Samuel and Mary Bonnell diaries, 1848-1855
2 volumes
This collection consists of two diaries kept by Samuel and Mary Bonnell of Philadelphia between 1848 and1855. They include details of Samuel's travel to New Orleans in 1850, with content on life in New Orleans, the sale of enslaved persons on street corners, a wedding of enslaved persons, Mardi Gras, minstrels, fire, rain, mud, and his efforts in establishing a general store and a coal company. At some point in volume two, Mary Bonnell took over the responsibility of writing the diary.