[Source Description: 11 May 1846. Dabney Cosby to David L. Swain. University of North Carolina Papers (#40005), University Archives, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.]
Smithfield, Ile [sic] of Wight, 11 May /46
[Dear Sir,]
The bearer Albert comes up to help his bro. do the Plaistering [sic] in the halls. I have told him to Examine the sand to be used, not knowing whether the work is begun or not, & to procure such as in the judgment of him and Osborne will make the best work.
You may rely on what he tells you, and if I mistake not they will show you firstrate [sic] work, his Plaistering [sic] and rough casting here has preference to any done in this part of the state.
[Respectfully Yours]
Dabney Cosby
It will be some 12 or 16 days before I can get released here.
