Benjamin J. Sanford to Governor Francis R. Lubbock,
February 8, 1862

for English or French Houses[.] [T]his
will require me of course to be very
vigilant, and this I promise that
our foes will make nothing from
any cotton that Your Honor may
permit me to Ship and this is
the only mode by which some of
the wealthiest Planters hope to get
money to pay their Taxes[.]

I humbly petition Your Honor to
grant me the permit to ship cotton
to Mexico provided of course you
do not think it inconcitent [inconsistent?] with
public interest.

An answer to this petition at your
Earliest Convenience will greatly
oblidge [sic] me[.]

I remain Respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
B.J. Sanford
Wharton Tx