Beschreibung:

Lot of 2. 1 p. ALS, 5.75 x 6.25 in., and envelope from Mr. Kinsley P Murray(?) to Col. David Potts in which Murray offers one-fifth of the value of any of his five runaway slaves who might be recaptured. Dated November 5, 1864. The transcription reads: November the 5th ‘64 Colonel David Potts Sir, I went to see you the 16th day of June on the business which I spoke to Mr. Donnan about concerning my SERVANTS GOING OFF. I write to you now as you promised me to assist me all you could. I hope you will speak to Mr. Donnan about the business on condition so to have ONE-FIFTH OF WHAT HE RECOVERS. By so doing you will very much oblige me as it is out of my power to be in Petersburg at this time. Very Respectfully, Your Friend, Kinsey(?) P.(?) Murray(?) On Reverse: The ages you will find here. Albert 53 Joe 30 Andrew 25 Soloman 21 Sam 19 COLONEL DAVID GRAVES POTTS (1810-1887) was born in Sussex County, Virginia and died in Petersburg, Virginia. He was the son of Thomas Potts. He married Rebecca Parham Schoolfield (ca 1817-1899). He engaged in farming for some years and then was long engaged as a merchant in Petersburg. He was Treasurer of the P. & W. R.R. for 19 years. He was a Colonel of the State Troops before the Civil War. He was a strong Union man and opposed secession, but when his state seceded he cast his lot with his people. He did not enter the Army, but served as President of the Board of Charities of Petersburg, to look after the needs of those whose supporters were doing duty in the Army. When the Federal Army entered Petersburg, the captured supplies were turned over to Col. Potts, by the Federal authorities, for distribution among the destitute of the City. In 1878, he was appointed Postmaster of Petersburg by President Hayes. DURING THE WAR, THE PETERSBURG CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZED COL. POTTS TO: ADVERTISE FOR SLAVE & FREE BLACK LABORERS TO WORK ON THE ENTRENCHMENTS AROUND PETERSBURG (which probably explains why this letter concerning runaway slaves was addressed to Col. Potts). Slavery through the 1640s and 1860s was governed by a body of law. Every slave state followed a set of legal codes that made slavery a permanent condition, inherited by the mother, and designated slaves as property. As a result, slaves could not own property or be a party to a contract. Contracts became the responsibility of owners. Lawyers Alexander and James Monroe Donnan represented many Virginians whose assets were neither land nor livestock; they were human beings. Their humanity created complicated legal dilemmas for the Donnan's clients. Condition: Pencil on lined blue paper; fold lines, otherwise good condition. Includes a small light-brown embossed envelope addressed to: Col. David Potts, Petersburg, Va -- Care of Mr. James Higlam(?)