Search

Letter from one slaveholder to another, stating that another man named John Langhorn has requested to hire an enslaved man named Charles. Langhorn intended for Charles to work in the “mash room” of a whiskey distillery, specifying that the room is “entirely disconnected from the whiskey room he could not if he was disposed get any thing to drink.” Langhorn offered $110 to hire Charles for 1850.

Regarding Christmas Celebration of slaves and her hopes for the end of slavery. She notes that during the Christmas holidays, stockings for "the little darkies" were hung up, and "the blacks dressed themselves in their best Sunday go-to-meeting and marched off" after breakfast. Hopes that the time would come when slaves would be free, and thought it would be soon; "I wish the poor little creatures could go back to Africa. I think it would be much better both for them and the whites."

"Southern born and bred" man looking to settle in Iowa or Illinois, noting good agricultural prospects. Had considered settling in Tennessee, bout found it too costly to purchase a farm and enslaved workers. "I believe if any southerner can get along in a free state I can, for I am not afraid or ashamed to work & I believe that my children will be much better raised in that country." Will be moving with "two of our old negroes... I do not wish to sell them and they do not want to leave us so I shall take them along, of course when there they will be free but I have no fear of their leaving us, for they know that they would not be able to work enough to make their own living." Plans for their farm, including an orchard, crops, fowl, etc.

Autograph collection of anti-slavery memorials; "Add my name to your Collection of Autographs! . . . Not the less readily because yours is to be a collection of 'Anti-Slavery memorials.'"

Bill of sale for the 20-ton schooner the Dime and Curry, the enslaved man “who commands her.”

Provides admission for two to the “Coloured Gallery” at the Louisville Theatre.

Comments on the Fugitive slave law; it "remains confirmed. One or two more sessions & doubtless the 'Old Ironsides' our Glorious Constitution will ride as majestically as ever on her onwward track to her manifest destiny." Anticipates that the focus of discussion will shift to "the favorite for the Presidency." Mentions Gen. [Winfield] Scott, James Buchanan, and Henry Clay. Offers reflections on women's merits.

Written by an African American woman who emigrated to Liberia from Maryland in 1838. Has written "sevel times to you for my children as you promis me faithful that I should have them But you have never as much as wrot me an answer concerning them." Husband died of fever six months after arriving. Asks to be sent thick clothing, something she can sell, small muskets. Address leaf written in different hand, made out to Joseph Hayes of New Market, Maryland. Includes a manuscript postal marking for Liberia Packet, Capt. Howe, and blue postal stamp from Baltimore, Maryland.

Sale of a"Yellow boy slave named Jehue" from Dandridge, of Shelby County, Tennessee to Harris for $800. Accompanied by a note from August 10, 1905, written by John Capp of the First National Bank of Memphis, concerning the document--C. F. Dandridge was "a slave dealer, and Harris "a commission merchant doing business in Memphis."

Abolitionist writing to his brother-in-law; "I will give you a history of my journey this side of Plainfield, [Illinois]."