The Differences Slavery Made: A Close Analysis of Two American Communities
W. J. D. Bell, "J. D. Bell to John H. McCue," April 21, 1860

Summary

Slave renting and hiring often crossed county lines, as whites in neighboring counties looked to larger slaveholding places for potential hires.

EXCERPT:

"I see a negro Black Smith advertised by a gentleman of your town, which hand I would like to hire for the balance of this year. I want a smith that under Stands country work & particular Horse shoing."

Full-text web version of letter

Location of original letter

McCue Family Papers (MS 4406), Box 4, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia

Points of Analysis to this Data:

"Enslaved people were hired out to non-slaveholding farmers, railroad companies, and other businesses."


Citation: Key = E041
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