Williams, K.A. (fl. 1864) to George Wortham
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02233.39 Author/Creator: Williams, K.A. (fl. 1864) Place Written: Martin County, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 May 1864 Pagination: 1 p. ; 21 x 17 cm. Order a Copy
Rather than have his two captured enslaved people return home, Williams wants them to work for the Confederacy. He would prefer they be shot rather than fall into Yankee hands again. Suggests one would make a good servant for Wortham. Written at the Roanoke Post Office, Martin Country, North Carolina.
Excerpt: "I understand that I have two Negro boys in Plymouth among the captured Negroes by the names of Peter & Frank. I do not want them to come home & wish you to take charge of them & work them for the Confederate Government till this war is over & should there be any possibility of them again falling in the hands of the Yankees, I would greatly prefer them being shot before that woud happen'd. Peter is a smart active Negro & would probably make you a good servant, if so use him in that or any other capacity, of course, I shall expect the government to keep them from any charge to me."
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