Isaac Mansfield to James F. Perry, March 19, 1833

Summary: Mansfield enquired about Perry's ad for a tenant who would take care of the cattle on his land in return for staying on the land for free. Mansfield offered his services and asked only for a yoke of steers to help in planting a crop. He also had two slaves to help him, even though he said he needed to pay off debts in Pennsylvania. He knew Perry because he spoke with him in Missouri about prospects in Texas.

Chockolate Byjou[sic] March 19th 1833

To Mr James Perry

Dr[sic] Sir

Having been informed by Doct Moon & Mr Harriss that you offered your place on this Bayou rent free on condition that the tenant should take care of your Cattle upon these conditions I have determined to take it if you will let me have it. I have no cattle of my own & therefore none to to[sic] interfere with yours. I shall only have a work horse or two & perhaps a yoke of Cattle, shall wish to keep a small stock of hogs & some poultry the only stock I shall have, will you allow me to brake[sic] a yoke or two of your Steers & use them for so doing holding myself Counsel that they shall not be injured, or will you Sell me a yoke or two & I pay you when I can holding the Cattle bound untill they are Paid for, I should prefer buying on these terms: I have been engaged in the Steam Mill at Harrissburgh[sic] Have there sunk the little capital that I brought to the Country & am now obliged to go to hard work to pay off my little debts; You will Recollect me I called on you at Potosi in Missouri when you was last there for the Purpose of Enquiring of you about this Country; if you will let me have your place I will try to take good care of your buildings fences & Stock I have a Negro boy & Negro woman to help me the boy to make a crop & the woman to cook & take care of your Cows, if you should conclude to let me have the place will you inform me by letter, sent to Mr Harrisses, or Doct Moon, who will forward to me at Harrisburgh[sic]. I shall go immediately home from this place & make preparation to moove[sic];

Respectfully

Isaac Mansfield.

[Addressed:] James Perry Esqr Washington Washington

Peach Point County

pr Doct Moon)

Moses

Moses

Moses

[Endorsed:] Isaac Mansfield

Chocolate

19th March 1833

Source Copy Consulted: Isaac Mansfield to James F. Perry, March 19, 1833, in James Franklin Perry and Stephen Samuel Perry Papers, Records of Ante-bellum Southern Plantations, Series G, Part 1, Reel 13, Frames 139-140.