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SELLING HIS SLAVES
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MONROE, JAMES. Autograph Letter Signed, to “Dear Sir” [Samuel Lewis
Southard?], offering to sell his slaves and other property in Albemarle County, VA, to repay
debts incurred during his career, wishing that his property had sufficient value to fulfill his
obligations, noting that the slaves are mortgaged to repay other debts, and inviting his fam-
ily and friends to visit. 1
1
/
2
page, 4to, written on the recto and verso of a single sheet; minor
bleedthrough touching signature, some scattered foxing, folds. (AKF)
“Oak Hill” [Leesburg, VA], 16 December 1827
[2,000/3,000]
“
. . . Mr. Watson . . . has kindly undertaken to sell for me, my slaves & other property in
Albemarle . . . . [I]t will afford me great pleasure, to sell them to you . . . . They are sold, as are
all the property I have there, to pay debts, contracted in the long course of my public service . . .
. These slaves are mortgaged . . . to pay a balance due to the bank of Virg’a. . . . .”
In a postscript, Monroe sends his “regards to Judge Southard.” Isaac Southard served as a
judge beginning in 1820, and his brother, Samuel L. Southard, was Secretary of the Navy at
the time of writing. Probably Monroe is answering Samuel and sending regards to Isaac.
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PIERCE, FRANKLIN. Autograph Letter Signed, to Marshall P. Wilder, looking
forward to a meeting of friends at the Bromfield House [in Boston], hoping that his health
will permit him to come, and asking him to reserve a room for him. 2 pages, 8vo, with
integral blank; nearly complete separation at center vertical fold. (AKF)
Concord, 5 April 1869
[500/750]
“
. . . Will you say to Mr. Crockett that I hope to occupy one of his comfortable rooms at two
O’clock Wendesday.”
WITH
—
Franklin Pierce. Partly-printed invitation, unsigned, to Mr. Todd for dinner on
“Wednesday next at 6 OClock,” accomplished in an unknown hand. 12mo.
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