Howard Story

In this letter from David Atkins to Governor Watts, Atkins expresses his concerns and resistance to sending his slaves to Mobile. He argues that the slaves fear they will die like a former slave did. Atkins also argues the issues it will cause him, like having to go work himself at 56 years old. I think this letter is an example of a common thing amongst wealthy slaveowners. They supported the confederate cause, but out of their own personal interests they avoided getting too involved and making sacrifices.