[CIVIL WAR]. A group of 2 letters discussing hiring African Americans on the Mississippi Central Railroad. Canton, MS, 1860s.

WINTER, Richard. Autograph letter signed ("Richard Winter"). Canton, MS, 10 January 1862. 1p, dampstaining, lightly creased at folds, significant area of loss to left edge. On "Banking Office of Richard Winter" letterhead. Winter writes to a correspondent in Holly Springs, in part, "I hold a transfer from A.J. Bransford of your obligation for hire of negroes on M.C.R.Road due 1st Oct 1861 & 1st Jny 1862 for $187.00 each..." -- WELLS, James. Autograph letter signed ("Jas Wells"). Canton, MS, 18 January 186[3]. 1p, dampstaining, creased at folds. On "Banking Office of Richard Winter" letterhead. Wells writes to a Mr. Hall at Elliot Station, "You will please send the money due me for Negro Hire down by Tomorrow's Train also the amount due Asa Shelton for Negro Hire don't fail as I want to leave for Home in a few days." -- Together, 2 letters.

The Mississippi Central Railroad was chartered in 1852 and completed in 1860 as a main line connecting New Orleans and Memphis. Richard Winter was the principal of a private banking house in Canton, and he briefly served as an officer in the Madison Rifles in 1861. He was promoted to brigadier general of the 2nd Brigade, Mississippi State Troops in 1862. Winter is also listed in 1864 as the editor of the newspaper American Citizen, published in Canton.

Property from William H. Itoh, collector, historian and retired Foreign Service Officer

This lot is located in Cincinnati.