Autograph letter signed by "Phebe" to John P. Hurnaston of New Haven, CT. Washington, D.C., 5 May 1848. 3 pages, 4to, with integral address panel on verso.

An 1848 letter featuring an account of slavery, runaway slaves, and an early hot air balloon ascension in Washington, D.C.

A woman named “Phebe” writes home to her brother in Connecticut, discussing an aunt at length, and in particular the people their aunt enslaves: "It is true she has but little and I tell her to sell her darkies and use the money while she wants it, but nothing except a very high price would induce her to sell, for she says they are increasing in value. If she keeps them, I tell her they will run away, or die, and she will lose the value of them. She is very unlike mother in many respects, especially in her regard for her children. She seeks her own pleasure first." Later in her letter, she returns again to the subject of self-emancipation and runaway slaves: "I presume you have seen in the papers an account of the running away of a great number of slaves from Washington and Georgetown. It created a great excitement here."

An article published on 19 April 1848 in the Washington Union reports on the incident referred to by Phebe, displaying the complexity of opinions on slavery, especially in the nation's capital: "the capture of the runaway slaves from Washington, caused quite a buz[z] of excitement in our city to-day; and the bulletin board of the "sun" has been the scene of both sympathy and rejoicing. Some were rejoicing at their capture, whilst others expressed regrets that they did not make good their escape. It was a bold stroke, and there can be no doubt but that many white persons were cognizant of and assisted the adventure."

Phebe also includes a report of the ascension of the Balloon “Progressive” piloted by aeronaut Mr. J. Wise of the New York Aeronautic Company: "There was a balloon ascension in Washington this week we had a good view of it from here as soon as it rose above the buildings. I should have gone out had I been well enough, but I dared not venture for the least exertion puts me back several days. I do not think on the whole I have improved very much since I left home." The event was widely reported in the Washington, D.C. newspapers, including an article on 2 May 1848 in the “Washington Union.”

[Slavery, Enslavement, Abolition, Emancipation, Runaway Slaves, African Americana, African American History, Letters, Manuscripts, Ephemera, Documents, History of Flight, Aeronautics, Balloons, Hot Air Balloons]