Gibson, Tobias (fl. 1861-1865) to Sarah [Gibson] Humphreys
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04501.097 Author/Creator: Gibson, Tobias (fl. 1861-1865) Place Written: Oak Forest, [LA] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 August 1864 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 24. 5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
He writes that "The blacks are getting worse every day & at the end of this year I think they will be intolerable on account of bad work and the condition of the crops. I told them they must work on Saturday evening last - but they would not do it, and a dozen of the best men, Wesley at the head, went off to Thibodeux (wouldn't go to Capt Lee) and last night got back with a paper from Genl Cameron requiring them [2] to go to work till the Provost Marshall had investigated the matter..." He believes that he will lose half his cotton crop. He notes that Southern feelings will become more bitter as the war becomes more desperate. Also: "there is to be another call on our plantations for cold. soldiers. How many will be taken can not be told at present but we shall soon know. The demand for labor [inserted: will be so great] another year that no large plantations can be carried on at the price that will rule..."
Slaves played a critical role in their own liberation. Southern slaves deserted plantations and fled to Union lines. Slaves also staged a few small insurrections during the war as the slave system itself began to unravel. Planters were stunned to see trusted house slaves and field drivers lead field hands in deserting to the Union army. Eventually, 150,000 former slaves fought as soldiers in the Union army.
The following letter suggests how the plantation system of labor and discipline was beginning to break down in the face of protracted war.
[Draft]
Oak Forest 3d Aug. 1864
My Dear Sarah,
I recd. your letter from N York and at the Same time the inclosed one from Mr Bell. It is older than the one from K. recd. before you left N. Orleans but is well worth sending to you. The Slip of Poetry did Not come.
I more and more Regret you did not stay with me when you were here. I hope it may be better for you than it appears - you must be prudent and try to get crop enough Saved to make expenses. I do not think Mr. H. ought to abandon his home on any account altho' for the moment it might be more agreeable; but Stand fast is my motto till the storm is over.
I Regret much to hear of the banishment of Mary & Mrs. [Boston]. We are yet to feel the full force of the fannatical blast - the feeling is becoming more and more bitter and will intensify as the war becomes more desperate. The blacks are getting worse every day & at the end of this year I think they will be intolerable on account of bad work and the condition of the crops. I told them they must work on Saturday evening last - but they would not do it, and a dozen of the best men, Wesley at the head, went off to Thibodeux (wouldn't go to Capt Lee) and last night got back with a paper from Genl Cameron requiring them [2] to go to work till the Provost Marshall had investigated the matter. I sent for Capt Lee early this morning & have a hope that he will tie up every one of them till they Sincerely Repent of their Sins - [Those] today was the very heads both Church and State - I have abandoned half the cotton on this place in order to save the remainder but there is a great likelihood that the Catterpillar will take what is left. The cane is small & in the grass and the corn scalded with the rains & hot sun. So in fact our prospect is not bright by any means.
You will see by the inclosed slip that there is to be another call on our plantations for cold. soldiers. How many will be taken can not be told at present but we shall soon know. The demand for labor [inserted: will be so great] another year that no large plantations can be carried on at the price that will rule. I shall try to lease mine out if I find I can do so with safety. After the war if the South gains its independence plenty of slaves can be got from Africa and so let the North take what it likes and make the most of them.
I shall go to N. Orleans once every two weeks to see & hear & do what I find needful. The failure of crops under the present System need to stagger the northern sympathies and lessen the speculations to a degree which must discourage the war advocates. When the [illegible] of life to these wretches is gone they must give up their wicked ways. [3]
I have a guard at present but do not know how long I shall have him - I am very sure the darkies would be glad to see me [illegible] but I have no more fear of them than I had two years ago - but I shall certainly be on the look out. I know every thing that is going on. Jack is my Night Watch with his gun & he hears all that is said and gives me full reports. Nathan too serves as true as ever & Sam seems bitter against them all. Cyrus gets along as usual & Amanda seems to do much better. The notice you took of her has spured her up & I notice a considerable change. I am not so sure about Edgar -
I see the [Breonsons] pretty often - and the neighbours as usual. I was at Mrs. [Winters] as I wrote - All have more trouble than usual & things growing worse.
Write me as K. says on broad paper & full sheets. Kiss the little ones for me. You must arrange to come back in October. There is no use in your staying in Kentucky. We can live on in an economical way till the war is over & then the younger ones can begin life anew & the old ones take a new loan for their remaining term Short as it may be.
Your devoted Father
TG
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