[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. Letter detailing the sale of enslaved persons "Harry, Festus and Edward." 23 January 1860.

2pp, 7 1/2 x 12 1/4 in. (scattered ink bleed, creasing at folds).  

Writing to his brother from "Henters Hill," Robert J. Camm[?] describes the sale of several enslaved individuals seemingly for purposes of raising funds to be used against claims on his family estate. Robert writes that he was able to sell "Harry, Festus and Edward" for $50, $830, and $1370 respectively, and offers his brother explanation on why Festus did not sell for more noting a severe injury the enslaved man had sustained two years prior. Enslaved woman "Lettie," he continues, "we did not sell she is well as ever she was But she has a small not on her neck thinking that might make against the sale of her...The negro traders might say it was the scroffolor [likely Scrofula] and if they did she would go for half price...."  

Scrofula, a type of tuberculosis infection, can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes and may be similar in appearance to the "not on [Lettie's] neck" to which the letter refers.