Marie Perkins

[Marie Perkins was enslaved in Charlottesville, Virginia, while her husband was the property of a different landowner. In this letter, written in 1852, she pleads for him to arrange her purchase, fearful that she and one of her children might--like her son, Albert--be sold to a traveling slave trader.]

Marie Perkins Speaks:
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Charlottesville Oct. 8, 1852

Dear Husband,

I write you a letter to let you know of my distress. My master has sold Albert to a trader on Monday court day and myself and the other child is for sale also, and I want you to let [me] hear from you very soon before the next court if you can. I want you to tell Dr. Hamilton and your master if either will buy me they can attend to it now and then I can go afterwards.

They asked me if I had any person to buy me and I told them no.

A man by the name of Brady bought Albert and is gone. I don't know where, they say he lives in Scottsville.

I am quite heart sick .

Nothing more.

I am and ever will be your kind wife.

Marie Perkins