“ … THE NEGRO IDEAS OF FREEDOM IS TODAY NOTHING. I DON’T SEE WHAT IS TO BECOME OF THEM FOR THEY WILL NOT WORK UNLESS THEY ARE MADE TO DO SO … ”

Autograph Letter Signed, “Mrs. Joseph Shuford.” Three pages, 7 7/8” x 8 1/2”. Stateville, no state. September 15, 1865. Shuford writes to Mr. T.J. Kerr, in part: “ … [ … ] and William were killed in the war, I do not remember at what battle … Reuben is getting along very well but is ruined in property by his Negroes being set free … A.K. Smontton [?] their father was killed at the battle of Seven Pines near Richmond, VA on the 31st of May 1862 … The Abolitionists North with a few disappointed broken down designing Democrats of the South were determined to break up the government and they have succeeded. The South is in a deplorable condition. No law and our towns garrisoned by a cursed set of unprincipled [ … ] stealing abolitionists … The Negro ideas of freedom is today nothing. I don’t see what is to become of them for they will not work unless they are made to do so. But I may be spending time in writing this as you may not believe or at least some of the people in your country. I wish all who had anything to do in gaining their freedom had to live with them as neighbors for life. They were in the most happy condition that is possible to place them and in their proper sphere ... ” Paper loss and separation at center fold, affecting single words on five lines of each page. Else Very Good.