In the first of these letters, August 5, Capers expressed pleasure at learning that John, who had in previous years been his lieutenant on another estate, was for sale.

He wrote: "Buy him by all means.

There is but few negroes more competent than he is, and he was not a drunkard when under my management....

In speaking with John he does not answer like a smart negro, but he is quite so.

You had better say to him who is to manage him on Savannah." A week later Capers wrote: "John arrived safe and handed me yours of the 9th inst.