Browse Items (171 total)

Dudley informs his father of Lee's surrender and laments the fall of the Confederacy. He regards Lincoln's assassination as a blow to the South. But he does see some hopeful prospects in the high demand for salt and he urges his father to send powder…

Dudley Avery appeals to General Taylor to exempt "Mr. Kearney," the overseer at his father's plantation, from military enrollment. Avery explains that Kearney is "the only white person remaining on the plantation and has been supplying the people in…

The Confederate governor of Louisiana writes to inform Avery that he may not be able to provide the powder requested, but he encourages Avery to pursue the manufacture of salt on the Island (which he recently visited) as a sure money-making venture.

A difficult to transcribe letter discusses attempts to resume sugar cultivation, which is slow work "without the hands," preparations on the Island house, and a request from a family member to have merchandising rights at Petit Anse if the Company…

Writing from New York, Philip Hickey Morgan (a Louisiana Unionist) sends Judge Avery a document (not included) that he says will "enable you to go on with your salt works without fear of molestation from Gun boats or Dist Attys."

Winthrop urges Avery to begin bringing salt to market as soon as possible.

Houston businessman C. S. Longcope, who knew the Averys while they were in Houston, reports on events in the city since the Averys returned to Louisiana.

Longcope is relieved to hear of Avery's safe arrival at home and discusses his determination to pursue business, in spite of the losses incurred from freeing his slaves.

Judson forwards a note by which he judges "that salt will probably save you."

Reeve writes to impress upon Avery the importance of rapidly beginning the production of salt at Avery Island and discusses going rates for salt compared to Liverpool prices.