McKinley January the 17th Col. James M. King

The object of this short epistle , is to inform you that , James Snell left here on yesterday morning for , Tennessee , I gave him nignty [ninety] one dollars in specie for, you the remainder in South carolina money, which I resund [reasoned] is current in your state —

I regret that I have not had an oppertunity [opportunity] of sending it before this time, but it was totally out of my power, as no opportunity presented itself — before Snell came down— I have no knews [news] of any interest, or importance to communicate— The times here, are verry [very] hard and, but little money Cotton is selling for nuthing [nothing] of consiquence [consequence], the [unclear: Milileu ] prices are form [from] five to seven sents [cents] &c [and etcetera]— Father speaks of going to Orleans with his, and selling it, for sound funds if so, his will go up the misisipie [Mississippi], for the purpus [purpose] of exchangeing [exchanging] the proseeds [proceeds] for our own currency, and, as soon you get this, pleas [please] write to immediately, and state the difference of exchange in your part of the country

Since I arrived at home I have employed my time primairaly [primarily] in hunting deer the weak [week] after my arrival here there was a company of us went out , and hunted five days during the time , we killed eighteen , I only killed one of them myself, But since the present year set in I have been closely engaged at my books Tell Rufus I have been anxiouly [anxiously] expecting a letter from him , but in which I have been sadly mistaken, Tell him John and Mr. Gannaway , and Mr. Jamison to write to me as, I trust, the short term that , I have been absent

from there has not entirely abated or, obliterated the frindship [friendship] that formily [formerly] existed betwean [between] me and them I have nothing more to write give my love Cousine [Cousin] Patsy and and respects to all enquiring friends

Your friend and relation

Shubal S. King

[added: J M King

P. S. If I have not sent you the compliment of money let me know when you write , and probably I will have an opportunity of sending it by some one passing up your way —

I think it is probably I may go up that way next fall myself s.s. King

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