none letter written to Duncan Cameron

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   letter written to: Duncan Cameron

Letter, page 1

   Steam Boat Sam Dale
   Montgomery, Ala. Friday 12 o'clock
   Nov. 8th, 1845

   My Dear Father,

   I have just arrived here safely, without any sort of mishaps by the way. My ride from Atlanta
   to [Chehaw] a distance of one hundred and thirty five miles in a stage with 13 passengers, 6
   of whom were negroes inside which we could not avoid, was exceedingly unpleasant. Our
   ride was through the counties of Coweta, Troup, and what is commonly called "new
   Georgia," a poor and exceedingly [broken] country. I shall leave this [note] until tomorrow; I
   could leave in half an hour; but on going aboard of the boat, with my trunk, I did not like the
   look of things, [from] its old and worn appearance. This is a boat of first class and
   commanded by a very respectable man. I shall go with him to Selma and perhaps to Mobile.
   Small boats are now passing up the other rivers, but should it rain tonight it is more than
   probable it will make navigation certain up the other rivers. I shall not determine what route I
   shall travel until I get down to Selma. If I go across the country to Greensboro, shall address
   a letter to our agents in Mobile to accomplish as far as I can the object of a visit. I parted with
   Mr. Rayner at Atlanta. He would have 52 miles of railroad, and the remainder of his ride in a
   2 horse [coach] which would leave the termination of the road on Saturday morning, thus
   meeting with little delay. I have felt the want of his good company since we parted, not
   having here...

Letter, page 2

   a single face ever before known to me, and south of Fayetteville have seen but a single
   acquaintance, Governor Branch whom I met at Branchville. Unfortunately I did not meet Mr.
   Syme. He is in all probability ahead of me and left this on yesterday in the [New Era]. The
   prospect is a large crowd of passengers from this tomorrow, some Families, a number of
   business men, and a large party of emigrants for Texas and Arkansas. The rush is west! From
   what I saw along the road in South Carolina and Georgia, I think the cotton crop was never
   more indifferent, though early receipts have been large, and as far as I have seen in this state
   but little better. The markets along the road not very active, planters not anxious to sell and
   brokers willing to hold off. The morning I was in Camden, Mr. Neal a large planter near
   Camden on the River sold 100 bales at 8 cents. This is the best sale I have heard of. The corn
   crop in South Carolina and Georgia is most miserable and but little better this far in
   Alabama. Provisions very high in all the towns. I write you because I know that you will let
   all who feel any interests in my whereabouts have the earliest information. I hope that Anne
   and the little ones are still with you and will remain with you until she is called home in
   regard to the [pork] business. I shall be very anxious to hear from home. I a dear name, at this
   distance "home" embraces not only Fairntosh but "Raleigh" and "Stagville."

Letter, page 3

   I hope uncle will sometimes write me.

   I know no one here but Duane Bobbitt, whom I will call to see this afternoon. Should it not
   rain, though, the landing is nearly half leg deep in mud from the rain of last night. I shall
   write you the day after my arrival at the plantation, and report fully first impressions and
   prospects. A kiss to my dear wife and baby as well as to my good sisters. I hope you will not
   feel anxious about me. I will take care of myself, this I think I can do.

   I wish you all may continue well and enjoy as large a share of happiness as you desire of can
   reasonably expect.

   God bless you all. Ever your affectionate son,
   P. C. Cameron