Slaveowner Berates a Renter for Giving His Slaves 100 Lashes, 1845 ALS

A shocking and distressing autograph letter signed detailing the severe whipping of two slaves. 4pp of a bifolium, measuring 7.75" x 9.75", . 4to., Carlonville [sic], dated October 10, 1845. The letter, addressed to Mr. J. D. Jones, is written by James G. Dawson, who protests the cruel and excessive mistreatment of his slaves. It appears that Jones rented the two men from Dawson to do some work. Dawson chastises the other man, balking at his employment of over 100 lashes, and commands that they not be whipped any further until his return. The letter has flattened folds with a few small separations. Light toning and faint foxing throughout. Some minor ink bleed-through, but still highly legible. This letter stands as a graphic depiction of the arbitrary treatment slaves had to endure on a regular basis. Despite seeming to be more compassionate, even Dawson believed that whipping his enslaved workers nearly 40 times was acceptable.

In part:
"Smart and Gunner came to me this morning with the following statement. That on Monday last Smart picked 85 Ibs of cotton in the morning and 58 in the afternoon - That for a deficiency in the task you gave him 100 lashes and upward - that on Tuesday - Wednesday - and Thursday & Friday they were sent to split rails - that on Tuesday they split 350 rails having worked 2 hours after night… that on yesterday Friday they were placed to split rails again & were told by you that unless they split 500 rails you would kill them…

…I have examined Gunner & Smart's backs...Stuart's wounds exhibit severe and undue correction. He is almost crippled in one of his arms - his wounds exhibit proof that the chastisement afflicted is of such kind that I cannot but censure. As regards Gunner he has no recent wounds but his back is scarred to a degree which shows it to have been once greatly lacerated...If 100 lashes were inflicted I object to it. I think 39 the full measure that ought to be put on any negro at any one time. If it is necessary to give more it should be done in broken doses and not with a heavy whip. I am opposed to having my negros backs cut with the whip as these boys have been. A negro's spirit should not be broke but he should be encouraged rather. I wish to be candid with you. I cannot bear severity. I would rather give up planting than have it...I don't wish my negroes to work after dark...and I do not want my hands overworked. Do you not think you can get on with the hands by using less severity and adopting a course of encouragement and kindness? I have managed them in this way…Do not whip these fellows until I arrive, I may not be able to call until my arrival from Hayneville."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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