May 23, 2013 - Sale 2316

Sale 2316 - Lot 138

Price Realized: $ 3,840
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 2,000
DECIDES TO KEEP HER SLAVES MADISON, DOROTHY PAYNE TODD ("DOLLEY"). Autograph Letter Signed, "D.P. Madison," to Judge George A. Waggaman, informing him that she has decided not to rent either her slaves or her land. 1 page, 4tos; remnants of prior mounting along left edge verso, right edge verso reinforced, even toning, folds. "Montpelier," 10 October 1839
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"I . . . hasten to express my regret that I cannot at this time transfer my colored people to a gentleman for whom I have so great a respect.
"I had not at any period intended to part with more than half about fifty, owing to their reluctance to leave this place or its neighbourhood, added to which the Manager at Montpelier is now finishing a large and tedious crop of Tobacco which seems to require them all except the children of which there is a full proportion.
"Soon after my son conversed with you on the subject, I hoped to rent my land and negroes together, with the exception of my house and grounds around it, but finding much difficulty in the pursuance of this plan and having a rich and productive tract, I have concluded to keep them together yet longer."
From the Allyn Kellogg Ford Collection, property of the Minnesota Historical Society (see Swann 2276, April 17, 2012).