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Pontotoc  
Novr [November]  21st 1838 
Mr John Fontaine 
Dear Sir 
After So long a silence I conclude it is my duty to write to you, notwithstanding nothing has been done withe [with]  the business in hand  
This, I can [unclear text: assure ]  you, is from no want of Exertion on my part, but owing Entirely to the circumstances of the times -- There being no demand as yet, for Land in the Chickasaw Nation  
Very few Settlers are coming in, and for those, there is yet a Sufficiency of vacant land, which they can obtain by paying a woodsman from $10 to $20 per quarter, and [unclear text: Enter ]  at 50 [unclear text: ct [cents]  ]  per acre at this time, a [unclear text: reduction ]  not taking place until January next  
I hear of no Sales of land whatever Except by Entry, and I much fear it will be many years Ere ready Sales can be effected.  
The [unclear text: patents ]  have arrived, but will not be ready for distribution for two or three months yet --  
Our Town is slowly improving, though not in a business way, as there is not on hand a tolerable assortment of goods, and no preparation making for a supply by any of our merchants, that I know of, What goods there are [added text: here are ]  sold at from 1 to 200 pct on New York costs -- And those 
 
 
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too purchased with Mississippi money and Mississippi credit --  
I mention this for the purpose of shewing [showing]  you the the [the]  opening there is at this time, at this and other places in the Chickasaw Nation, Should you again feel induced to Embark in this kind of Speculation- A large amt [amount]  of goods could be sold for cash at handsome profits -- A cash business, I believe, would succeed best under Existing circumstances -- I feel confident with the management of a small capital, I could in a few years realize a handsome fortune  
Some of our Banks intend resuming Specie payments in  
January, To wit The Agricultural, the Commercial Banks at Vicksburg, Columbus, Manchester, and [illegible text], Tombegbee Rail Road & Banking Company, Pontotoc & Aberdeen Rail Road & Banking Compy [Company]  and Union Bank, also Lake Washington & Deer Creek Bank. The notes of all other Banks in this State, being [unclear text: pcs ]  below par  
I have lately traveled [travelled]  a good deal in the wood, and find there is much more [added text: good ]  vacant land than I Expected  
 
We are all well 
Very Respectfully Your Obt Svt [Obedient Servant]  
[Signed] Chas [Charles]  D Fontaine  
 
 
 
 
 
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 [ Note: A postmark appears on the upper left of the page.; PONTOTOC Mis. 
 
Nov 20 [November]  ]  
25  
 
Mr. John Fontaine. Columbus. Georgia. 
mail}  
 
Chas. [Charles]  D Fontaine 
 
20 Nov. [November]  1838  
 
Pontotoc Mis  
 
 
1838