Letter to W.L. Kirkland re a recent purchase of African American slaves: "your negroes were delivered yesterday.... I think it may be pronounced an excellent purchase particularly as they seem quite contented." Letter addressed to Dr. William L. Kirkland in Charleston, S.C., from J. Lynch, "A servant of Mr. Smith's going to town tomorrow furnished me the opportunity of informing you that your negroes were delivered to me yesterday, and I am really glad to tell you that they improve .. very much on acquaintance. I think it may be pronounced an excellent purchase particularly as they seem quite contented.... We miss you all very much, do remember us all to your mother and sisters. It is now sleeting, & so exceedingly cold, that I can scarcely hold my pen." Lynch writes from an unidentified location, apparently within one day's walk of Charleston; although the relationship is unclear, Lynch, who closes this letter, "your affectionate brother & friend," may be Kirkland's brother-in-law.
