American Historical Ephemera & Photography, including African Americana

ALS from William Conn Gano to his father, likely John Allen Gano (1805-1887). Lake Providence, 1 January 1856.

3 pages, 6 3/4 x 8 3/4 in.

William Gano writes to his father, "Dear Pa," about the results of the awaited "day of sale," firstly announcing that "Grand Pa has sold out." He writes of the price and arrangements for payment for the land, which was purchased by a nephew of Colonel Benton, and then turns to the sale of the enslaved persons.

In part: "Now for the Negroes, which are all cash. Cousin Flournoy Blackburn bought Yellow Henry & wife Patsy and two little children at $2405.00. Mr. Stone Sam at $1400.00. Mr. Stone again Harrison & wife and one little girl at $2000.00. Col Benton bought Ruben, a very old negro, and Famar and her two children Bob & Nancy and a little orphan boy about two years old, which was Diley child, the woman he bought of Mr. Hill they all sold for $1450.00. Cousin Flournoy Blackburn again bought Jane and her two little children for $1205.00 and Dan for $930.00 this is all the negroes sold. We are going to bring all the rest to Kentucky, which are as follows Isac & Tolly and Tollys six children her two girls, which are the oldest are nearly grown and likely, Collins, Alfred, Henry, eleven in all, which in connexion [sic] with those sold make twenty nine all the negroes on the place."

He continues discussing the "other" property that was sold, and includes a post script at the end of the letter, dated the following day. In part: "I did not sleep any last night for thinking about the sale, but find myself up at four oclock this morning, ready for business. As Famar is sold it would be better that no one should know what negroes Grand Pa will bring up with him, untill [sic] we get home, except Ma and yourself & Bro Richard if he can keep it entirely secret."

It is unclear why William believes the identities of the enslaved persons who will be brought back to Kentucky should remain a secret, but it is notable that he thought it worth writing down as soon as he awoke at 4 o'clock in the morning.

Rev. John Allen Gano was the son of General Richard Montgomery Gano (1775-1815) and Elizabeth Ewing. He married Mary Catherine Conn of Bourbon Co., KY, and was an evangelist in the early Disciples of Christ church. His father-in-law, Captain William Conn (1784-1872) (likely the "Grand Pa" referred to here by William) owned a plantation in Louisiana (likely in Lake Providence).

William Conn Gano (1828-1863), Rev. John's son, was a brother to three Civil War officers including General Richard Montgomery Gano (named after his paternal grandfather, 1830-1913), Lieutenant Franklin M. Gano (1839-1881), and Captain John Allen Gano Jr. (1845-1915). He lived most of his life in Bourbon County, KY, but must have traveled to Lake Providence to take part in the sale of his maternal grandfather's plantation and property, referenced in the letter featured here.