Fantastic Content Slave Dealers Letter

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005

ALS, George Washington Gordon, 3pp. 4to., Washington Oct. 14, 1858. Tremendous content pertaining to his contemplation of selling some of his slaves to satisfy a debt. In part "…I perceive that negroes are not quite as high there as they are in the middle and lower parts of this state - but that does not matter so far as we are concerned in our trade. I don't know as I said before how to price those under all the circumstances. If they were both sound and healthy, I am satisfied, with their qualities, they would bring over two thousand dollars on the block. But I am not offering them to you in that way and I don't wish nor do I intend if you get them, to having any thing more than what you may think they are worth. I have been offered $1000.00 for Betsy as I said to you before , but if here health is improved, it of course lessens her value a good deal. I have not seen her since April & only heard from her once, as being unwell. She was with Pop then at Rome soon After her marriage. Her health has been such usually as to confine her to bed, for she was very principle chamber maid at the Springs but she was rather delicate and could not bear exposure or unusual work. But this does not matter as between us if the negroes sell you & me trade, why I will under any & every circumstance do what is right on the premises to yourcomplete satisfaction, for I am not trading with a stranger or with one who I may wish to decieve or injure in the least, but with a brother & friend. I would prefer to sell my negroes into good hands where I know they would be treated kindly & humanely….I think unless Betsys health is worse than I hope it is, they ought to be worth $1800 or 2000. Should you take & here after should become dissatisfied & discover that you have given too much I will rectify any wrong in the matter. I wish however that you could see them. I would not sell at all if Idid not wish to get out of debt. I don' see how I can get alogn without selling some…Geo. W. Gordon." Some light ink feathering on a few words, else Fine. In Cheatham's division during the arduous Dalton-Atlanta campaign, Gordon and his men sustained their reputation for valor and efficiency, and on August 15, 1864, he was commissioned brigadier-general, succeeding A. J. Vaughan. He commanded his brigade at Jonesboro, and in the fearful battle at Franklin on the afternoon of November 30, 1864, in which fell the flower of the army of Tennessee, Gordon led his brigade in an impetuous charge upon the Federal works, he and his men being the first to reach the parapet and pierce the enemy's lines. But such masses of Federals were poured upon them at this point that they were forced back over the parapet, Gordon and some of his men having held on so stoutly as to be captured by the enemy within their lines. He remained a prisoner of war until August, 1865, and was then released on parole.

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