Delarue, W. (fl. 1862) to C. M. Sloan
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08483.01 Author/Creator: Delarue, W. (fl. 1862) Place Written: New Orleans, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 October 1862 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 26.7 x 21.7 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses relief at Mrs. Sloan's safe arrival in St. Louis, Missouri, stating "It is no small 'Job' to travel such long distances with a large family of small children & having no father to protect them." Inquires regarding a life insurance policy Sloan owed him following the death of Mr. Sloan. States "Your negroes have taken Mr. Lincoln's advice, they are independent for the present & will be for the future if the emancipation is not stayed." Discusses mutual acquaintances. States "You are correctly informed of my having gone into business again. Idleness was nearly killing me, and I thought it folly to let the Yankees make all the money ... " Addresses the envelope "care of E. C. Sloan."
[Excerpt]
It is no small 'Job' to travel such long distances with a large family of small children & having no father to protect them... I am well convinced Madam that you are doing all you can to see me remitted...I fully consider the times we are living in & I know the difficulties to raise money on almost any security. Your negroes have taken Mr. Lincoln's advise, they are independent for the present & will be for the future if the emancipation is not stayed. Celia's husband [Mr.?] Johnson, is now a United States soldier, she has not been near [me?] for 3 or 4 weeks, a few days ago she took away her boy Daniel who was hired out at [$?] 3- p[er] month. The whole amount received from Celia including Dan's wages is [$?]29 -. [illegible] never paid one cent & I haven't seen her for months. A precious pair! You were correctly informed of my having gone into business again. Idleness was nearly killing me, and I thought it folly to let the Yankees make all the money, so I formed a partnership with Mr. Bercier, formerly Harris, Bercier & Co, to sell goods on commission consigned to parties that were never engaged in similar business and know little about it, and I assure you that I have been well patronized & doing now considerable. Not that a fortune can be made by it, but it keeps me in activity & good spirits & I certainly earn a living which is a great point in these charming times...
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