Correspondence, 1857

Collection — Box: 2, Folder: 1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

There are over 500 letters in the Nuckolls Collection. They tell the story of the family, the times, the conflicts among family members, especially after the father died and his will was read and monies and lands dispersed. The 1850s Cambridge letters paint a colorful image of both Cambridge and Boston when Thomas was attending Harvard Law School. The Civil War letters give more details the home front, telling of the activities and worries of the family members at home, the encouraging letters to Thomas and William, the boxes of supplies that were constantly being sent by the family to its soldiers, than the life of the soldiers themselves. The family was a warm and loving entity, usually writing each other weekly. All the sisters wrote regularly to Thomas ("Dear Bro"), praising, complaining, but staying in contact even as their families were dispersed from Columbus, Georgia and across Alabama, to Russell County, Seale, Gadsden, Cherokee and Tuskegee. Relatives moving even further westward are included in the correspondence.

A history of the family, newspaper articles and census records have been included in a separate folder from the letters to help fill in their story. The letters are in wonderful condition, many still with their envelopes. Even the paper and size of the envelopes, the return address, the postage – all tell a history of the times.

In addition to the letters there are several packets of legal and financial documents. They were left in the groupings made by Thomas J. Nuckolls, with his handwritten labels. Many of the items referred to in the letters, such as deeds, promissory notes, plat maps, receipts, vouchers and other enclosures mentioned, were placed in these bundles. There is also a small bundle of Slave Documents. The bundles have been opened and are filed in chronological order in folders of Box 4.

The letters are filed in chronological order.

Dates

Other: 1857

Extent

From the Collection: 1.5 Linear Feet : 4 boxes

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

General

January 8, 1857 – Letter to Thom Nuckolls in Tuskegee from L.B. Gordon in LaGrange concerning legal cases in which Gordon is involved. January15, 1857 – Letter to cousin Thomas Nuckolls from E. G. Thornton concerning a "little bunch of papers" she found in the settlement and concern over a "little Negro" bought of Eiland. January 19, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls Esq in Tuskegee, Alabama from James F. Cantey in Chunningyer concerning a land sale. January 20, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee from J.R. Goldthwaite in Troy, Pike County, Alabama stating summary of the case of Wooten v. Gilpin received. January 21, 1857 – Letter to Mr. Knuckles [sic] in Tuskegee, Alabama from Henry M. Law in Columbus, Georgia about his upcoming visit to Tuskegee and asking Nuckolls to publish his announcement in the city paper titled "The Art of Oratory" and to make room arrangements for him and the ladies. January 28, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from Fitzpatrick & Starke in Troy, Al referring to the case of Wooten v. Gilpin. February 4, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia from [illegible] in Montgomery about a legal case concerning a factory. February 9, 1857 – Letter to Dear Nuckolls from James E. [Rusa] in LaFayette in response to an earlier letter concerning Fergus, some land and Dozier Thornton. [hard to read] February 10, 1857 – Letter to Tom [Nuckolls] from his father in reference to legal advice, property advice, and a proposed business venture selling sewing machines. He also added some family news. February 11, 1857 – Letter addressed "Dear sir", [presumably to Thomas Nuckolls] from Elmore & Yancey, Montgomery, Alabama in reference to a legal case, signed Elmore & Yancey. February16, 1857 – Letter to Tom [Nuckolls] in Tuskegee, Alabama from N. Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia in reference to shipping and selling sewing machines, borrowing money, Cox and the health and the well-being of family members. February 19, 1857 – Letter to Tom [Nuckolls] in Tuskegee from his father in Columbus, Georgia concerning selling sewing machines for $125 cash, seller keeping $5 profit. Machines are from New York. Bro B will sell them. Speaks of his mill work being 3-4 months ahead. February 19, 1857 – Letter to law firm Elmore, Yancey & Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from Henry V. Meiss for the Columbus Factory in reference to debt collection on James. B. Hall who has moved to Texas and the reply from A. McLeach to Nuckolls. February 23, 1857 – Letter addressed dear sir from Thos. J. Abbott for Hon. J.F. Dowdell, House of Representatives, Washington City acknowledging receipt of a letter. February 25, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from Thomas C. Cliatt in Cross Keys concerning his being in Tuskegee at court time and settling a debt to Thomas' uncle. February 26, 1857 – Letter to R. N. Knuckils [sic for Nuckolls] in Tuskegee, Alabama from P.L. Watkins in Whitesville, Georgia about a debt and recovery. February 26, 1857 – Letter to Mr. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from R. B. Baker of Hilton & Baker, Loachapoka, Macon Co, Alabama in reference to debt and note of Richard Landford and D. Ruthorford. February 27, 1857 – Letter to Thomas Nuckolls from R. T. Pollard in Montgomery, Alabama referring to case against Dr. A.J. Lipscomb and Jno. B. Garrett. March 10, 1857 – Letter to Tom Nuckolls in Tuskegee from [no signature] in Gordon Springs, Georgia asking Thomas for legal assistance in a debt claim about mules in case of Crofford Fuller. March 13, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls from A. Martin in Montgomery, Alabama in reference to debt settlement from a previous claim. March 14, 1857 – Letter addressed to firm of Elmore, Yancey & Nuckolls from Orrin Savage in Camden and D.P. Cook acknowledging receipt of letter for firm. March 29, 1857 – Letter to Thomas Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from John B. Strupper in Columbus, Georgia at 136 Broad St. about an order that has not been paid, "cash for candy". March 31, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from John B. Strupper in Columbus about payment for an order. April, 1857 – Letter to Mr. Nuckolls from James T. Norman in Union Springs about the payment of a note due and probable payment in January. April 7, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from Henry Meiss for Columbus Factory in reference to a debt of James B. Hall who moved to Texas. April 7, 1857 – Letter to Mr. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from R.E. Covington in Uchee, Alabama telling him that if he wishes to be paid by mail, then send .06 cents in stamps. April 12, 1857 – Letter to Tom [Nuckolls] from Nath. Macon Thornton in Cusseta, Alabama referring to money payment and distribution, Thornton v. McKay, and mentions Uncle Dozier. They're waiting for a train. May 1, 1857 – Letter to Thom [Nuckolls] in Tuskegee, Alabama from James M. Russell in Columbus, Georgia referring to collecting debt of George W. E. Bedell who has a hotel. May 7, 1857 – Letter to Thom [Nuckolls] from James M. Russell in Columbus, Georgia about telling him that Bedell's note belongs to Joseph Seidenberg of New York. May 12, 1857 – Letter to Thos. Knuckles [sic for Nuckolls] in Tuskegee, Alabama from Thos. P. Sanders of Hunty & Sanders of Cross Keys accepting the 2/8th acre of land belonging to Mr. Thornton. May 18, 1857 – Letter to Thos. J. Nuckolls from Wm. Pollenwetter in Okolona, Mississippi, concerning land lots in Tuskegee, # 6 and 7 in B12, releasing him from Breedlove and one of them. June 2, 1857 – Letter addressed to Dear Sir, clerk of County Court from Thomas J. Abbott of Washington City, asking about land lots in Macon Co, Alabama, 2 lots in Tuskegee and an original deed. June 6, 1857 – Letter to Tom [Nuckolls] from Nath. M. Thornton in Gadsden, Alabama referring to debt payment on his ¼ interest section. June 9, 1857 – Letter to Thos. J. Nuckolls from Fitzpatrick & Starke in Troy acknowledging receipt of letter in the case of James Wooten v. Tho. Gilpin. June 28, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia from Col. Bowen in Tuskegee explaining lateness of a favor due to train schedule to Georgia. July 2, 1857 – Letter to Thos. J. Nuckolls from W. B. Bowen in Tuskegee, Alabama in reference to the health of Tom's mother and wanting to introduce him to the beautiful Miss ____. July 2, 1857 – Letter to T.J. Nuckolls, at home, from H.E. Boykin at Rose Glen, on black-edged mourning paper and envelope, thanking him for his delightful present. July 13, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls from J. H. Daniel, owner of First Class Ready Made Clothing, Gents Furnishing Goods, letterhead paper, at 128 Broad St. Columbus, Georgia in reference to a debt payment. July 14, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls from Fitzpatrick & Starke in Troy, Alabama in reference to legal claims and money awarded from suit of Wooten v. Gilpin. Paper is embossed with Durand & Co., London. July 27, 1857 – Letter addressed to Dear sir, to the sheriff of Macon Co, from J. B. Gordon, Gordon Springs, Georgia asking about the length of time in which his debt needs to be paid because he does not want to sell his Mobile & Girard RR stock. Letter is addressed on the envelope to the sheriff of Macon County, Alabama in lieu of Nuckolls' absence. August 3, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls from [illegible] Dunn in Loachapoka, Alabama referring to payment on a note debt he's trying to recover. Envelope says Kyle v. Clemons. August 21, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from J. R. Hull & Co. in Columbus, Georgia for debt collection on Webb & Bennett. August 25, 1857 – Letter to Tom [Nuckolls] from F. B. Gordon in Gordon Springs, Georgia referring to his payment of the "right hand ends" of those $100 bills and a $10 and a $5. Will send other ends after you acknowledge receipt. August 27, 1857 – Letter to Mr. Nuckolls from James Wooten in Loachapoka, Alabama referring to collection of payment from court settlement against Thos. Gilpin. August 31, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee from James Wooten in Loachapoka, Alabama referring to the Mssr. F & S not doing their duty and referring his work to Nuckolls in the future. September 1, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from Fitzpatrick & Starke in Troy, Alabama referring to a late payment and reasons why. September 5, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from M.L. Pattersen in Columbus, Georgia in reference to issuing a summons on Russell County men, Pattersen v. Col. Williams & Co. September 11, 1857 – Letter to Tom [Nuckolls] in Tuskegee, Alabama from Robert Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia on letterhead of Pemberton Nuckolls & Co, Wholesale and Retail Druggists, in reference to property owned and legitimacy of Dr. W.E. Allen and recovering unsettled debts. September 11, 1857 – Letter to Tom [Nuckolls] from Robert Nuckolls in Columbus, Georiga in reference to Dr. Allen and his debt to Robert Nuckolls. Robert also asks Tom to give a letter attached [not present] to Robert's father asking for money without telling anyone else, especially his mother. September 14, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from Dan. Cram in Talledega Springs, Alabama in reference to information for county maps that was previously requested but not received. September 23, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from "your friend R.D [unclear]" in Moulton regarding the papers of Mr. Chilton and their lawyer circuit. October 1, 1857 – Letter to son T. J. Nuckolls from his mother, L. H. Nuckolls, acknowledging receipt of past letter and giving social updates on family and friends' weddings. It includes a pressed flower. October 11, 1857 – Letter to Thomas Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from N. A. Thornton asking Thomas to get proof of value of some land for Mr. Mennely, Executor. He speaks of the banks of South Carolina suspending , cotton only 10 or 11 cents, things looking gloomy. October 12, 1857 – Letter to Tom Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from Robt. B. Kyle in Argyle Cottage telling of their visit to Rome, Georgia and the Shorters, a Miss Cowley and other family affairs. Mollie adds a letter telling him about Miss C and to not forget his newly married sister. October 16, 1857 – Letter to Tom Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from Nat. A. Nuckolls, his brother, in Columbus, Georgia in reference to the rumor that the Savannah banks have failed and that Charleston, South Carolina are also at risk. (see Oct 11 for same.) He also speaks of a party at Wm. Ridel's [Redd] and coming to a "favorable understanding" with his girl. October 16, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from J. Ennis & Co in Columbus, Georgia in reference to debt collection and the South Carolina banks suspension. October 16, 1857 – Letter to Tom Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Georgia from R. B. Kyle in Columbus, Georgia in reference to compliance of a favor and the rumors of the Savannah banks faltering, a party at Wm Redd's, the bank panic and no sales of cotton. October 17, 1857 – Letter to Tom Nuckolls from his father N. Nuckolls in Columbus giving financial advice and opinions about the banking concerns, the suspension of southern banks. October 19, 1857 – Letter T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from M. Barringer in Columbus, Georgia stating when he will be in Tuskegee. October 22, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from A. K. Ayer in Tuskegee about his debt from Mr. Dawson, hoping for a collection as he is "hard up for the money". November 14, 1857 – Letter to Mr. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama. Envelope addressed to Geo. B. Nuckolls in Tuskegee from Wm H. Way [unreadable] referring to a payment and balance due. December 7, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia from Elmore & Yancey in Montgomery concerning a U.S. court business agreement, mentions notes of J.S. Pemberton on Mr. E. Allen. December 10, 1857 – Letter to Tom Nuckolls from his father in Shelbyville referring to the train wreck, his pork accounts, money owed him; mentions Columbus names of Semmes, Martin Crawford. There is a letter to Louisiana on the back of Tom's letter. December 12, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia from L.G. Heard in Russell Co, Alabama asking Tom to send notes to him by January. December 13, 1857 – Letter to Tom Nuckolls from his father in Shelbyville concerning sending money to his bank and pork concerns. December 15, 1857 – Letter to Tom Nuckolls from his father in Shelbyville telling of the mail delay due to the train accident and asks for a transfer of funds. Still concerned about price of pork. December 19, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia from A. Battle in Tuskegee, Alabama in reference to debt and legal action to recover the payment due from Oliver H. Perry. December 20, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia from Geo. E. Hall, clerk of U.S. Court in Mobile in reference to court dates and times when the circuit judge will be available for hearings and settlements in case of Pemberton, Nuckolls & Co. and Wm. Allen. December 31, 1857 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia from Daniel Currie in Louisville, Alabama referring to debt collection concerning the college at Tuskegee.