folder 02: Correspondence, 1820-1823

Alabama Green County October 4th 1820

Dear Brother

I wrote you some time in June I have Since written to John but have not heard from any of you. You will probably like to hear again, though I have nothing strange yet something a little uncommon; my school was out 22^rd last month since that time I have collected nearly all my money & have been at two weddings. One at home last thursday, Miss Wright to Mr Wordlaw. I have been much flattered by the ladies in this settlement; they have done their best to get me married. They surrounded me in such a way that I was almost compelled to acknowledge myself beaten, or commence courting, of the two I chose the latter which I proceeded to accordingly the young lady is amiable, and beautiful, industrious, & prudent in short as good a toast as any in the vicinity. And would make as good a kitchen wife. The affair commenced thus. The girl became attached to me before I had any idea of her: this information I gained by her female friends, who I could scarcely believe, but I soon found who told the truth.

I commenced suit because I knew it would be pleasing to her: and I considered it a favourable time for me to get in practice which I have done in Alabama style. But I confess my attachment for her has been gradually increasing until I find I shall leave hear with reluctance, but I must do it for I cannot marry yet, in fact I will not.

I have generally said something respecting this country; I now say we have good crops, and I think a farmer may clear more money here than in any part I have visited. They calculate on making from 1000 to 1500 lbs cotton per Acre this is now selling at $3.50 per hundred in the seed and 16 cents per if picked and delivered in Mobile I intended same time past to go to Mobile with a Mr. Williamson from New York (formerly a partner with the Hamiltons) to commence the commission business, but he has not been disappointed in receiving letters from them, and I now intend to go to the state of Mississippi. you will hear from me again when I get Settled. I shall set off in about a week. I shall have good company.

I have never enjoyed my health better in any country; I have spent my time extremely agreeable generally in company with the ladies.

This letter is scarcely worth a quarter of a dollar but I have nothing more to add to its value.

Compliments to all friends. Good day to you,

James Neal

[Letter folded as self-mailer and addressed]

Mr Aaron Neal Louisburg Franklin County No. Carolina

[Back of mailer]

212 25 1660 424 $3.00

Erie 8^th June 1821

Brother Aaron

Yours of the 14^th March came duly to hand & furnished me with highly interesting information. I Rec^d a letter from Moses by the same mail which I answered immediately The only answer required particularly in yours is to inform R. Timberlake what overseers of Good character get here my answer is not more than may be had where he now lives. Oweing I suppose principally to the new and unprepared situation of this country for agriculture-- A good hand will here for about $135 per year Yet I do not know of any overseer who is found and receives more thatn $300 per year If R.T. has an idea of coming to this State he woul^d probably like my opinion which I believe I gave in a letter Some time past I am at a loss how to advise but am rather induced to believe he had as well remain where he is I presume this advice will entirely reconcile John Cook to remain content where he is--

Expenses in removing here woul^d be very considerable & we are deprived of many conveniences that you enjoy. I come now to Speak of the blooming daisies of Franklin who from information are so very numerous that really I pity their situation. I am sure they woul^d like to marry; I am equally Since they all cant obtain partners, and consequently the coroding appelation of old maid must devolve in Some of them; a term inoffensive in itself but carries as much terror as if criminal in consequence-- If this be an evil; and ways & means can be devised to relieve the unfortunate sfferers I am willing to aid and abet either in person or by proxy-- If they become So numerous as to tread on your toes, obstruct your passage about meeting houses, occupy all the seats in church or in fact if you meet with any civil inconvenience consign me a cargo of about 12 Dozen Dozen-- of the finest quality and if I do not dispose of them to general satisfaction I will be answerable for the failure-- Crops are tolerable good, we have had much wet weather. Your Franklin friends are well

I Rec^d a letter from John last mail and from what he wrote I imagine he will be with you about the time you get this-- As you are unacquainted with this country and the inhabitants, my communication cannot exacte much interest further than regards my own situation which is as formerly--

Compliments to all relations & friends. Black paper in a letter is what I dislike to see, but you will here See a Small Space-- write immediately.

Yours in good health

James Neal