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Hillsboro. N. C. Dec. 20th 1865
To all whom it may concern. I Paul C. Cameron of Orange Co. No. Ca. have placed my son in law Major George [P?]. Collins late of Washington Co in this State. in the position [?] and occupation of my plantation in Tunica Co in the State of Mississippi to cultivate & enjoy it as he likes best but to continue in possession as a tenant at my will & [?]- He is chargeable with all taxes State County district or federal now due or that may become due whilst he is in the possession of the land- This tract of land in Tunica Co [?] [Commence?] and adjoining the lands of Major Winston [W. I.?] Watkins_ & others containing the lands purchased by me rom Mr. Sam Tate & Col. [Bunn?] [containing?] [original text crossed out] 3 sections & a half of land.
Paul C. Cameron
Witness C [Routhar?]
Mr Cameron Charles goes up with a small land such as I can pet the mill has almost come to a stop for want of watter the dam very open and [needing?] repairs I had hoped today to make a start one the repairs but the hands refuse to work on it I offer 25 cts a day for good work they make lite of the offer and ask one dollar so I am at a stand still on the job the whole frame of [hued?] timber and rafters to be got and to be covered with plants to make it stand through the next winter. It is a job that cannot be done in flush watter advise me what to do in this matter I think I can hire hands in the neighbourhood for 25th and pay them in corn tole from the mil my Bro. George will take the job W. Southerland has Carrington threshing his wheat not cleaning any Card threshing in person the negroes are dwn after corn say card is behaving very badly there I fear too truly drunk all the time carries off corn 2 buzo whiskey with it poor foolish man I suppose you for the sake of your interest will be obliged to [illegible?] him 2 family all are very anxious to get out the wheat for report the snow hill damaging as it was put up too wet will have it spread out first fair weather all hands idle at every place wont do any thing towards plantation work thy talk of going in the country to work for wages but I dont hink they intend to take any work for themselves or as any one else. Johnson asks me to tell you many is about breathing her last and wishes to remain bur will retrun as soon as she is gone to his place I cant see what we are all to come to here if the negroes remain we all will have to leave as soon as the cold begins to pinch them the plantations will be turned out fencing burnt up and every thing wasted please send Charles back by [illegible?] for your bros mill spindle and the cartings for threshing machine as one of them will do to work with. Respectful S. Piper