2 December 1865
Heyward, William Henry (1817-1889)
Autograph letter signed
Title: to William A. Williams
Heyward, owner of "Clay Hall" plantation in Reconstruction-era South Carolina, discusses going to Charleston to get his pardon, having his land restored by the Bureau of Freedmen, Refugees and Abandoned Lands, and having to make contracts with his former slaves for labor. On that last point, he remarks: "It only remains for me to enter into contract with the Freedmen (formerly my own Negroes) for the ensuing year-- and although it is difficult to adjust this with so ignorant a set of people, I have great hopes of soon effecting this." Prefers providing cash wages to offering part of the…
GLC00496.254.06