Important Letter Written by Slave Sibby Grant to Her Owner Confederate POW John Hanson Thomas

September 17, 2011 Maryland Auction

Price Realized: $3,450.00 (Price includes 15% buyer's premium).

Important Handwritten 1861 Letter Written by Slave, Sibby Grant, to Her Owner, Confederate Prisoner-of-War, John Hanson Thomas, four integral sheets, two sheets with ink letter, each sheet 5” x 8”, December 6 1861, Baltimore. This letter offers rare insight into the relationship between one slave and her master. The fact that this letter was written by a slave who had been taught to read and write is significant. Letter reads in full: "My Freind [sic], i take this opportunity to write you a few lines to inquire after your health i hope you are in good health i miss you very much in deed i hope you will be restored to your family again for i will ever hold you as a freind [sic] of mine when ever i cook a good dinner i wish you was here to enjoy it yesterday we had a fine pair of canvas backs ducks made a present to Miss anna they was cook splendid and i wish yous was here to enjoy them those terapins [sic] i [sent?] i done them in stile for you know that no one can do them like i can i knever [sic] get on my knees but what i ask God to remember you that God that delivered the children of isural will deliver you if you put your trust in him good night may God bless you miss anna is well and her ma is better miss nannie and miss Mary came down to night to let me see them after they were dress to go to the party they look very [pert?] miss anna wearing curls you ought to behold her face now no more at presen i remain you humle [sic] servant Sybby Grant". Includes a handwritten 19th copy of the letter, inscribed “Written by our former slave Sibby Grant. A fine example of Civil War and slavery-related ephemera. Original fold lines to original letter and copy. Original letter with small stains, tiny tear to midsection, and small tear from edge.

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