I have a copy of a letter written by my g-g-grandfather, Thomas H. Lacy, on November 8, 1851 to his wife Mary back in Alabama. It was written from New Orleans and was his first visit there. They later moved to Arkansas and established a plantation on the Arkansas River just below Van Buren. Here is a paragraph:

"We saw some fine country coming down the river. I frequently went off the boat and inquired of the planters on the river about their crops, and from Memphis down their replys were never less than a bale to the acre and low down they went as high as two bales per acre. I have seen a great deal since I left home that was of great curiosity to me. I had formed no idea of the immence business dun at this place. There are thousands of drays cabs omnibuses and everything in the shape of carriages going all of the time so thick on all of the streets you can scarsely cross one for them, and then the wharf is crowded with steamboats and ships for seven miles, up and down the river. The cotton crop is thought to be much larger than last year. It is only worth the same as it was at Memphis that is 6 1/2 and 7 cents."

Allan