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Expresses concern that if she settles in Tennessee "my children might want to go to texas . . . wher evry man is his own man and what he earns by labour is his..." Mentions the moderation of Ohio abolitionists, most of whom came from slave states; one could live in Ohio for a year and hear less than two hours of conversation on abolitionism. "I do thank God that . . . Abolitionists are not to Judge the world for I want to meet all my relations & friends in Heaven."

Compiled by the executor of S. Gibson’s account. Estate debts and credits. Includes a list of enslaved persons hired in 1852, including the $600 purchase of one woman named Hannah. Submitted by E. W. Murphy.

Walter Graham, as administrator of Mrs. Polly Graham's estate, has sold a three-year-old "Negro Boy named David Crocket" by public auction to Adaline Graham for $300. On verso: Graham H. Anthony ANS, 1917 December 28. "This bill of sale comes from Shelby N.C. having been taken from the desk of Walter C. Graham-ex Klu Kluxer, Civil War veteran, and farmer." Document was buried by W. C. Anthony, "Chieftain of the Klan in Cleveland County," in order to keep it "safe from the Federal Troops-and Carpet Baggers." Document was presented to Dr. C. D. Denning, at Hartford, Connecticut.

Inquiring after a tract of land in Jackson, Tennessee, which was granted to Philip Thomas, "our old barber here in Nashville, a mulatto man, who died before 1835." The land now belongs to his daughter, married to Reuben P. Graham of Cincinnati, "also a free man of colour." Includes copied text of the land grant.

Experiencing ongoing delays on his trip to Louisville. Describes scenery and crew, noting 20 members who are enslaved and commenting on their language abilities and skin tone. Recently visited opera in New Orleans. Briefly comments on New Orleans social scene and attention given to Millard Fillmore by southerners. Mentions visiting a slave pen in New Orleans "to purchase negros, they had two white slaves for sale, both girls, one very beautiful, they asked for her $3000 -- an extra price & of course considered an extra girl, for the other girl, who I liked the best, they asked $1500."

Letter addressed to the judge of the Probate Court for Shelby County regarding the advertisement and sale of a nineteen-year-old enslaved girl named Kate and her four-year-old son, Henry, to raise funds as ordered by the probate court. Andrew Bowie is identified as Sarah E. Chilton Bowden’s legal guardian who is writing to confirm both the advertisement and sale of the individuals. Affidavit signed by James H. Joiner, the publisher of the Democratic Watchtower, confirming that the ad was run in his publication. Attached to this affidavit is a copy of the printed advertisement. Affidavit signed by E. A. Cowen, the auctioneer for Talladega County, confirming that he sold Kate and Henry at a public auction.

Comments on the diverse nature of the slavery debate. Argues about slavery and political representation. Discusses the payment to Texas, land acquired during the Mexican War, and the slave interest's opposition. Finds the Kansas-Nebraska Act "entirely uncalled for," especially as it countered the Missouri Compromise and aggravated sectionalism. Considers whether the "Nebraska bill" would apply to territory acquired from Cuba, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Doing away with slavery immediately "would have reduced Carolina & Georgia to a wilderness again." Comments on George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison's decisions to liberate their slaves or not. Supports abolition in theory but opposes abolitionists" who would rob other men of what is theirs." Notes abolitionist violence and obstruction of law, commenting at length, unfavorably, on Horace Greeley. Mentions Harriet Beecher Stowe. Supports African colonization, doubts other states would support the cause, and believes any black republic would revert to barbarism, pointing to Haiti, British West Indies, and "the whole of Africa." Comments briefly on the raising of a child, "I wish the child reared & governed by some discreet white person." Notes Hiatt's railroad nearing completion, along with other railroad news in the South. Discusses poor crops and high costs.

Legal document naming William Moore as principal and John F. McKenzie as security for $100 bond on behalf of William Moore, who was arrested for selling liquor to enslaved people and must appear at the Lincoln Circuit Court.

Oath not to sell or otherwise provide “distilled spirituous or intoxicating liquor” to any currently enslaved or free person of color without “the verbal or written consent of the owners overseers or employers” or the “guardian” of the individual. Statement relates to the following twelve months. Verso includes a signed statement from the members of the Committee appointed to examine the Clerk Book stating that this document is neat and correct.

Comments on travels to Quicksburg and [Baconham?], being delayed in Kentucky on account of illness. Symptoms of fever, chills, bloody flux, and using calomel as medicine. Describes Dr. Moore's farm near Harrodsburg, [Kentucky?], his livestock, and how his "family consists of about twenty persons white and black." Notes African American servants' Christmas celebrations. "...having great times in music and dancing and various other sports and jollification together with receiving their christmas gift from their Master and Mistress." Includes recipes for [Jenny?] Lind cake, corn bread, and hair oil.