22 March [1846]

Valentine, Martha, fl. 1846-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother Tobias Gibson

A somber letter in which Martha describes her family's recent destitution. Their entire estate, houses, slaves, crops, etc., have been confiscated by the bank and Dr. Nebett. The property will be auctioned off the first of April.

GLC04501.052

13 July 1846

Shelby, Virginia, fl. 1846

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother Tobias Gibson

Extends an invitation for Tobias to visit. Writes news of family and friends. She adds the rather intriguing remark: "Mrs. Fishback I think has forgotten her fathers [sic] land, her Lincoln kin."

GLC04501.053

26 May 1846

Gibson, W.W., fl. 1846

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother Tobias Gibson

He was unable to make the arrangements Tobias asked for because Mrs. F. Gibson was on her death bed. He discusses payment of money, crops and plans to settle near Lake Providence.

GLC04501.054

12 November 1846

Caffrey, R.E., fl. 1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to Joseph Humphreys]

He describes a trip to Last Island in the Gulf of Mexico and a bizarre dream in which Caffrey was transformed into a fish.

GLC04501.055

4 May 1847

Valentine, Mark, fl. 1847

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Tobias Gibson

He discusses the health of Martha [Valentine] and plantation business. He hopes to settle Claude's accounts with Dr. Nebett. He gave Nebett 5000 bales to help payoff the debt.

GLC04501.056

9 November 1847

Humphreys, D.C., fl. 1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Humphreys

He describes a trip from Cincinnati to Springfield and discusses corn and wheat crops.

GLC04501.057

25 September 1848

Gibson, Sarah, fl. 1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Randall Gibson

A house slave has become less of a favorite and was sent down to the fields. She discusses plans to dig a ditch to provide drainage near the house.

GLC04501.058

8 February 1850

Gibson, Gibson, fl. 1846-1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother Tobias Gibson

Gibson tries to prepare his brother for his wife's (Louisiana Gibson) death, as she is gravely ill. He also discuss failures on his plantations and the education of his children.

GLC04501.059

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