Lot 34
[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. CRAM, Charles H. Autograph letter signed ("Charles M. Cram"). [Missouri], 1 April 1860. Describing life for Black people in Missouri. 
Sale 1118 - African Americana
Feb 28, 2023 10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati
Estimate
$200 - $300

Sold for $189

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
[SLAVERY & ABOLITION]. CRAM, Charles H. Autograph letter signed ("Charles M. Cram"). [Missouri], 1 April 1860. Describing life for Black people in Missouri. 

4 pages, 8vo, 5 1/4 x 7 in., minor brown spotting. 

The author writes about his prospects and possibly moving west to Santa Fe or California: "If I do cross the plains I shall go to California but if I have good health I shall stay here though I do not like to live in a slave state."

He continues with information about enslaved individuals' clothing and living situations: "You wanted to know if niggers wore hoop. Some do and some don't, some slaves in broadcloth and silk and some go nearly naked. Slaves have there [sic] stent to do so much & if they do eny [sic] more they are payed [sic] for it. Most of them have a peace [sic] of ground that they all there [sic] own."
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Broadsides, Ephemeral Americana, and Historical Documents
Condition Report
Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Hindman.

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