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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 […]
getting sick. 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 [assessors]
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 scold mine - heavily indebt
as I am – in the hope that labor will bec-
ome 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