Gibson, Hart (fl. 1855) to his sister Sarah Gibson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04501.075 Author/Creator: Gibson, Hart (fl. 1855) Place Written: Lexington, KY Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 December 1855 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 19.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
The first letter is written by Hart Gibson. He informs his sister of his progress in school. He writes about the family and his displeasure with President elect Polk. He also reports that Miss. Webster, Toby and Claude's old teacher, has been convicted of helping slaves to escape and was sent to prison. Writes "You recollect the young lady Claudy and Toby went to school to last sumer and (Miss Webster) she has been tried by the Court for carrying off negroes to the free States found guilty and sentenced to the Penitentiary for two years Some of the people tried to get the Governor to pardon her but he would not as much as read the petition." A second letter written to Sarah Gibson by her mother is included on the same sheet of paper. Here she discusses the death of her cousin, Sophia Breckinridge.
[Excerpt]
Polk is our President elect but I am very sorry indeed, I dont see how the peopl bare to elect such a man as Polk who has done nothing for his native country.
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