Hodges, writes from New Orleans to his brother, back home in Connecticut, concerning the status of an ongoing legal case that Erastus Hodges was involved in, settlement of which was in part held back by low cotton prices:

“Dear Brother,

      … As I came down the Alabama I saw Mr. Cooper at Claiborne who informed me that the arbitration of your case was postponed by consent, & that he should bring it to trial at the next term, unless the reference to same arbitrators was continued. He seems confident of recovery either way. I learnt nothing in regard to Smith’s circumstances &c – The last I heard those notes I spoke to you of were not paid, & they may not be ‘till later, as many planters owing to the low prices of cotton are holding back for late spring sales, but I think you may be quite sure of getting the amt. for ‘em when I come on if not before – if I get it long before I am ready I shall remit it.

      I am doing the kind of business here I spoke to you about, principally purchasing for the Mobile market & thus far prospects are very fair …”