Pickard, Kate E.R., letter, Camillus, Onondaga Co., N.Y., November 19 [or 17] 1852, to Mr. [Samuel J.] May, [Syracuse, N.Y.]

Transcription


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Camillus Onondaga Co. NY.

Nov. 19, 1852

Dear Mr May

You can scarcely imagine my delight at greeting once more my good friend Peter and under circumstances so unlike those which attended my first acquaintance with him.

When I first entered the Tuscumbia Fem. Seminary as a teacher – Jan. 15 1847 – there was Peter – a slave! Morning, noon, and night found him there. For a year I met him every day, and every day saw more cause to admire his character.

I did not then know that he panted for freedom, the fact that he was saving every penny to "buy himself" was a secret. I knew that he worked hard, that he bought no fine clothes though his garments were always scrupulously clean. I knew at one time of his having $10 in 5 cent pieces changed for gold, and that all these little earnings were carefully hoarded. but if I had guessed the object of his industry and economy, I should have deemed it wisest most prudent to ask no questions and to make no remarks.

Peter at that time belonged to the Gist estate, to an heir of which Mrs. John Hogun

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he was apportioned. The Gist and Hogun families lived on plantations in the neighborhood of Tuscumbia, and Peter had been for several years hired out in town. He could do all kinds of work – in the house, the stable, or the field – and his capability and integrity were so well known to the citizens generally that he was trusted everywhere.

I left the Tuscumbia Seminary at the end of a year, but remained in the vicinity until April 1850. During this time I visited Tuscumbia frequently, and always met Peter there. Mr. Sloan (formerly of Syracuse you will recollect) could hardly do without him at the school rooms. He was so punctual, and so orderly, so kind and respectful to the pupils, that no one could quite fill his place.

Besides his work at the Seminary, he waited on Mr. Friedman by whom he was hired, blacked his boots, swept his room, &c. &c. waited on the table at the hotel to pay his board, and did all sorts of odd jobs for any one in town who happened to need his services. He had always plenty to do, and always did it well.

And now he is free! After forty years of toil, he at length possesses a deed of himself – conferring the right to be a man instead of a chattel. And he has found his mother!


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How eloquent is his simple story! Who can listen to it with unmoistened eyes?

But his poor wife and their three children are still slaves and the only way that seems open for their exit from the land of bondage is through the gate of money.

Some conscientious persons object to paying the man-stealer for his prey, but poor Peter's anxious heart cannot by such scruples be quieted. He longs for the presence of those so dear to him – and they – how do their hearts yearn for the society of husband and father! When at night they stretch themselves upon their rude pallets in their lowly cabin, and when the dawn of morning calls them to their weary tasks, do they not pray for deliverance? O let us save them if we can! The giver shall be blessed, and Maj. McKiernan, the owner of their bodies will be little benefited, even though he should receive the whole of his exhorbitant demand.

I think however that if some generous neighbor of Maj. McKiernan can be induced to lend his aid, that price may be abated. They could not, I should think be valued, according to market prices, higher than $3000. It would at least, be well to make the effort. I have a friend there, an honest and influential

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man, who may I think be persuaded to exert himself in his behalf I will try.

Peter's cause commends itself to every human heart – and O[?] if human hearts will but overcome the dictates of cold selfishness, how soon will his anxious suspense be ended! May the Friend of the Poor speedily reward his patience by the realization of his fondest hopes!

I hope Sir, to see you when I go to Syracuse, which will probably be before many days, and to learn of the success of your efforts. We will do all we can for him in Camillus.

Yours very truly

Kate E. R. Pickard

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Title

Pickard, Kate E.R., letter, Camillus, Onondaga Co., N.Y., November 19 [or 17] 1852, to Mr. [Samuel J.] May, [Syracuse, N.Y.]

Description

Kate Pickard expresses her delight at seeing Peter Still and at his freedom from slavery; relates her knowledge of Still (his circumstances, character and abilities) when she taught in Alabama at the Tuscumbia Female Seminary in 1847, and then while living in the vicinity until April 1850; laments that his family members remain slaves; notes that apparently only money can free them (although some people object in principle to such payments); suggests that, by market prices, the cost of their freedom should not be higher than 3,000 dollars (instead of the unnamed figure requested); notes that she has a friend in Alabama that might be able to negotiate for a better price; and notes that she will confer with the recipient, Samuel J. May, on the matter soon when she visits Syracuse.

Source

Special Collections and University Archives

Date

1852-11-17

Rights

public domain

Format

4 p.

Identifier

rutgers-lib:26729
doi:10.7282/T3ZP4688

Citation

Pickard, Kate E. R., “Pickard, Kate E.R., letter, Camillus, Onondaga Co., N.Y., November 19 [or 17] 1852, to Mr. [Samuel J.] May, [Syracuse, N.Y.],” Peter Still Digital Edition, accessed March 29, 2024, https://stillpapers.org/items/show/7.

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