Letter from Harriet Weeks to Unknown Recipient

Letter from Harriet Weeks to Unknown Recipient

Contextual clues indicate that the recipient may be John C. Moore, her step-father. "Allie" Weeks writes while en route with her slaves to Texas, where she plans to settle near Dallas in the "wheat" country. Another woman traveling with her is also bringing her slaves, and Allie comments on the plans of her brothers David and William with regard to theirs.

Harriet Weeks

Records of Ante-Bellum Southern Plantations, Series I, Part 6, Reel 18, Frame 74-75

Image scanned from 35mm microfilm published by UPA. Published here by W. Caleb McDaniel.

May 13, 1863

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English

Text

B27317F2-FED1-4DF4-8B6E-89EE6658418F

[Illegible place] near Kechi, May 13th / 63

My dear sir,

I am very much disappointed at not seeing you when you were in Mansfield. I reached town soon after you left. I am with my negroes on my way to Texas, will go into the wheat portion of the state, somewhere near Dallas or in that neighbourhood. I will let you know as soon as I get settled. I wanted to see you about David's negroes. I am afraid [as?] David's plan is an unwise one. He is going to return home, and leave the negroes in strange hands. If the enemy come there will be no on to move them, and David runs the risk of losing them all. They are a great deal discontented at being hired out in different places. They are anxious to go on to Texas. Altogether I fear it is an unwise [move?]. When you go to Mansfield you had better enquire particularly about the matter. I left Charlie near Mansfield at Mr Glassells, very undetermined what to do. But I think he will follow on to the wheat country in a few days. I would have remained in or near Mansfield, but could find no occupation for my negroes. Will's will I expect take his mother's negroes on to Texas, but [Offut?] also starts with his in a few days. The family will remain for the present at Mansfield. I am sorry [also?] to not pass near Shreveport. We will go from here to Marshall. Mrs. Brashear is travelling with me, she has her negroes with her. I have heard nothing from [home?].

Yours most truly Allie.

P.S. Please present my kind regards to my friend Mr. Weightman.

Manuscript