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Dexter, Andrew Alfred, 1809-1854 to Simon Newton Dexter

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00330 Author/Creator: Dexter, Andrew Alfred, 1809-1854 Place Written: Cross Keys, Alabama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: March 24, 1849 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

Signed as "A. A. Dexter." Docket reads "Rodney B[illegible]." Mentions his father's memoir. Discusses his "planting business" and a successful crop. Writes, "I have now quite a reputation as a planter having made the best crop in the county... I had no overseer or driver- neither did I find it necessary to be with my people in the field, except occasionally. This result I think will compare favorably with free labor at the North... I have now bought me six more hands, making 14 workers of my own, besides house servants..." Discusses a trip to Columbus in which he became sick. Notes that decisions in Texas courts do not benefit his interests there. Says of Texas: "Poor Sam lost his life there. I have thrown away the best 10 years of mine." Discusses other personal news and plans. Notes that if he can get underway as an engineer again, he is determined, "like... J.Q. Adams to die with the 'harness on my back.'" Written to his uncle.

Dexter, Andrew Alfred, 1809-1854
Dexter, Simon Newton, 1785-1862

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