3041 kegs. Cleared, equal to 2377 kegs, viz: to New York, 770; Boston, 1590; other ports 7. In BACON the transactions have been to a fair extent, at about the same range of prices before quoted. The sales amount to 400 casks, of which nearly 350 changed hands to-day. Arrived since our last, 1291 casks. Cleared for Havana, 31 casks; New York, 74; Boston, 92; other ports, 40- together, 237 casks.

GRAIN--- We left the Corn market very inactive at the commencement of the week, but since then a larger business has been going forward, the sales of the past few days having amounted to fully 40,000 bushels, at 26 @ 27c. for lots in the ear, and from 30 1/2 @ 35c. [illegible] bushel, in sacks, according to quality and condition. The principal sales were as follows: 5000 bushels Yellow and Mixed, in sacks, at 33c.; 5197 bushels Mixed, in ear, at 26c.; 1578 sacks (3555 bushels), Mixed at 30 1/4c.; 400 sacks Mixed, in old bags, 32c.; 300 Mixed at 34c.; 133 do. Mixed at 24 1/2c.; 550 Yellow at 32c.; 300 sacks Yellow at 33c. [illegible] bushel; 4000 bushels Mixed, in ear, at 27c.; 500 sacks Mixed at 33; 250 do. at 33; 300 sacks White at 35; 700 sacks Mixed at 32; 2000 bushels Mixed. in sacks, at 34; 600 sacks do. at 32 1/2; 300 do. White at 33, and 200 do. at 35c. [illegible] bushel. Oats are in good demand, and we notice sales in sacks at 40c. [illegible] bushel. A lot of 1800 bushels Wheat was disposed of at 55c., and a similar quantity of inferior at 40c. [illegible] bushel. A small sale of White Beans was made at $3 20 [illegible] bbl. Arrived since our last, 20,474 sacks Corn, 2309 do. Oats, and 16.421 do. Wheat. Cleared in the same time, for Liverpool, 8555 sacks Wheat; New York, 872; Boston, 1367; Liverpool, 770 sacks Corn; New York, 2835 do.; Boston, 13,584; other ports, 900- together, 10,794 sacks Wheat, and 18,089 do. Corn.

BAGGING and BALE ROPE--- We notice no alteration in the price of Bagging and Rope; the market still continues quiet. The transactions for the past three days have been confined to retail sales at former quotations. Arrived during the past three days, 1880 pieces of Bagging, and 1449 coils Rope.

BUTTER and CHEESE--- We hear or no alteration in either of these articles. We quote Western Butter dull at from 6 @ 12c., according to quality. Goshen is also gull at 16 @ 18c. [illegible] lb. In Cheese we hear of but little doing, the sales being confined to retail sales at former quotations say 7 @ 8 1/2c., [illegible] lb. Arrived since our last, 765 kegs and firkins Butter, and 145 boxes Cheese.

COFFEE--- The market for Rio Coffee continues very inactive, the few transactions being confined to small lots at prices ranging from 7 @ 7 1/2c. [illegible] lb for extreme qualities, but most of the sales are at 7 1/4c. [illegible] lb. In other descriptions there is nothing doing.

WHISKEY--- A limited inquiry has prevailed for this article since our last, under the influence of which prices have still further receded, and we now quote Rectified, 16 1/2 @ 16 3/4c. gallon. 100 bbls of Low Proof sold to day at 12 1/4c. gallon. Nothing doing in Raw Whiskey. Arrived since our last, 4153 bbls. Cleared for various ports, 93 barrels.

LEAD--- The sales of Lead that have come to our knowledge within the past few days. embrace 2774 pigs at $3 20, and 1689 at $3 21 [illegible] 100 lb. Arrived during the past three days, 16,916 pigs. Cleared in the same time, for Hamburg, 330 pigs; Havre, 6140- together, 6470 pigs.

LIME--- Since our last a cargo of 2000 casks Camden Lime arrived. out of which about 1000 casks were sold for export to Mobile, at $1 25 [illegible] cask; the balance has been retailing in lost at from $1 25 @ $1 30 [illegible] cask. The sales from store for the past three days of Thomaston sum up about 300 casks, at former prices-

SALT--- For the past three days there has been no arrivals of Liverpool Salt. We quote the market firm for sales from store and second hands, including drayage, at $1 20 @ $1 25 for Coarse, and $1 60 @ $1 65 for Fine. We learn of no sales Turks Island, Bonaire, etc., of which there is an ample supply.

Exchange--- There has been a fair demand both for Foreign and Domestic Exchange during the past three days, and the comparatively small amount offering has enabled drawers in some instances to obtain rates a shade better. We quote Sterling, 6 1/2 @ 7 1/4 [illegible] cent premium; Francs, 5f.40 @ 5f45. Bills on New York, at 60 days. 2 3/4 @ 3 1/2 [illegible] cent. discount; Checks and Short Sight, 1 @ 1 3/4 [illegible] cent. discount.

FREIGHTS--- Freights to all quarters keep up, and have still an advancing tendency, whilst the searcity of unengaged tonnage in port renders it difficult to effect shipments at all. The Foreign engagements since our last comprise two ships for Havre at 1 3/4c., two for Trieste at 1 3/4c., and one for Gibraltar, to load with Tobacco, at $14 00 [illegible] hhd. There is a good deal of Freight offering Coastwise. Cotton to New York, 7/8c.; Boston, 1c.; Tobacco, $14 00.; Wheat, 27 @ 28c. [illegible] bushel.

EXCHANGE- OUT-DOOR. On LONDON...6 1/2 a 7 1/4 per cent. pm. On FRANCE...5f.40 a 5f45 per dollar. On NEW YORK, at 60 days...2 3/4 a 3 1/2 per ct. dis. Do. at 30 days...00 a 00 per ct. dis. Do. short sight...1 a 1 3/4 per ct. dis. On BOSTON, at 60 days...2 3/4 a 3 1/2 per ct. dis. On PHILADELPHIA, at 60 days' sight..3 a 3 1/2 per ct. dis. On HAVANA, 5 a 8 days' sight...00 a 00 per ct. dis.

FREIGHTS. COTTON- To Liverpool...per lb...7/8d. Do. To Havre...per lb...1 3/4c. Do. To New York...per lb...7/3 a 1c. Do. To Boston...per lb...1c. TOBACCO- To Cowes, etc... per hhd..none shipping. Do. To London...none shipping. Do. To Bremen...none shipping. Do. To Antwerp, Hamburg, etc...none shipping. Do. To Liverpool...none shipping. Do. To Havre...no vessel. Do. To New York...none shipping. Do. To Boston...none shipping. Do. To Philadelphia...none shipping. SUGAR and MOLASSESFrom the Coast To Northern Ports..per hhd..none shipping. From the City...do...$6 00 a -- BACON- To New York...do...$5 50 a $5 75 Boston...do...$5 50 a $5 75 PORK- To New York...per bbl...$1 50 Boston...do...$5 50 a $5 75 FLOUR- To England...do...7s. New York...do...$1 25 Boston...do...$1 25 LEAD- To New York...per ton...none shipping. Boston...none shipping. HEMP- To New York...none shipping. Boston...none shipping.

Yazoo City 25 Mary 1846

Dear Armfield

I have not had the heart to write to you since I heard of the death of poor Franklin - so unexpected and astounding was the event that I could hardly credit it and cannot now realize it. I wrote to him just before his death occurred, which letter he may never have received but I presume you received it as it was intended as much for you as him. I learned through Mr Lewis that you had left for Tenne where I shall now address you. Nothing has transpired in regard to the Commercial Bank of which you have not been informed. Silas Wood of New York an agent of the Northern Stockholders has been here endeavoring to induce the Assignees of the bank to resign their trust for the purpose of appointing others pledged to obey strictly any order or instructions given them by the Northern Stockholders; this they have refused to do, and so the matter rests for the present. A party of the assignees gave me an assurance that if measures were adopted to displace them that before it was accomplished, that your proposition to take up your notes with stock at a fair valuation should be entertained, and if once entertained I have no doubt the object can be accomplished. Since I saw you the assignees have made a further dividend of [?]% on the capital stock.

I expect to have the pleasure of seeing you this summer in Tennessee. In

the mean time write to me and let me know where you will be, and also request Mr. Averson if he is still in charge of the stock, to let me know the condition of Catharine the mare I bought from Mr. Franklin - whether she has had a colt this spring &c, also whether the "Dick Fellry" (her mother) has had a foal this spring as I purchased from Mr. F the foal of this mare if it should be safely delivered and do well. I have heard that the horse Warwich and the gelding had reached Natchez in safety.

Hoping to hear from you in a few days, I am with great respect Your friend J.J. Hughes

New Orleans 26 May 1846

Col. R.C. Ballard Warrenton Miss dear Sir Enclosed we hand our ac/s for yourself, Magnolia, Brushy Bayou, Karnac & Cotton's succession, all of which we hope will be found correct. We also enclose certificates of 2200 Shares Coml. Bk. Manchester with Corcoran & Riggs sight Dft. to yr order on Bk. of America N. York for $1097.50 dated Washington City 10 May 46. These last papers we have recd from Wm D. Nutt of Washington Cty & the dft. is for Dividend on your stocks. You had better use the bill at Louisville where it is worth more than here. We have surrendered Genl Burrus' 1st note which is liquidated entirely & the 2d one is entitled to Cr. Mch 1st 46 $ 1549.92 May 11. $1000. When I.S.Harris presents himself we will examine his statement & settle with him. We presume the Proper Crs are endorsed on his note. The statemt you have enclosed us commences with a balance 11 Nov 41 - $4040.15. We have no. acct. of Previous Cr. If we understand your last letter we are not to engage your passage until we hear from you again. No news. Nalle is about again & pretty well Very Respy Yr frds Nalle & Cox

Beck says Terry has lost an other gin & cant. pay any more this season

Natchez 31 May 46

Dr Col I received the previous & am much obliged. In N Orleans, I found pork at $10 & falling: & jeans & linseys at 28 & 38. Cox said if it could be got cheaper in Kentucky he would allow for the difference. Bagging & Rope are a little higher than they were & I think you had better buy in Kentucky when you go up.

Let me know when you will leave for Kentucky, as I must come up before you go. It will not be convenient to leave before next week.

The price asked for the Alexander Plantations & negroes (about 25) is $45000 , which is altogther too much.

The bank are all clear by Sharkey's decision. All well, & hope you & family are well. yours S S Boyd

Gallatin Tennessee June 1st 1846

My dear Sir I am in Receipt of your favor of 16th May

We all gott up [?] and have placed the old mans remains in the Tomb.

The fifty three children all girls he left to his wife $100,000 = Some Small amts to his [Putations?] one third of all his estate to the [estableining?] a fine school in the county the ballence to his three children I will Soon write you you more fully on this.

I Cannot find the address of our Attorney in Madison County & have Wrote to the Clerk but for fear of mistakes I want you to writ to the Attorney either gett him to write me the amt to the place or else you have it paid for me until I gett down please to say in the Recept of this if you have Wrote in [time?] William Franklin John Armfield Mr. Hayes & myself on the Old mans [?] I have no doubt Butt Jesse Cays Will be in her graces in a week