Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) to Isora Sayles
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.32.18 Author/Creator: Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) Place Written: Natchez, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 July 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.3 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister. Describes the beauty of Natchez, Mississippi. Notes that it is situated on a high bluff and that it is the main part of the town. Comments, "I thought that lake Providence louisanna [sic] was the gratest place for white Niggars in the whole world but i was mistaken for this place beats it all to piecies their is some of them that you can not tell from whites [sic]." Mentions that they have all kinds of vegetables like green corn, watermelons, muskmelons, potatoes, cucumbers, and peaches. Writes that they have been there for a week and have "lived on the fat of the land since we came." States that the locals charge too much for food, melons cost 50 cents each and five ears of corn cost ten cents. Notes that they offer them what they believe is a fair price for the food and if the locals do not accept the offer then they just take what they want and they tell the owners where they can go to get paid.
Sumner Sayles enlisted as a private on 9 August 1862. He mustered into "H" Co. IL 95th Infantry. He mustered out on 17 August 1865.
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