Bryan, L.W. (fl. 1865) [Letter about avoiding conscription...]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09411 Author/Creator: Bryan, L.W. (fl. 1865) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 August 1865 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Leon County, Texas man writes about avoiding conscription and slaves being told of their freedom.
"When I reached Palestine [Texas] last July a year ago, the conscript officer of that place notified me to take my place in the army or he should instantly conscript me…Hundreds of white men here are continually talking to negroes about there being free and fools to work for their former owners...the negro will never work for pay as he would through fear of the lash…"
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