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Ayers, D. A. (fl. 1864) to George Wortham

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02233.41 Author/Creator: Ayers, D. A. (fl. 1864) Place Written: North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 May 1864 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 20.5 x 19 cm. Order a Copy

Ayers, searching for African-Americans with his cavalry, so far has "arrested but one negro...and he was not armed." Believes more are between Jamesville and Washington and will continue to search.

Excerpt: "…I have been driving faithfully all day and have not arrested but one negro that I have found in the woods and he was not armed, though I have him with me yet. I have correct information from some of the Negroes and they were between Jamesville and Washington, some of them having stolen a canoe and crossed the River about Hyman's Ferry 4 miles above Plymouth. I am going to drive through another piece of land this afternoon, but I am afraid it will not avale anything though I will be sure of the fact as I have had so much trouble. The citizens that I have seen is so much pleased to think we are trying to relieve them of thare collard [colored] enemy…."

George Wortham was a Confederate officer, who served as a Captain in the Twelfth North Carolina Infantry and later Colonel in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry.

May the 25th 1864
Col Wortham
Dear Sir
I have been driving faithfully all day and have not arrested but one negro that I have found in the woods and he was not armed, though I have him with me yet. I have correct ? from some of the Negroes and they were between Jamesville and Washington, some of them having stolen a canoe and crossed the River about Hyman's Ferry 4 miles above Plymouth. I am going to drive through another piece of land this afternoon, but I am afraid it will not avale anything though I will be sure of the fact as I have had so much trouble. The citizens that I have seen is so much pleased to think we are trying to relieve them of their colored enemy.
This Cavalry I have no use for at all and they have not had anything for their horses today.
Very Respectfully, D. A. Ayers

Ayers, D.A., fl. 1864
Wortham, George, ca. 1823-1883

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