Heyward, Thomas (1746-1809) to unknown
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06672 Author/Creator: Heyward, Thomas (1746-1809) Place Written: White-Hall Plantation, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 March 1790 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 25 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Heyward, a South Carolina Signer of the Declaration of Independence, who was in retirement from politics. References letter of recipient from 8 September 1790. Says they need to come to some decisions about the Savage estate because the situation is becoming urgent. Says creditors are "clamorous." Complains that they are seeking large sums from the estate. Hopes to be able to accede to their demands "so far as it respected the Negroes." But says he will not do anything until he gets the thoughts of the other executors. Mentions a plan that involved the selling of the slaves for the benefit of both the Savage children and the creditors. Wants to know what will happen to the slaves if this proposal is unacceptable, "Shall we advertise them for Publick Sale at [Silk Hopes] in January next & that Mr Savages Bonds will be taken in Payment which the Bond Creditors are very anxious that we should?" Hopes recipient will travel to him at White-Hall Plantation and that they can work out these issues in a personal conference. Hopes a resolution will be found "on Account of the poor Negroes themselves whose uncertain Situation commands Pity." Says he will be going to Charleston on 20 March.
[excerpts]
The necessity of coming to some Decision with regard to Mr. Savages Estate becomes every Day more urgent - the Creditors are clamorous - but what Mode is to be adopted for disposing of the personal Property is yet to be determined …
My Answer to them was shortly this that however inclined I might be to accede to their Proposition so far as it respected the Negroes yet I found myself restrained from coming to any determination until I had your Sentiments on the Subject…
As to the Proposal made by Messrs Lloyd & c. it seems fair & just & had it been made to Mrs. Savage during her Life time it would perhaps have been advisable for her to accede to it, but circumstanced as her Estate now is I do not know which of her Executors will undertake to make a Purchase of that kind for the Benefit of the Children, it cannot be expected from either of them. If Mr. Clay and Mr. Elliott would agree to [like] the Negroes at their Valuation giving satisfactory security to the creditors [inserted: perhaps] some such Compromise may still take Place but if this Proposal cannot be acceded to, What else can be done? Shall we advertise them for Publick Sale at [Silk Hopes] in January next & that Mr. Savages Bonds will be taken in Payment which the Bond Creditors are very anxious that we should?
…Work for Decision which I most earnestly wish for not only on my own Account & that of the Creditors who are extremely troublesome but also on account of the poor Negroes themselves whose uncertain situation commands Pity.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.