[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. RAY, John (1792-1868). Autograph letter signed ("John Ray"), as Uncle to "William." Newnan, Coweta County, GA, 6 September 1860. 4 pages. Content on slavery and enslaved people.

4 pages, 4to, 7 3/4 x 9 7/8 in., toned, occasional brown spotting.

Writing to his nephew in Ireland, John Ray writes with observations about the differences in agriculture in Ireland versus the United States: "The Irish are generally disappointed who come here and few succeed well, and most all regret that they ever left home...Our mode of farming is very different from that of Ireland. We cultivate Indian Corn, cotton, oats and wheat."

He continues with a description of his plantation and his treatment of the people he enslaves: "I have in cultivation about 1200 acres all worked by 40 slaves, who are well fed, well treated & well clothed, and excellent hands to work, well-disposed and friendly. If they behave badly or do bad work, or neglect their work, or steal, or fight among themselves, they are whipped on the low back with small switches...when humble, & they promise to do right they are then let down but my Negroes are well treated and but seldom whipped."

His nephew has clearly expressed interest in immigrating to the United States, Ray gives advice to learn the correct temperament: "If your temper was bad, or too hasty & quick, you would not suit for an overseer. You must be firm, calm, cool, brave, thoughtful, perfectly devoted and attentive to your hands & business." He later concludes: "I will give you employment as I did David but you must be controlled, advised and directed by me or my sons"

Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Broadsides, Ephemeral Americana, and Historical Documents

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Hindman.

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Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

African Americana

[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. RAY, John (1792-1868). Autograph letter signed ("John Ray"), as Uncle to "William." Newnan, Coweta County, GA, 6 September 1860. 4 pages. Content on slavery and enslaved people.

African Americana

[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. RAY, John (1792-1868). Autograph letter signed ("John Ray"), as Uncle to "William." Newnan, Coweta County, GA, 6 September 1860. 4 pages. Content on slavery and enslaved people.

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