John Tyler, Sherwood Forest, Charles City County, Virginia, to Alexander Gardiner, New York, New York

Sherwood Forest Jan. 17. 1849 My Dear Sir; The enclosd letter from Col. McCandlith a large proprietor on York River and a leading attorney of Williamsburg is sent under [care] to you from my want of acquaintance with the proper address to be used since Mr. Beekman's departure. Do place it in a train for an immediate answer. My opinion is that it one or two shipments can be securd from York River the greater portion of the Farmers of that region will shortly make New York their Market, and I know of no one better calculated to lead off the movement than Col. McCandlish. His address is Col. Robert McCandlish, Williamsburg, Va. I write it at large since I perceive that his autograph is not very distinct. I return the letters you forwarded me. There is but one item that attracts my attention and that is the price according to Fenton of an ox cart. He puts it at $60. which is enormous. He wants in fact nothing but the wheels which ought not to cost more than $20 or 25. The tongue and axle [?] and body for hauling wood any one who can use an axe can make. The body requires nothing but two side pieces (saplings) united by two end pieces [?] in the side pieces, and strong uprights made of small saplings for sides. Any one of my negroes can make the entire affair, being furnished with the wheels. I suggest that broad wheels should be used to prevent the too deep sinking in the ground. My impression also is that a platform should be erected on the point, elevated some three or four feet above the ground on which to place the wood. This would take the place of wharfs on James River. Let strong and substantive posts be driven several feet into the earth and a platform of poles, some six or eight inches apart, be [?] as the floor. This if properly made would put the floods at defiance. If there is value in the suggestion, you will see it without more words. I will obey your suggestion as to the mortgage and forward for Carey's consideration. I have forwarded the answers to Samuels bills which ought by this to have reachd Louisville, as also petitions for the removal of the [?] to the Federal courts. When I proposd to convey the entire tract I of course contemplated the possible adverse contingency of those suits, but as you have suitable vouchers for 3/2[?] of the load the matter had better remain as it is until the title to the 50 acres can be completed. But upon that and everything else connected with the land your wishes will in all things be pursued. I have nothing yet from Pierson. A friend has enclosed me an extract from the Buffalo Morning Express, a Whig paper, which at last does me partial justice as to the events of 1821. If Clay goes to the Senate and breaks with Taylor, we shall then have the truth fully blazond. There is much excitement among out people as to the slave question. The movement on the D. of Columbia, and the lead of Giddings which a majority in Congress seems disposd to follow, has incited a deep ton'd feeling in the South. My hope still is that good sense will triumph over passion, and that every thing will be settled upon a sound and safe basis. What fools we shall all be if we recklessly throw away the numberless blessings which [?] confers. I cannot think of the Disturbance of the public peace with the slightest patience. We have had what is called the Taylor square very extensively among us, at one time I counted here as many as 12, white and black, sick with the influenza. Julia has been a [?] [?] as well as the children. The children are now well and she is much better. After a confinement of several days, she yesterday presided at the dinner table. At Mr. Bolings, the [?] has assumd a more fatal type of Pneumonia, and he has lost some of his servants. All our blacks are again at their work with one exception. My best wishes attend on Mr. Beekman. It is a bold adventure and deserves unlimited success. Make my affectionate regrets to all the family and believe me Truly Yrs John Tyler A. Gardiner Esq. J.T. to A. G. Jany 17, 1849 Alexander Gardiner Esq.