Page: [1]
(Extract)
Washington City DC,
Nov 13, 1839
H.P. King pm [post master] Qualla Town po [post office] ,
your favor inclosing a letter from the Cherokees was received on the
6th inst [instant] and pleased to hear things have gone so well in my absence. also am informed by Mr Fisher that Mr Bryson has examined the ginsang [ginseng] taken in by you and pronounces it of an exellent [excellent] quality. your attention thereto upon which you have been so successful is duly [unclear text: appreciated ] hope on my return to find that in all other branches of business intrusted to you that you display the same capacity and attention if so I shall no doubt conclude my absence has had a good effect as it afforded you and opportunity of showing what you could do
If Mr Fisher sends you any goods price them agreeable to your previous instructions on that subject
Purchase what corn you can delivered at the following places, Andrew Welches, John gibbs, mothers and the store inform uncle and Mr gibbs I will pay him for [unclear text: receiving ] & c [etcetera] if they should be unwilling to attend to it try to get persons in the same neighborhood who will. In the price make your purchases as low as custom justifies, and pay in doubtful debts which have been long due -- trade debts contracted this year and goods which are regarded as trade articles If any of the teams are at home they can be employed hauling it in. I presume by taking corn it will enable some people to make payment who owing to the scarcity of money it would distress to pay any thing [anything] else, Pay [unclear text: Benjamin ] Parks the amount of his pension which he authorised [authorized] me to recive [receive] and which I have collected $26.66
say to him I have written on to the agent in savanna ga and made an arrangement
Page: [2]
which will enable me to recive [receive] the balance before I leave, and that I will make an arrangement for him which will prevent his having much trouble respecting it in future, as the Commissioner of pensions has furnished me with all the necessary blanks & c [etcetera], give my respects to Mr Parks and say to him I would have directed the payment of what was due him sooner had I not been in the continued expectation of returning home
The Commissioner of IA [Indian Affairs] yet has the claims under consideration of which I informed you, it is presumable he will get through shortly, until then I will be Compelled to remain here not with standing [notwithstanding] my desire to return. Pay to the Cherokee chiefs such as you may see that unless I start home shortly, I will write them all things in relation to their business
Inform mother and family I am well and will be at home as soon as I can, say to her you are directed to furnish any thing [anything] she may need give my respects to all enquiring friends
yours & c [etcetera]
[Signed] WHT [William Holland Thomas]