2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Two letters from South Carolina written by a person named Cal to Maggie Hagaman, of Chenango Forks, New York, in 1857, with good slave content, both with stamped covers and read in part: "...Charleston, May 7, 1857...I have just been down to dinner - but left before dessert...the little niggers were round brushing flies from the table, kept waving a brush over my head - there was a black Romeo before me - I suppose he was the founder of Rome he looked like a judge - so grave there were a dozen around and then you wait on yourself. There were lots of gentleman opposite me and I was so discomfuddled - I could scarcely eat...all the time thinking well cal you are in the sunny south - what business have you here sitting...asking no questions - I should think you had always been waited upon by niggers..." & "...Cordesville Oct. 18 [1857] It is so nice to have three or four to wait on you, every morning Judy comes and builds my fire, and brings fresh water, and at night, fixes my fire, turns down the bed clothes - I manage to get in myself - I am glad Bob is learning to cook it will save me lots of trouble - but after all I would not like this for a home. I think slavery has a bad effect on the whites- destroys the energy and if I were housekeeping I had rather do the work myself than look after niggers..." Both letters are Fine.
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