Search

Concerning the religious education of slaves; "The Negroes . . . continue to manifest a decided interest," and the Sabbath Schools have done well. "I have never had any doubt of the ultimate notice and success of efferts to Christianize the Negroes of the Southern States, and I see on every hand the public mind waking up to the Subject."

Regarding the Court of Probate's public sale of land, premises, and improvements formerly owned by Pauline Hubeau, "free girl of colour of this Parish deceased." Details boundaries of the property, its purchase by Ant. Monget, and the transfer of ownership. Paid to Joseph Lange, the administrator of Hubeau's estate and "a free m[an] of c[olour]" whose property had abutted Hubeau's. Includes Monget's mark and Joseph Lange's signature. On illustrated letter sheet with an engraving of a courier riding on a galloping horse, two puncture holes at the top of the page.

Discusses African colonization and the question of slavery. Mentions reading "the Memoir," presumably Thatcher's 1834 Memoir of S. Osgood Wright, a Liberian missionary, and the feasibility of sending white missionaries to go "where they are almost certain to die before they can achieve any good."

Discusses his negative views on slavery, the manner in which slaves in the area are treated, and the punishment of runaway slaves; "Slavery is the most abominable thing that America tolerates..."

Concerning colonization and the connections between religion, church and antislavery; "Colonization . . . embodied in the Colonization Society, is actually the chief stumbling block in the way of the direct pursuit of immediate emancipation."

Discusses politics and racism in the United States; Abdy thanks Tait for reviewing his book [Journal of a Residence and Tour in the United States of North America]. Predicts a possible civil war if issues surrounding slavery are not resolved; "The property qualification of the Southern section & the personal qualification of the other must some day come into fatal collision..."

Lundy, a Quaker abolitionist, sends information on plan for a freeman's colony in Mexico [in the province of Texas]. "These papers will give…a pretty good idea of the country, as well as my plan of operations…" [enclosures not present].

Following Herbert’s directions and shipping 50 barrels of herrings to his estates in Blue Mountain and Grange Hill, as well as a barrel of Barclay’s Porter and a ham. “We value the good opinion you entertain of the Master of this vessel, Capt. Lamolle, who was Capt. Ferrier’s mate.” Originally enclosed two letters, including one on the general health of Jamaica (not included). List of enslaved workers included, divided between praedial and non-praedial as well as attached and unattached. Categories for enslaved workers include tradesmen, laborers, those employed upon wharfs, and domestic servants, with sub-categories of "head" or "inferior." Children under 6 and "Aged, Diseased, or otherwise non-effective" listed separately.

Notes Natchez's mild weather, tourists, and local alarm about potential rebellions from enslaved people. "... the people are at present somewhat alarmed about negro insurrections, and keep a regular guard every night. This is the time when the plots which were brought last summer were to have taken place, one negro was shot dead night before last, for undertaking to elude the patrols." Briefly remarks on business, cotton, and commercial failures in New Orleans. Comments on President Andrew Jackson's recent remarks, expectations for a war with France, and beliefs that it would hit New Orleans especially hard. Describes Pomroy's employment in a commercial business. Notes an acquaintance's health troubles and the recent death of Colonel Trusk.

Does not believe rumors of Stephens dispariging his character. Winter weather restricts his leisure activities, ability to get to the post office, and church options. Describes Mr. Bowie, an unpleasant plantation owner, who has enough "overseers and other subordinates, that very little of it falls to his share. His chief business is to get rid of time." Notes how Bowie passes his time and discusses Mrs. Bowie, her longstanding illnesses, her fixation on her ailments and treatments, and her "being surrounded by slaves." Wishes he could earn a living through literature but notes the difficulty of securing a professorship at universities. Discusses Congress, efforts to abolish slavery in Washington, D.C., and unfavorable views of abolitionists. Mentions Southern secessionists and how they threaten "receding from the Union because their exclusive rights are discussed by a 'miserable minority of fanatics,' they are at the same time, in their legislative assemblies and by their official papers, dictating with threats to the legislatures of the North. If they are justifiable in being so enraged at Abolition intermeddling, what bounds shall be set to the wrath of the insulted north!"