Augusta County: John G. Coleman to John H. McCue,
May 29, 1857
Summary:
John Coleman asks McCue for advice about Old York, a slave who ran away to
Coleman asking for intercession. Coleman's letter indicates that the slave once
belonged to their father, and he mentions animosity between McCue and
himself.
May the 29th 1857
Dr Bro
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 illtreatment 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. Whether
there is any truth in what he says I am entirely unable to tell. Permit me to
say however as a matter of feeling, that he is an old man, that he was a
favorite negro of his old Master, on which account I think as much
[unclear: --nity] ought to be extended to him as the nature of the
case will admit barring the question entirely as to whom he may belong, if it is
agreeable to you, I am willing that he may stay here upon any terms that may
hereafter be considered right and equitable. If you do not approve of this, the
negro is here and you can take such steps as you think fit in the matter.
[page 2]
I have advised York to return home, He [illeg.] refuses to do
so. I have written the above very reluctantly because it was a case in which I
was really at a loss what to do. 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
[added: 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.
Affectionately yrs
Jno G. Coleman
Please answer this without delay
