Beanvill Parish Louisiana, January 22th 1854

Dear Brother, Hardy

It is with grate pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am enjoying a reasonable porcian of helth at the present time and hoping that those few lines may find you & your family enjoying the same like blessings I have nothing of aney importance to write to you at the present time. But, I am at the present time working with Maj. Leary Formally of Houston County Ga. I am attending to a steammill and I am getting One hundred & seventy five dollars and next year I am to get five hundred dollars if I will stay with him which I shall; so Hardy I have suid Mr Bryan for my part of those nigroes and I will get them or nothing & so I shall know what to depend apon by the first of march next and if I stand get theme I will send you a power of attorney to you and you may get the money and keep it till you move out here etc

You must wite to me as soon as you get this letter.. direct to [---] lousiana

Nothing more at present but remain your most affectionate brother till deth etc

N. B. give Melvina my love & respect etc

Truly yours

A N Scarbrough