Tatum, Edward (1821-1883) to Charles Albert Tatum
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08967 Author/Creator: Tatum, Edward (1821-1883) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 July 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 20.5 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses "fearfull times in N.Y." during the New York Draft Riots, which had just occured ten days earlier. Discusses an attempted robbery at a friend's house, but says the "most wicked & fearful part" of the riots "was the ill treatment of the poor colored people, several of whom were murdered by hanging & other means." Written to his son.
New York 7 mo 23/63
My dear son
Thy letter of 18th Inst was duly recieved - We have indeed had fearfull times in N.Y. and last fourth day night, a week yesterday there were 10 or a dz men attacked Lew Jackson's father's house & broke with stones all the parlor windows front & back & declared if he did not give them money they would burn his house, he did not give them any & from his determined manner of speaking they were probably afraid to do any further damage this was abt 3 O.C.. in the morning but the most wicked & fearfull part was their illtreatment [2] of the poor colored people several of whom were murdered by hanging & other means - I am expecting Mama home today she has been at Grandmas three weeks & Grandma is some better but still unable to sit up much-
I hope thee will never think of such a thing as coming home at such a time as a riot as thee would only be in danger thyself & add to our anxiety -
With dear love I am thy
affectionate father
Edward Tatum
[envelope]
Charles Albert Tatum
care
C M Sellick
Norwalk
Conn
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