Letter From Osborn Jeffreys to his cousin William B. Smith of Granville Co., NC
Smith Co. (Tennessee) August 20th 1814
Dear Cousin
Your 20th July I recd a few days
ago. I have been waiting a considerable
time, the greatest anxiety to hear from
you on this subject this salt Petr Contract
having no doubt but you would be
able to make a contract. But I find
myself sadly disappointed, you mentioned $
34 was the right price talked of But that you
did not believe you could have made a
contract to have depended on delivery or I
mentioned a $30 If you can possibly make
a contract I hope you will I am anxious
to ------ your country that I may selle my
business their, as it appears impossible for
me to have I---t--- without you mentioned
Petr you had heard was of more demand
now I see no reasons why it should not
be as high now as at any time since the war.
Their appears as grate a probability of a
continuance, if you can make a contract
At $ 34 or 36 or 40 to depend on delivery any
time between this & 20 day next January or the
first of next January I will fill it, Jany 5000,lb
I shall take two wagons & they will cary 2700
cash this copa-g- will be some thing I hope you
will do the best you can in that contract if you
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can possibly get $40 do it. if you can
get no more than $34 I will take it, rather
then not attend my business in Carolina
pray does ----y -----tion to -------t as soone
as possible. I want an answer by the midd--
next month (next word crossed out) the last September
I wish to set off with my salt Peter
I am in great hast (next five words crossed out)
We have no news here worth
your attention the sound of war over
a -----te through our country. the drum
is always beating you security, another drop
has taken place since you left hear
Gen Jackson is yet in the creake nation
nothing decisive is yet known,
my son Thomas is in ---- state health
with the consumption it is expected shortly
after you left hear he was taken with the
------- & was every day --thing under the
spring & fout until he took a -----
color & cough which has settled on his
lungs, it appears impossible to remove it,
the rest of us are well. Jane joins any
in respects to you cousin Leathy & Family
I am Da--- yours
Respectfully
Osborn Jeffreys Jr.
Written on folded edge of the above letter:
On demand I will pay to
Written on opposite folded edge of the above letter
--B make the -
small a quar--
Capt Lyons
(I believe Osborn JEFFREYS is cousin to Lethe (EATON) SMITH, Wm SMITHs wife, by way of her mother's family)