The season now appearing [added: as] if you might soon get your Mill under way I have sent Sergeant Hunter to inform you that my self and the officers wish to contract for 25 Blls [Barrels] Flour of the best quality you [gap] to be delivered the soonest possible at Nash [gap] you be pleased to let me know by the bear [gap] you will make such a contract what will be the price and the probable time of delivery and I will write you immediately if it will be accepted and where the Flour will be received and how you are to receive the money - we are preparing to commence road [unclear: citing ] and, I believe, have established where it will cross the ridge- in the execution of this business, a good Rifle would be of great use to me. If you will dispose of yours I will be glad to have it and should you not wish to dispose of it, be so good as Send it me a while and will be [gap] careful of it and much obliged [gap] I had wished to pay you a visit, but ca [gap] will leave my little family- my [unclear: son ] has been sick ever since we reached wilkinsonville - Mrs Butler and [unclear: Eliza ] are in health and sends their best Respects to you- Should you have an opportunity- make my best [Respects

Respects] acceptable to Col [Colonel] Martin and others my friends who beat the bush with us last faul [fall] __ I have seen Reed , who we employed last season to bring up the steers which were lost and from the manner in which he equivocated and contradicted himself [gap] believe he made away with them

I am, Dear Sir,
Your Sincere friend
& obt sevt [obedient servant]

[unclear: JMS ] Butler

[added: PS [Post Script]_ I am much in want of my Chain he so kind as send it-]

Genl J [General James] Winchester

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General James Winchester Crag Font

[added: Sergeant Hunter] [added: Cap [Captain] E Butler
14th Dec 1801
to JW [James Winchester]]