FLORIAN - The Most Traveled Man on Earth

years, one finds himself with a return of 3 to 4000 piasters, from which each year one
withdraws to buy new negroes and the clear the land afresh. With a capital of 5000
piasters one can do something else: that is to buy an estate (habitation) costing 20 to 30
thousand piasters on terms, and immediately to put there an additional 10 to 12 negroes
[blot on paper]. On this land one adds the produce of 3 to 4000 [blot on paper]. One is
then at the stage of paying the capital (debt) from the revenue, within 5 or 6 years, but for
this one needs to find backers (repondans) and inspire confidence. If Peter and Joseph
are in a mood to gain between them a thousand or 1200 pounds Sterling, and if they wish
to join forces with me, then next winter (that is, about one year hence) we can realize one
of these two projects.
As for anything else, I don’t know what Emmanuel [brother of Marguerite, already in
New Orleans] will be disposed to do. I hope that at least he will be able to find work for
me to earn my living. I cannot hope for more. I will not tell him in any case of what Mr.
Cherist has told me about Joseph’s business. __________ tomorrow to learn that he has
not wished to give me an account of collections and that it is a deal that only Joseph can
straighten out with him. But I ask you as a favor that you get your brother to tell me
positively, at the earliest opportunity, and in triplicate, if he will find himself in a position
for that, what his plans are, his means, those of Peter, in sum, if he can do something,
when, and in what manner. If he hesitates to commit himself in writing, you, or Laura, or
Virginia can write me what he says, without naming anyone, without a signature. But in
the name of God, please no mystery or reserve. So you see, my good friends, in what a
bad and unhappy situation we are involved. As for anything more, everything is for the
best in this best of all possible worlds.
[Left side margin notes:]
November 20 [1808]. _____ Carau Point. Soon it will be 15 days since I _____ here
______ entens point parler [intend to speak?]. As a consequence, I leave tomorrow
[for?] Natchez on a great flatboat with an entire family ______ to reach New Orleans
easily. Adieu, and until soon, I hope.
[p 4 of main letter:] I would not have left England, and what would I have done? I am
barely able to make a living. Without speaking of the vexations which I could scare up
about the affairs of the Colonist. At least here I have some chance. <strong>The</strong>re are so many
who have begun with nothing. I am well, I am of good heart, have the same strength and
spirit, and wait with energy and patience for happier days. Embrace most tenderly our
_____ _____ and your two brothers when you see them. I don’t dare stop thinking about
the time when I will be able to do as much.
I must inform you with chagrin that I have just broken one of my dentures eating an
apple. If you see M. le _______, tell him, and warn him that I will send it to you so he
can make me another free, as soon as I get a chance to send it [?] from New Orleans.
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