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"The Howard-Smith Collection"

Transcription copyright: 1998, by Mrs. F. A. Augsbury; all rights reserved.
The originals are at the McClung Library in Knoxville.

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To: Dear Sir
From: James T. Gaines
---------------------------

                                  Unionville(?) 21st November 1814.
Dear Sir

      I arrived here on saturday last and shall March with the Troops from
this Place on wednesday or Thursday next-my Horse got lame on my way down
and still continues so.  Should he not get well before we march I will send
him home and must request that you have him put in new order and offer him
to Mr Cloud again, if he is not willing to take him again and give up my note
you make him a small demand to do so, if he will not then take him back Keep
him fat, clean, and well-rested until you can proceed _____ _____ and,---
      Captain Rogers has been so good as to give me an appointment in the
Quartermasters department with about $50 per month-that will compell me to
remain about Two months at fort Deposet.  I will then go on to St Stephens
and return from there home whenever I think proper to quit the service.  I
am not at this time able to say when that may be the case.-
      On my way down I contracted with Cap. Armstrong for the sale of half
a dozen round Hats provided they can be delivered in a short time at $4 each
he has a small amount against us which will be deducted from the amt of the
Hats and the ballance you can take up in articles for the House (say coffee,
sugar, steele, Iron, etc.---)
      If it should be possible for you to have the Mill this week do so, as
I am fearful that my corn will not be cribed & shucks ruined neatly without
your personal attention.-The Kitchen should be finished as early as possible
the weather now being fine that purpose and repairing the other Houses that
are open, etc.  if Armstrong has wanted glass perhaps you _____ _____ from
him.  The windows, Caruthers will make hinges _____ _____ Kitchen &
partition doors-where they are wanting.  Free Jim(?) is indebted to me one &
a half months work 45 days-he sedd openly to take care of the evin(?)-it will
be best not to send him in for work until you can get at something settled
      You will then find it absolutely necessary to plan and at least one day
before hand what the tenant to do the next, by working with them one day at
any little business you will be able to know what to expect from them when
your end business calls you from home.
      I was very much disatisfied with Ben & Bill & Tim and Bentons conduct
the day before I started and ought to have punished them for the same but had
too much else to think of-in case of any differences arising between them
in future they have all promised me to submit the same to your decision and
the party in fault to acknowledge the same and ask the others pardon, which
promise must be complyd with, I mean on cover up despute alone.  But should
they proceed to any violence with each other, have both parties taken before
a magistrate and and let them be punished agreeable to their offences.  Free
as well as bond, as I am determined that no distinction shall be made between
the People of colour on my Plantation.
      I hop to hear _____ _____ and all the rest of my friends at home
as often as convenient letters addressed to me at fort deposet by way of
Huntsville will reach me without delay for the next two months.-would write
to more of my friends now but all is hurly burly & confusion around me,
preparing to march-
                                   Your friend
                                      &  mo obt
                                         James T Gaines