Between the Covers

Unbound. Single sheet measuring approximately 7½" x 10¾" and written on both sides. The bottom of the letter has been torn off affecting the text, creased from being folded, some splitting along the creases, and a small piece of blue paper on the verso partially affecting some text (possibly from an envelope), good only.

The letter is dated March 12, 1848, but because the letter is torn at the bottom there is no signature of who wrote it. What we do know is that the letter was sent from Bradley County, Tennessee but was probably dropped off at the Red Clay post office in Georgia, which is "about 20 feet from the Georgia line" (Bradley County being located along the state line). And we know most of the letter's content (I've corrected the spelling of the quotes provided as much of the letter is written phonetically): The author of the letter is following up on three previously sent yet unanswered letters regarding their mother's death and the potential sale of her six slaves. The mother died of dropsy, apparently confined to a chair, unable to comfortably lie down, "it afflicted the whole system so much that her hands, arms, feet, and legs, and in fact her whole body swell very bad ... I held her head in my hand till the last breath left the body and there we lay her body, a lifeless corpse, upon a bed." The letter goes on to explain how they need the brother as power of attorney to help facilitate the sale of six slaves, writing "she died without making a will, consequently her effects will all have to be sold," and that the brother is needed in order to "divide the Negro property." Though the letter is cut off, the beginning of the second page (the verso) indicates that originally the plan "was not to sell the Negroes but to keep them in the family." But the family cannot make any sort of agreement as there are six slaves and eight heirs, and so they wish to sell the slaves and split the money. The letter goes on pleading to the brother to come home and settle the matter.

Though incomplete it nevertheless remains a fascinating document regarding early 19th century life in the southern United States.

Item #614402