SLAVERY LETTERS
The five letters about slavery from 1842-67 compiled in this collection include:
1) Stampless cover, Hernando, Mississippi, Feb. 2, 1842 from L. W. Evans to fellow-postmaster H. C. Caruth of Scottsville, Kentucky. "Maj. Hardin returned the other day from Texas. He left his negroes there... he gave me his word he would pay me 2500 $ immediately on his return... I am going to have the money in a few days or I'll mock the man that did get it, or I'll bring negros from Texas faster than they went there."
2) Two-and-a-half-page letter, Home Plantation, Louisiana, April 24, 1860 from George E. Payne to Charles Leverick in New York. Payne discusses financial matters and installment payment on his note, as well as the current crop of sugar cane and molasses. "Notwithstanding that, I have had my hospital filled all the spring with cases of grippe and soar throat. I have lost none & my work is very forward indeed."
3) Two-page letter from Payne to Leverick, as above, Home Plantation, May 10, 1860. Discusses handing over the deed to one of his properties, his reluctance on taking on additional debt and the prospects for the current crops.
4) One-page letter, Richmond, Virginia, Aug. 31, 1860 written by Pullman & Company. Superb content on the market for slaves. "Our negro market is very dull and... will continue to decline until after the election. We would advise you to buy cautious and none but young and likely - good boys from 18 to 20 and likely are worth from $700 to 1150. Girls are never in demand, but few Southern traders in market. Families are in demand and few to be had. Our Southern traders want families... if you send your negroes south you can afford to give a little more in the country for them." Chilling.
5) Four-page letter, Richmond, Virginia, July 4, 1867, delicate with separation at folds, written by a sister to her brother. "... we are not now 'a free people'... I suppose this will be a great day with the negroes. I hear that their society (called the 'Lincolnites') is to have a celebration. I don't expect to turn out myself..." She recounts visits to Hollywood Cemetery, Libby Prison and Castle Thunder. "The former is used as a prison by the Yankees, and judging by the number of heads at the windows it seemed pretty well patronized."