This text is part of the Teaching Hard History Text Library and aligns with Key Concept(s) 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10
Dear Sir,
I have bought the boy Isaac for $11.00 I think him very fine his equal cannot be found in capacity. He is a general horse lover and a splendid carriage driver. He is also a fine painter varnisher (and the boy says he can make a fine panel door. He is a genius and it's strange to say I think he is smarter than I am. Also he performs well on the violin and other musical instruments. Give him a fair trial and if you do not get $1500 for him I am very much mistaken. His master says he is a first rate cook in meats. I am not restricted to have him sent out of the state unless I choose. I am under promise to not let him come back to Sumter District therefore sell him in Charleston if you can. I paid one half cash the other I pay the 6 -- that is -- sale day. I leave here tomorrow and will be here the last of next week. Write me on the arrival of Isaac. And say what you think of him. As no.1 fellow I expect to buy some negroes down below + several -- to be sold here on the 6th -- If I buy I will put off paying as long as I can. I will draw small amounts tomorrow in order to meet my arrangements if I should buy more negroes then I can get money to pay for I will come down about February without you make arrangements with the bank. I will write you from Kingstree. A sale takes places on the 26th -- and they will be 5- negroes sold. I will tell you J.M. E. Shafer offered $1200 for Isaac and expected to get him but the Doctor -- him out of jail. He would not take any -- for him and he was about sending the boy to Robinson + call to sell for him. I hope you will get fine price for him the --Dr will give me a certificate as regards his capacity. He has owned him from a child up he is 28 years old about 5 feet 10 in. weigh 150 lbs. or 160. Fine legs a little whipped. the Doctor is ready to give any man his opinion and will say everything in his favor he can. The boy was -- of by mean person caused him to flee perhaps I have said more than is necessary.
Yours in haste,
A. J. McElveen