Slaves at Drayton Hall and slaves working in town ("Town List"). Slaves are listed along with clothing allocation (in yards). Divided into "Men, Women & Children" categories. Plantation slaves also divided by field and "House servants".
Drayton's attorneys reveal a new lease for Drayton Hall has been agreed with a mining company from the North. They hope to remove the current lessee, F.H. Trenholm, as soon as possible. Fees are due for ejecting Moulton Emery and John Prentice (the first lesses).
Note from Stohenthal accompanying an enclosure of $12.500 (in Confederate Depository Certificate), for Drayton's 108 cotton bales. Enclosure not found.
John writes to James in Charleston about his desire to come to town to raise money but his unwillingness to take the required Federal oath of allegiance. He inquires if James or someone else who has taken the oath may conduct business on his behalf so that he can avoid the oath. Drayton requests information about the "guards on the [Charleston] wharves and river" and notes his intention of leaving the country. He believes it is best for the "[Federal administration] to pile on the agony". Also mentions witnessing Union troops chasing Governor Magrath to Columbia.
Frean offers his condolences concerning the death of Charles Drayton, James' father; discusses his work as a surveyor and James' prospects for employment
Frean cannot communicate with Major J.A. Leland regarding what Drayton is owed; he relates his good wishes regarding Drayton's forthcoming marriage to Louisa Elford.
