Browse Items (171 total)

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.

Weeks writes from Freestone County describing the terms on which she and Mrs. Brashear have hired out their hands, which she believes to be very favorable. She describes the employer as "much more liberal than the Texians generally are."

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…

Auchincloss writes about the latest news in his and Avery's families, and also mentions all the good things he has heard about the salt works on Avery Island. He invites Avery to send his ill daughter to New York to recuperate.

A letter from son to father discusses conditions on the Petit Anse plantation and arrangements for hiring laborers. According to Jack Avery, a Mr. Hayes "only wishes to hire three of his hands and says that we are at liberty to make arrangements with…

Writing from Gentry, Eaton (an overseer) reports that two of Weeks's brother's slaves, Antana and Ogust, have runaway. The rest of the family is doing well and "there is not so many sick Negroes as when you left." He sent the letter to Beaumont and…

James A. Baker writes to the penitentiary board on behalf of H. E. Perkins, who is seeking reimbursement for expenses incurred in the transportation of "five negroes" taken to the penitentiary and "under the law as now amended will remain there until…

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.

Leigh talks of a recent three-week trip he has made to Texas (Crockett?) and the illnesses that his wife, Addy, and others suffered on the way. He "did not succeed in any of my enterprises," finding that there were no hogs good enough to be driven…

Leigh informs his father-in-law about how he and his family have fared. Includes comments about his "negroes" and plans to hire them out.