Heyward, William Henry (1817-1889) to William A. Williams
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.254.06 Author/Creator: Heyward, William Henry (1817-1889) Place Written: Columbia, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 December 1865 Pagination: 6 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Heyward, owner of "Clay Hall" plantation in Reconstruction-era South Carolina, discusses going to Charleston to get his pardon, having his land restored by the Bureau of Freedmen, Refugees and Abandoned Lands, and having to make contracts with his former slaves for labor. On that last point, he remarks: "It only remains for me to enter into contract with the Freedmen (formerly my own Negroes) for the ensuing year-- and although it is difficult to adjust this with so ignorant a set of people, I have great hopes of soon effecting this." Prefers providing cash wages to offering part of the crop. Offers condolence on the death of Williams's niece. Comments on transporting furniture and lists several items. On the sixth page is a post script: "If I can only get time to breathe & something done about the Contracts with Freemen this month I hope to go up to Charlotte."
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