6 November 1850

Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife Louisiana B. Gibson

He writes that due to the heat and a recent dry spell, the river is not high enough to let boats pass therefore, Louisiana will not be able to join the family. The younger boys are learning the "sugar business". He has heard from Randall, who is at South Hampton, but not from Hart. He sends his love to Sarah and Loula.

GLC04501.060

19 November 1850

Higgins, Ann L., fl. 1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother Tobias Gibson

Louisiana, Tobias' wife, is ill. Ann tried to get a minister to visit Louisiana, but she refused to see him. She also discusses a man whose fiancee made him switch churches.

GLC04501.061

28 November 1850

Cartwright, Samuel, fl. 1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Gibson

Mr. Gibson's daughter (in Lexington) is ill with either pneumonia or inflammation of the lungs. Dr. Cartwright prescribes cough drops and " bleeding, cold air, thin clothing, cold water & cooling things . . . ."

GLC04501.062

1854 circa

Darby, John C., fl. 1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to Tobias Gibson]

The date is inferred from the election years in which the politicians mentioned ran for office. Discusses various political figures such as William Seward, Francis P. Blair (former Free Soiler), Lewis Kossuth, James Buchanan, Daniel Webster and Lewis Cass. Darby supports Buchanan, and opposes those who advocate abolition. He also discusses plans for railroads in Louisiana and suggest two separate lines for New Orleans. His observations on the changes occurring in the country assume a prophetic tone: "the Almighty Ruler of the Universe seems to be bringing about some great change in the…

GLC04501.063

17 July 1851

Wallace, L.P., fl. 1851

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah L. Gibson

He is glad to hear that Sarah is feeling better. He suggests that she needs more recreation and exercise.

GLC04501.064

22 March 1852

Gibson, Claude, fl. 1852-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Tobias Gibson

He is preparing for examinations and does not have time to write very often. He tells of a dream which he believes means he should learn to play the flute.

GLC04501.065

3 May 1852

McKinley, E., fl. 1852

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to Tobias Gibson]

He is ill and asks to borrow five dollars so he can visit the doctor.

GLC04501.066

13 July 1852

Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Preston Gibson

He urges Preston to do something with his life. Writes that uncle William is ill, his daughter Loula has worms, and Hart and Claude are on their way home. He concludes by commenting on the pageantry of Mr. Clay's funeral.

GLC04501.067

January 15, 1853

Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Randall Lee Gibson

Discusses plantation business. They are still digging ditches in an attempt to make the place healthier. He discusses the debates concerning the annexation of Cuba. Sarah will soon have to make a decision between J.H. (Joseph Humphreys) and T.G.R. (perhaps another suitor for Sarah). Her father will not interfere as he thinks both would make a good match.

GLC04501.068

January 17, 1853

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Breckinridge

He reports on the health of family members.

GLC04501.069

29 March 1853

Todd, James, fl. 1853

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to Joseph Humphreys]

Writes that he has just arrived in Memphis. Discusses friends and news.

GLC04501.070

11 October 1853

Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph A. Humphreys

He has decided to stay in Lexington for a while. Sarah (Gibson Humphreys) writes the second page of the letter and teases her husband about being away from home.

GLC04501.071

November 1853

Humphreys, Sarah Gibson, fl. 1853

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her father Tobias Gibson

The date of the letter is taken from the docket. Writes that Loula is doing much better. Sarah discusses the visitors she entertained last week. Reports Mat Ward was arrested for murder. At first he was placed in a debtor's cell but a mob demanded that he be moved to a criminal cell and placed in chains. She does not think he will hang because his family is rich and influential.

GLC04501.072

February 13, 1854

Rowlands, Alfred, fl. 1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Receipt for purchase of Frank, an enslaved man]

One receipt belonging to Alfred A. Rowlands for the amount of $1,250 to purchase an enslaved man, Frank from Rowlands. Docket indicates Frank was sold as property by Tobias Gibson on behalf of his daughter, Sarah [Gibson] Humphreys.

GLC04501.073

8 December 1854

Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Randall Lee Gibson

Writes about plantation business. He hopes Randall and Preston will write to him from New Orleans.

GLC04501.074

30 December 1855

Gibson, Hart, fl. 1855

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Sarah Gibson

The first letter is written by Hart Gibson. He informs his sister of his progress in school. He writes about the family and his displeasure with President elect Polk. He also reports that Miss Webster, Toby and Claude's old teacher, has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for helping enslaved people seek refuge. Writes, "You recollect the young lady Claudy and Toby went to school to last sumer and (Miss Webster) she has been tried by the Court for carrying off negroes to the free States found guilty and sentenced to the Penitentiary for two years Some of the people tried to get the…

GLC04501.075

January 28, 1855

Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Randall Lee Gibson

Hart has graduated but his father feels he was a lazy and sluggish student. He mentions the sugar and molasses crops.

GLC04501.076

28 May 1856

Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his son

Family news and problems with the sugar crop.

GLC04501.077

September 1866

Carpenter & Mullen Magnolia Gallery

Photograph

Title: Carte de visite [Gibson family]

Image of McKinley Gibson, Louisiana Hart Gibson, Maria (Ridie) Tevis, and Margaret Howard Preston playing backgammon. The circular pattern on Ms. Preston's dress has been drawn with ink.

GLC04501.078

31 October 1856

Breckenridge, W.L., fl. 1856

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

The "Old Lady's" health has improved but her memory is slipping. He thinks his trip to Texas has greatly improved his health.

GLC04501.079

13 December 1856

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: London credit account sheet of Dr. Hart Gibson and William Hoge & Co.

Indicates that interest is paid at 7%. Includes amounts dating from December 1855 to December 1856. The debt totals 1,625.67.

GLC04501.080

January 13, 1857

Humphreys, Joseph, fl. 1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Gibson Humphreys

Written on verso of Bill of Exchange [dated 12/6/56] belonging to Samuel Humphreys. Joseph tells his wife of the hardships on his trip including running out of sugar and having to substitute "whiskey & water" for coffee. He is sending Bob back for 3 bottles of whiskey.

GLC04501.081

18 May 1857

Gibson, Alfred, fl. 1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Tobias Gibson

Hailstorms ruined some of the cotton crop. The cotton gin processes about 12 bales a day. Sickness on the plantation has taken the lives of five slaves, all under the age of four. Albert lost two slaves, one 17 years old and the other 20. A monument was erected at the grave site of Tobias Gibson, the first Methodist Preacher in Mississippi, who has been dead for 50 years. The citizens of Vicksburg are having a reception for Colonel Jeff Davis.

GLC04501.082

1 September 1857

Miller, Eliza, fl. 1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to her brother Tobias Gibson]

Recipient is inferred from content of the letter. Eliza describes her stay at the Battery Hotel and hopes that such resorts in the South will prevent Southerners from going north "in search of pleasure or comfort."

GLC04501.083

14 December 1857

Higgins, R., fl. 1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to Tobias Gibson]

Announces that he has married Ann. He encourages Tobias to remarry after the death of Louisiana Gibson (see GLC04501.100).

GLC04501.084