It has now been some six weeks since I arrived here to assume the duties as Supervisor of Convicts. On my arrival I found the stockades & every thing belonging in an awfull condition. I immediately went to make to set if possible things to rights and now Sir from what the contractors overseers outsiders and all others that have been about and around here say they have never from the beginning to the present time seen things work so smoothly. Every able bodied man out on the works that is able to throw a pick or shovel at the regular time no laying about of drunkin guards & overseers no Negros assuming authority but every man at his part both day and night. Old Man Clayton was very much pleased at the way things are working, said it was far different from what it was every thing doing nice.

Zeb it made me feel kinder proud to learn what these old fellows said, no one to tell me nor show me one thing Miller drunk & mad all the time & swore he would instruct no one so I was too proud to aske him, so took my own way and hit it to the satisfaction of those I only care for. I would be very glad to here from you Zeb please do not forget your friend James B. Beard at Hickory. Write to Maj. Wilson it will all be right I think. My respects to Mrs. Vance and others.