Letter Offering a "Negro Man" towards Debt Settlement, Huntersville, North Carolina 1842

1842. [Slavery] [North Carolina] Letter signed offering a "negro man" to settle debts. Letter signed by "H.M. Moffett" of Huntersville, Virginia (now West Virginia). Dated November 8th 1842. Measures 9.5" by 7.75". The letter reads in full: "Dear Sir, I have a negro man for hire and find some difficulty in finding a suitable situation here, therefore would be glad that I could find a place in your country and would take in as a particular favor if you will make some inquiring in your neighborhood and let me know what the prospects are, and particularly the price- I have $200 for you which is all I can raise at present and unless their is some change in the times I shall be utterly unable to collect my debts of $1600 now due. I can't collect as much as will pay my little debts. I believe I could purchase some young cattle with notes if they would [...] I might pay you something in that negro [sic]. I have already furnished myself with as much stock as I need, my Bull is for sale, and would like some of my friends to take him. We are all well also Jan [sic] Millers family - [...] -- your friend, H.M. Moffett." The letter was likely penned by Henry Hiller Moffett, second Clerk of Pocahontas county, Virginia (present day West Virginia). Moffett is listed in the 1850 census with eight enslaved persons. Original folds, some minor foxing. Overall very good condition.