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a steam saw mill on west side of Indian creek which will be a great convenience to the neighborhood. Watkins lower place has been purchased by a man named [illegible] don't know anything about him. Judge Wright & Stone expect to get 50 or 60 hands this week & begin in earnest. I fear Stone is not satisfied & will not stay with the judge but don't mention it to him on any account. All my neighbors have been very kind to me especially Mr Abbey & [McCauley?] & I begin to feel quite well acquainted in the country. I have just finished gathering the corn⏤ the negroes would not touch it till I came saying they had no share in it & would have nothing to do with it. I don't think I will have the [amt?] I thought I should & the meat is fearfully short. there are still some [shoats?] that will make good meat & I am advised to kill out as close as possible to avoid loss⏤ hope you agree to this plan.

I am trying to do my best & trust that I shall succeed by the help of providence.

Your two letters of 25th & 30th Dec. have reached me the last today I hope Louis Young will come out. Annie's hat box was a great loss as it contained a great many of her sleeves collars &c. it did not go on to Charlotte but must have been lost in the darkness of Greensboro. I mistook some other piece for it. I am very sorry to hear that Ma is sick give warmest love to all. I can not write more to night write often.

Yours most affectionately
G. P. Collins