October 8, 1859

Unknown

Autograph letter

Title: to Mother

One letter from an enslaved man to his mother dated Alexandria, Va., October 8, 1859. Pertains to visiting with his friends at the Widow Bailys' in Faquier [Fauquier County], Virginia. Mentions meeting a young woman that he would like to marry and that he hopes the man who enslaved him will purchase her in order to have a "Virginia wife." Instructs his mother to direct further correspondence to Portland, Alabama, and writes, "We have bought all our servants."

GLC00226

5 November 1876

Ingraham, Linton S., 1856-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Hamilton Stephens

Ingrahm writes as a student at the University of Atlanta to Stephens, his former master. Saw Barner Shelgrin yesterday, as he promised Stephens he would, noting that Shelgrin is still on crutches and will be for seven or eight months. Of life as a student, writes, "I have to saw wood every morning, after breakfast one hour we have to work one hour evry day and two hour evry Saturday. we get tolerably fare eating up here not the findest [finest] and not worst... The class what Studies Latin will not commece [commence] until Chrismas..." Mentions Fannie and Ginny.

GLC05850

1876/10/16

Stephens, Fannie J., 1854-1920

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Stephens

"I much rather be at home waiting on your company than be here at this hateful school." Written by Fannie, an ex-slave of Stevens while attending the Normal School at Atlanta University, in Georgia.

GLC07019

1863/04/07

McCauly, Jefferson, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to master re: slave inquiring about health of wife and other family members

Written on blue paper by a slave (probably traveling with Confederate officer) to his master. Location name is illegible

GLC07049

1860/08/13

Blamire, George W., fl. 1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Hurst re: ex-slave writes to former master

"Who would have thought...that I would be leading a band at one of the most fashenable [sic] watering holes in the state and I thank you for it and... do not think I ever shal[l] be able to pay you for the many favors you have sho[w]ne. I can never... forget the way you raised me. I do not think you would have done anymore... if I had been a white boy."

GLC07584

1857/07/14

Langford, Liberty, fl. 1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Craig Langford re: negotiating sale of family to former slave

"I would give you more time... but I do not know at what time James may be here and run some of them off and sell them..."

GLC06733.02

24 March 1894

Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Franklin Auld

Thanks Auld for helping him obtain the date when Auld's father, Hugh, began the ship building firm where Douglass served in Baltimore. Asserts that Hugh may have begun the business as early as 1827, and he (Douglass) may have been eight years old in 1825 when he came to Baltimore to look after Benjamin's brother Thomas. Estimated the date based on the death of Captain Aaron Anthony, his early master. Recalls his service to the Aulds in Baltimore, carrying water and Hugh's dinners. Writes, "The principle thing I desired in making the inquiries I have of you was to get some idea of my exact…

GLC07484.01

4 October 1857

Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895

Letter

Title: to Hugh Auld

Douglass writes to his former master after twenty years, admitting that he has often wanted to hold correspondence with Auld. Inquires after the Auld children, who are dear to Douglass: "...I feel nothing but kindness for you all- I love you, but hate Slavery." Asks Auld what year he came to live with the Auld family (the same year a frigate was built by Mr. Beacham). Inquires as to the date of his birth. Mentions seeing Amanda (daughter of Thomas and Lucretia Auld) and that he would like to see other members of the Auld family. Writes, "I could have lived with you during life in freedom…

GLC07484.06

18 January 1854

Walker, Moses, fl. 1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Moses Walker's mother

One letter dated Hootersville, Upson County, Georgia, January 18, 1854, from Moses Walker to his mother who resided at another plantation. Details his life on the plantation, collecting 260 pounds of cotton that he had not received his payment for yet, and the likelihood of his brother Henry, being sent to the same plantation after being sold for $800.

GLC09729