Cameron Family Papers - Records of Enslavement

lately sold at $25.00 per acre and even for more and I think – if labor can be had – the lands in the Bottom will in a few years go up again: but this is, of course, to be tested by time. I have but little hope or confidence in negro labor now, tho' some are doing well and former […] getting sick. I do not think labor could be had yet here – in any reliable quantity and it would be better for Maj: Collins to bring hands from N Carolina – making written contracts in due form with Federal [assessors] and strong arrangements to coerce in some way the negroes to a Compliance: but even then there is yet no confidence in them – and I almost despair of the future success of any business or Scheme dependent upon negro labor: but in the face of all their difficulties I see no hope for the Southern people unless they hold on to their lands. I shall try to scold mine - heavily indebt as I am – in the hope that labor will become certain & fixed – will keep my stock &c: and my advice is the same to you. Let Maj: Collins move to Memphis go into business – with an undoubted partner – a man of integrity and

meanly crawl out of their hiding places -and claim office on the ground they done nothing and would, there= fore be more acceptable to the North: but in this they may make a mistake - for even the North will dispise them. So far I think they have been pretty generally ^been defeated by some true man. I am sorry I know so much as I do and I marvel that the true army of the South - the [noblemen?] who deserve the thanks of mankind - Sh= ould have struggled and fought so long for such a people - and the grief is that so many true ones should have fallen for a people so unworthy of defence. Do not fail to call on me for whatever you wish done - in all I will try & aid you whenever and wherever I can. I am unwell &

Norfolk 18. Oct. 1865.

My beloved wife

I have been reproaching myself ever Since I left Richmond for not having dropped you a line from there & determine to try & make amends by writing from here, to Say that we had quite a Safe & pleasant journey - we parted with Mary Anderson, Mrs Johnston & John Johnston at Gaston they concluding to try the Seaboard Route, hoping to get a conveyance to Edenton either from [Murfree's?] or Suffolk which I hope they succeeded in doing - We reached [Petersburg?] about dark & I took Sister Ellen up to Mr Temperson's where they Seemed very glad to See her - I remained in Pokesburg that

[written vertically across top margin...] I saw Mrs. Kennon in Richmond She is better but looks badly & coughs a good deal - Kiss Ellen & the children for me. love to all the others -

[written vertically in left margin..] family as the weather has not allowed me to go out - & now my love good night - Yours ever G. [W th -?]

Raleigh Oct: 9th 1865.

My Dear Mrs. Cameron

We had a pleasant journey down, not more dusty than we had every reason to Expect. Maggie & I sat beside each other & kept in check the excitement as well as we could. I left her in Mr. Mordecai's keeping. Gen Grimes met me, Major Polk & Mrs. Jones took the same, omnibus so I did not entirely part with dear old Hillsborough until I reached this gate. I should like to hear from Maggie this morning but I will see her tomorrow. Dr. Mason has been sick - he was to leave this morning to sit at the general convention in Philadelphia. Mr. Marshall has been officiating & giving much pleasure to the congregation thereby. The same choir is in operation - the troubled waters having been quieted. Brother William has not yet come - I found no sweet letter from him. Awaiting me was a letter from a cousin in [Charleston?]. She gives me a deplorable picture of the state of things there. She says "the long dreary summer is drawing to a close - that she has not felt the heat their sufferings have been so great, so much more poignant is mental than

[Letterheaded to OLD STATE HOUSE, BOSTON.] Boston 13 Oct. 1865

Paul C Cameron Esq

Dear Sir

Yours of 8th inst is at hand and contents are noted. We can fill your order; but the earliest moment when it will be possible to forward your goods will be Nov 1.

We have between one hundred and two hundred [accts?] now on our books. Your name is entered that you may not fail of your turn. If you amend this at your earliest convenience the garments shall be sent as soon as if we know 10 days precisely what you had.

and shall be put into [Name and Co's?] care Nov 1st. For your Dress suit we would recommend a West of England Cloth Frock at $35. It is one of the most desirable cloths in the world. Will wear you every day for a year and look handsome [therein?]

We enclose you sample of Goods for Dress suits and Vests. Those marked (unclear) are new in style - of fine quality elastic and durable.

We cannot give you a Business suit for $35 which we should feel satisfied to send you. We are making more from $40 to $45 than at a lower price - and a suit at the latter price we deem every way more desirable & in the end economical.

They will not fade and look fair & fresh until worn only.

We have sent a number of suits south this summer, into Alabama, Tennesse, Missouri and Kentucky and in all cases they have served a good purpose as the very best advertisement we could send.

We are confident of our ability to please you; and trusting to have your decision soon as to goods. Very truly yours

Chas A Smith & Co. E D Hinckly

Raleigh 12th Oct. 1865

My dear sir Gov Swain reached here last night and handed me this morning your & Judge Ruffins pardons which I now inclose you availing myself of the opportunity afforded by Maria [mark?] of doing [illegible] -

I congratulate you on getting through without being subjected to all the annoyances which have worried me not a little You have no doubt seen the last attack made on D.H. and myself in the Standard of yesterday - we have replied in a card which wiil appear in the Sentinel

[1865?] Raleigh - Oct 28th

My dear Mr Cameron: I am obliged to use my pencil, for the ink is elsewhere, but - I hope you will find no difficulty in making out what I desire to write_ Mr_ Collins will tell you why we are not forthcoming & our deep regret for the disappointment that we thereby cause you all. I want to make the final (paper torn)

determined to remain & go up with her on Monday night_ Now, my chief object at present is to ask if you can conveniently delay Mr. Collin's departure until Wednesday night, so that we all may have her in Hillsboro_ He thinks that it will make no great difference to you, I almost fear that I am worrying you, if it is, do not regard it - I will (paper torn)

Chapell Hill 31 Oct 1865.

My dear Sir,

Your letter the 28th was received yesterday.