".
In the course of my story the scene will fall upon a cotton
plantation. I am very desirous, therefore, to gain information from
one who has been an actual laborer on one, and it occurred to me that
in the circle of your acquaintance there might be one who would be
able to communicate to me some such information as I desire. I have
before me an able paper written by a Southern planter, in which the
details and _modus operandi_ are given from his point of sight. I
am anxious to have something more from another standpoint. I wish to
be able to make a picture that shall be graphic and true to nature in
its details. Such a person as Henry Bibb, if in the country, might
give me just the kind of information I desire. You may possibly know
of some other person. I will subjoin to this letter a list of
questions, which in that case you will do me a favor by inclosing to
the individual, with the request that he will at earliest convenience
answer them.
For some few weeks past I have received your paper through the mail,
and have read it with great interest, and desire to return my
acknowledgments for it. It will be a pleasure to me at some time when
less occupied to contribute something to its columns. I have noticed
with regret your sentiments on two subjects--the church and African
colonization, . . . with the more regret because I think you have a
considerable share of reason for your feelings on both these subjects;
but I would willingly, if I could, modify your views on both points.
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