Letter to Mrs. Duvall; 04/14/1860

              Apl 14th 1864    Mss Fleming & Baldwin  Govt.  Mrs Duvall,    The bearer of this letter, is in great need of a few things which she can get only at Natchez and with the greenbacks   Can you oblige her with a Small amt say fifty or sixty dollars?  If so I will acknowledge the favor and will give you the following security-    I will see you paid in the best current money of the state of Mississippe [sic]; as soon as it is practicable to obtain it in a lawful way, or if you prefer I will mark a bale of cotton (of which I have two put up in iron hoops of middling quality) in your name, and hold the same subject to your order as soon as the same can be lawfully delivered, out of which bale you shall be paid both principal and interest of said sum    By so doing you will oblige me and render a good Service to one that is needy   Most Respectfully your friend    Jno. P. Darden    Mrs. Duvall will give you her note and the above will be my obligation to see it paid  J.P.D.