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Selma, Alabama, 1863 Confederate States Letter Regarding Slave Purchase

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:325.00 USD Estimated At:450.00 - 750.00 USD
Selma, Alabama, 1863 Confederate States Letter Regarding Slave Purchase
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Selma, Alabama. February 26th, 1863 Handwritten letter from agent J. M. Tillman, outlining his travels and efforts to procure slaves for the Shelby Iron Manufacturing Company, which was a challenge, as "very few [were] disposed to hire their negros- those hiring preferring [sic] to hire to the government as the govern is paying $26 per month." Tillman goes on to write, "...the government is in great want of negros all over Miss(issippi) and is paying such high prices. If these [slaves] do not come there is no chance of hiring in Miss unless more of the country is overrun by the enemy- I rode every day while gone when not traveling on the Rail Roads and tried my best for you." Briefly included in this letter are more mentions of railroad travel, as well as the running away of 2 out of 10 slaves. This lot also includes a separate handwritten note from Tillman regarding the transfer of the eight slaves, "The conductor of the Ala & Tenn RR Road will pass eight negros to Columbiana and Mr Z Strong will please forward them to Shelby Iron Works." Fascinating and unique piece directly related to Southern slavery in the United States at the time of the Civil War, as the "enemy" named in the document must be the Union Army. Mississippi's location along the lengthy Mississippi River made it strategically important to both the Union and the Confederacy, and dozens of battles were fought in the state as armies repeatedly clashed near key towns and transportation nodes. Although there were small pockets of citizens who remained sympathetic to the Union, the vast majority of white Mississippians embraced slavery and the Confederate cause, as evidenced in this remarkable piece. The state of Alabama was also central to the Civil War, as the secession convention was held in Montgomery, which served as the first capital of the Confederate States of America. Fine-VF condition with toning, some cover folds with slight damage, but in great condition for its age and provenance. Historic Civil War Slave letter.