I spent the night with a pair of Friends who both cultivate farms with free labor, and got much valuable matter from them. I shall be able to show conclusively, I think, that free labor is cheaper than slave (I have a two page letter on it now). The difficulty only consists in the want of hands (white) and the bad effect of slave faithlessness, corrupting them.

I told Thomas Hayes, my old foreman, I would try to procure him a place here. The younger Quaker may want him after New Year’s. If he does, he will [93] write you and you must find Thomas. If at the island before, ask if Thomas is there; see him and if he will be prepared to come.

They are very good people. The place is healthy and there are no Negroes, but two Irishmen & two Irishwomen in the family. He will pay him $120.00 a year & board. It is five miles only from Richmond, and a wagon goes in every morning—plenty of Catholic churches in R. Distance from New York, 21 hours by rail, no time by telegraph. But he will best come by sea, which by steamer will take I suppose 2 days. Probably cost 6 or 7 dollars by steamer & 2 or 3 by sailing vessel. Business of the farm; wheat & hay growing, and a milk dairy. I think it a first rate place and advise him to come at once.

I told friends Crenshaw that whenever they or anyone else who was disposed to make trial of free labor wanted hands, male or female, to write to you, and you or Pease would be glad to find some for them. There are no better people; kind, charitable, sensible and earnest.

I can not see my way out of Virginia. I think I shall make seven letters out of her. Don’t see how I can do the subject justice with less. It takes much more time to write add study than I had anticipated. More a great deal than to observe. I could spend a week more in Richmond, I think, profitably, but shall try to cut and get further South in a day or two.

I would rather give $50 than go to Dismal Swamp. It disarranges everything and takes time. I doubt if I can get so far as New Orleans, but may find as I get south that thorough study of one district saves much with another & I shall cover my ground faster. (Over to 4th [page])

I want you to call at Putnam’s and leave the enclosed memo. Or give it to your chum Mr. (what is his name?) to send for my Friend, copy Walks & Talks by next parcel they are sending to Adolphus Morris, Bookseller.

I shall write to him that you have done so.

Give me some other address than Tribune Office.

Fog, damp, drizzle. Rheumatism. Not very well, but can write all day.

Yours