Letters and Correspondence
Dublin Core
Title
Letters and Correspondence
Description
Because plantation records from Fort Hill are not accessible, we learn a lot about both the Calhoun's and Clemson's views on slavery through their letters. It is in these letters that we learn stories about the enslaved African Americans at Fort Hill. Unfortunately, however, these stories are told only in the perspective of those who enslaved them.
Collection Items
Thomas Green Clemson to John C. Calhoun, September 1845
Thomas Green Clemson writes this letter to John C. Calhoun while living in Belgium. Clemson was concerned about his plantation at Cane Brake and seeking advice about selling the plantation. He did, however, wish to retain the 37 enslaved persons he…
John C. Calhoun to James Edward Calhoun, 27 August 1831
John C. Calhoun writes to J.E. Calhoun and tells him of an enslaved person, Aleck, who has run away from Fort Hill. John C. Calhoun asks J.E. to keep an eye out for Aleck and that if he sees him, to have him whipped and sent back.
Floride Calhoun to Patrick Calhoun, April 1843
In this letter, Floride Calhoun writes to her son, telling a story about Issey, a house slave at Fort Hill. According to the letter, Issey set fire to a pillow on a bed. As punishment, Floride sent Issey away but rather believes she should have been…