Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) to his father Tobias Gibson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04501.038 Author/Creator: Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) Place Written: New Orleans, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 December 1868 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses sending an old man and his daughter to work at Live Oak plantation. Mentions purchasing articles for his wife. The family's poor financial circumstances continue. A heart felt letter in which Randall discusses family quarrels and jealousies arising from his financial success and his ability to help the family. Written on "Gibson & Austin, Attorneys at Law" letterhead from Randall Lee Gibson's law office.
Excerpt (from page 4):
"I hope the servant may turn out well, I am afraid they & their bedding will get a ducking to start with. I hope you will try to make them comfortable for I think in turn, they may add much more than you imagine to your own comfort & happiness. The day is passed when servants sleep anywhere & eat anything, and scuffle along themselves, and yet appear decent & bright. If you want to be generous to yourself, your children & your guests in the way most acceptable - begin by being generous in the accomodations & treatment and exacting in the duties & conduct of your servants.
These small amounts, necessary to secure comfortable lodgings, and so forth bring in heavy interest to each member of the household and to all who may visit you.
I think the young woman, a very decent respectable woman. I hope she may do all that Lucy may require both in her room and in the kitchen. I have no doubt the old man, is a capital gardener. If they do not satisfy you of course I wuld send them away. I know nothing of their real qualities. We have not engaged our servants yet. "
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