Michael Lazarus, was a family member of Marx E. Lazarus (see above) Michael Lazarus was a prominent South Carolina businessman, who built the first Reform synagogue in Charleston. This letter is all business, and discusses the sale of 10 bales of cotton, and the state of the market in Charleston.

         “Messrs S. Hutchins & Co

                         Gents

                         It is now some time since I have had this pleasure, or of that of hearing from you. I contemplate soon to make you a shpt. Of cotton - & have to request of you to keep me advised of the state of yr market, prices here are stiffening I bought last Friday between two to three hundred bales fair at 7 7/8 which 800 could be had this day.

                   I think it wd be as well to try to get rid of my 10 Bales long cotton – before your market gets overstocked – Our supply is 100m short of this time last year, the planters are holding back for better prices. I think however start next month our receipts will begin to increase greatly & prices may then be a shade lower – The crop is not likely to exceed 2100m Bales & without inducements to forward the crop to market, there may not be more that about 20000 Bales recd…”