Florida Sept 29th 1856
Dear Uncle
You will bear me witness that I never
trouble you much, and I would not trespass now upon
time preoccupied if it was not necessary nor should
I trespass at all if I did not suppose you sympathized
in our condition.
I wish briefly to call your attention to the manner
in which our affairs appear to me and ask if it
be in the power of the Executors to ameliorate them
You are undoubtably aware of the stringency in our
financial affairs. and my object is to secure a
different footing in regard to them, with this in view
to make business men of us.
The tendency of things at present is to disincline us
to business pursuits and render us careless of money
if all the money paid out in the support of the family
could pass through our hands I think ^it^ would have
a beneficial effect upon us. For ^example his^ private and family
expenses. let so much go to each one. these out of that
fund for each one severally, let first enough be taken to
supply domestic and house hold expenditures, then
the balance go to support the individuals

If the money was paid to each one severally to meet
his own and the household expenses for a period in
advance, it appears to me, that each one would appreciate
the accountability the more than formerly and also
further question more particularly the cause of expenditure
Again because of the tightness of money, we are not
enabled to do justice to the farm and other lands over
which the Executors have conferred upon us partial
stewardship. There is upon the farm 30 or 40
acres that could be put under cultivation next season
if there had been ditches scoured out and brush
cut.
As you are well informed of our affairs and
understand the tendency of things in detail much
better than I, I only hint at these things because
they are obvious and because I believe they should be
corrected for our benefit.
We know not where to look in commencing
business unless to you. I submit these suggestions
to you, for the reason I wish to know what views Uncle
entertains upon the subject brought thus in question
if he has the time.
I find I am in great need of the proper law books
and relying upon the statement Mr Grier made to
me in your behalf. I should like to have them if it
would be convenient. I would take the whole trouble upon

myself or else I believe I shall be compelled to leave Goshen
I have studied but little since the adjournment of the
Republican Convention last June.
Trusting that Uncle is well and my regards to my Aunt & Cousins.
I remain
Your Affectionate Nephew
Henry