Laborers on a Mississippi plantation, 1865
Item
Title
Laborers on a Mississippi plantation, 1865
Description
Handwritten letter from O. A. Luckett to George H. Thompson, Columbus, Georgia, June 29, 1865, regarding his formerly enslaved laborers.
Luckett was a plantation owner in Madison County, Mississippi.
Luckett was a plantation owner in Madison County, Mississippi.
Transcript
[page 1]
Canton, Miss.
June 29, 1865
Dear George
I wrote to you some time since by W. Thomas of this County who went on a visit to his Father, Dr. Thomas a refugee who located near Union Springs, Macon County of your State.
I presume that you never received my letter or if you did that something prevented you from replying. As mail communications may been again established I trust that you will immediately reply upon the reception of this letter.
I wish you to inform me whether my Negroes went to the Yankees or what is their present
[page 2]
status or condition and whether any of them desire to return to their old home in Union and if how many and who are they. I do not know whether it would pay to bring them here but if they desire to do so I feel disposed to try the experiment with some of them at least. My negroes here with the exception of Harriet, her family and one other have up to this time withstood every transportation and proved very faithful. Harriet has turned out to be a consummate scoundral. She speaks of emigrating to your Country as soon as she can earn or steal money enough. Should she do so I would advise you
[page 3]
to be on your guard as she will corrupt every Negro you may have left. Are my mules, carriage, wagon all safe? They are certainly now more to valued than Negroes.
Well George we are all ruined and no mistake--at least such is the condition of your humble servant. I have a large amount due to me but do not expect to be able to collect a cent as universal reprudiation seems to be the order of the day and I believe such will be legalized by the Convention of this State whenever it meets and I presume the same will be done by Conventions of other Southern States.
I feel inclined as soon as I can
[page 4]
make the means to emigrate to some other part of the world. The present is terrible to contemplate but I see nothing in the future upon which to hang a hope that times will improve. In Fact my fearing that things will grow worse and worse. I sincerely trust that in this I may be mistaken.
Write me how you have all fared and what your prospects are for the future. As for myself were it not for the sake of my younger children I have considered death a great relief and would welcome it with all my heart. All are well and unite with me in love to you and yours.
Your true friend,
O.A. Luckett
Canton, Miss.
June 29, 1865
Dear George
I wrote to you some time since by W. Thomas of this County who went on a visit to his Father, Dr. Thomas a refugee who located near Union Springs, Macon County of your State.
I presume that you never received my letter or if you did that something prevented you from replying. As mail communications may been again established I trust that you will immediately reply upon the reception of this letter.
I wish you to inform me whether my Negroes went to the Yankees or what is their present
[page 2]
status or condition and whether any of them desire to return to their old home in Union and if how many and who are they. I do not know whether it would pay to bring them here but if they desire to do so I feel disposed to try the experiment with some of them at least. My negroes here with the exception of Harriet, her family and one other have up to this time withstood every transportation and proved very faithful. Harriet has turned out to be a consummate scoundral. She speaks of emigrating to your Country as soon as she can earn or steal money enough. Should she do so I would advise you
[page 3]
to be on your guard as she will corrupt every Negro you may have left. Are my mules, carriage, wagon all safe? They are certainly now more to valued than Negroes.
Well George we are all ruined and no mistake--at least such is the condition of your humble servant. I have a large amount due to me but do not expect to be able to collect a cent as universal reprudiation seems to be the order of the day and I believe such will be legalized by the Convention of this State whenever it meets and I presume the same will be done by Conventions of other Southern States.
I feel inclined as soon as I can
[page 4]
make the means to emigrate to some other part of the world. The present is terrible to contemplate but I see nothing in the future upon which to hang a hope that times will improve. In Fact my fearing that things will grow worse and worse. I sincerely trust that in this I may be mistaken.
Write me how you have all fared and what your prospects are for the future. As for myself were it not for the sake of my younger children I have considered death a great relief and would welcome it with all my heart. All are well and unite with me in love to you and yours.
Your true friend,
O.A. Luckett
Date
29 June 1865
Coverage
Madison County, Mississippi
Source
Is Part Of
Wade Hall collection of Civil War materials (MSS.4273)