| Jonathan G. Coleman, "Jonathan G. Coleman to John H. McCue," May 29, 1859 Summary
This runaway slave sought refuge with his owner's brother. The family conflicts extended well beyond the runaway.
EXCERPT:
"Old York has come to me this morning as a runaway and asks for my intercession in some way in his behalf. He complains of
having recd much ill treatment at the hands of Mr. Sneed, and appears greatly distressed and dissatisfyed. Among other things
he says, he is not regarded at your house as one of your negroes but as belonging to my Fathers estate."
"I hope you will not think it an offensive interference in your affairs as nothing is farther from my intention. Let me assure
you that all I have said in this matter is in a spirit of friendship and in accordance with what I believe would be the wishes
of our Father on this subject. And who, if he could be permitted to witness the present state of things between us, and the
means by which it has been brought about, would deplore it with grief and anguish which would be inconsolable."
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:
 "White people in Augusta rarely discussed slavery openly and for the most part only did so under provocation when they hoped
to defend their institution."
Citation: Key = E051
|
