Many primary sources cannot be understood because of the language or they way they have written it. We can't always understand it because its from a culture completely different from our own. Reading primary sources requires your his historical imagination.
Answer:
They wanted to grow tobacco, cotton and other goods to profit off of back then and to use the land how they pleased.
In considering how to respond, you should recognize the feelings of Mrs. White in which she feels despair and guilt that was evident on her statement. It is best to recognize her feelings, have an empathy towards her feelings and to find a best way that will suitable reply that will not offend the other party.