Letter, John B. Sale to James Sykes; 11/21/1862

              Aberdeen Nov 21:62

Dear Sykes,
     Yrs of yesterday by Zeke is recd.  I am of course thankful for your kindness in acting as my agent for him.  The dealings with Shacklock are all satisfactory.  Even if he never pays his last month's hire (25$) it is not your fault.  You will probably get it at a future time from where he has gone to or when he returns on business to Columbus.  Zeke expects him back soon & thinks he will pay.
     Please continue to act as my agent.  I know no one else whose friendship I can more confidently tax with it, & few in whose judgment & discretion & attention to the matter I have as much trust.  Do with him as you would with your own if similarly circumstanced.  He is a pest & burthen here, & a benefit where he is.  He would join the Yankees here when opportunity might present; and could do no more at Columbus, but indeed would be restrained by