Cameron Family Papers - Records of Enslavement

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

with best love to all from all Your truly Geo. W. M?

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 -?]

[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.

[For Mrs. Geo W. Mordecai Raleigh N.C.]

Nov 2nd 1865 —

My dear Mrs. Mordecai : We arrived very safely in due time Monday night. Mr. Collins and Duncan met us at the depot — the latter was here only for the night. We found every one quite well & very glad to see us — Many questions were asked about you all & all were delighted to hear of Maggie's improvement in health. Her father says nothing of a visit to Raleigh just now, but he did intend going to Haw River yesterday, but the weather was so gloomy —Mary & Mr. Collins went last eve g at 10 1/2 — Mary was very glad to be quiet for a day or two & she left us feeling much better than she did on

[margin] Is Mr. Carter, who has a nursery in Raleigh now? I have a special reason for asking.