Correspondence, 1858

Collection — Box: 2, Folder: 2

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: 1858

Extent

From the Collection: 1.5 Linear Feet : 4 boxes

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

General

January 13, 1848 – Letter to Mr. Nuckolls from W. F. Drummond in Montgomery Alabama, concerning inquiries into the family of a lady Nuckolls is interested in. February 1, 1858 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls in Tuskegee, Alabama from Jos. H. Dupont in Quincy Florida, referring to a legal payment of McKee and King. February 9, 1858 – Letter to Thomas J. Nuckolls, Columbus from Wm. C. McIver in Tuskegee, Alabama concerning the estate of Rev. Eubanks, the college and a scholarship. February 14, 1858 – Letter to Thos. J. Nuckolls from [Chunnynuggn ?] Alabama from James L. Powell giving information on the whereabouts of an overseer. February 16, 1858 – Letter to "Dear Prussian" [Thomas Nuckolls] from "Bleeding Kansas" in Tuskegee, Alabama regarding a package that was sent, news of Tuskegee and some Valentines. (between friends) March 6, 1858 – Letter to Friend Thomas Nuckolls from friend Moodie in Tuskegee, Macon Co, Alabama in response to a matter from Gus, the Fanin land deed, Rutherford, his Uncle George's involvement and of the death of Uncle Stephen. March 8, 1858 – Letter to Dear Prussian [Thomas Nuckolls] from "Kanzar" of Tuskegee Macon Count, Alabama about Cox's land and the correct land record for the Fanin land. March 22, 1858 – Letter to Tom Nuckolls from his brother, Nat. A. Nuckolls, about keeping Burias for a longer time at a liberal hire and other matters. March 25, 1858 – Letter to "My dear Nuckolls" from John W. A. Sanford in Montgomery, Alabama, a friendly letter from a college friend concerning "the strange rumors afloat" about a fair Mississippian and his wanting to know the truth of said rumors, his own fond memories of a Miss Emily, brings up question of Georgia's reaction to Kansas' admission to the Union. A very eloquent letter. April 28, 1858 – Letter to Thos. J. Nuckolls, Esq. from D. Thornton [Dozier] of Kings Hill referring to money owed by Denton. Also refers to Jon. M. Thornton and J.J. Thornton. May, 12, 1858 – Letter to Tom Nuckolls from Nat. A. Nuckolls (Gus), "at home" about his corn, cotton and taxes. He wants his Harpers' Weekly sent to him. June 28, 1858 – Letter to T. J. Nuckolls from N. Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia telling him that the Executor of an estate wishes him to handle it and is worth $2000 to him, telling him to get back to Columbus to see the executors, advising him to take it. July 20, 1858 – Letter addressed "Dear sir" from Geo. Miller, Clerk U.S. Courts at Mobile, Alabama about the case of Pemberton, Nuckolls & Co vs Mr.C. Allery .(defendant) with money due. [penciled note added by unknown person later] August 7, 1858 – Letter to Thomas J. Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia from E.B. Breedlove, Secy. in Tuskegee Insurance office concerning an account of costs in the case of Pemberton Nuckolls & Company v. W.E. Allen. October 7, 1858 – Letter to Dear Bro (Thomas Nuckolls) from his brother William in Penfield telling Tom about a suitable young lady for him if he hasn't made "an arrangement for marriage". He says he has never written to Tom before and wants Tom's ambrotype to show her. October 18, 1858 – Letter from addressed to Mr. M.N. Thorton [N. M. Thornton] from Aonoli Seale in Chunnenuggee, Alabama concerning buying/selling land, going to Texas, if sale concluded, and sending titles to Tom Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia. November 18, 1858 – Letter to Thos. J. Nuckolls from N.M. Thornton of Gadsen, Alabama, just back from Arkansas concerning a land sale from Capt. Seale. December 7, 1858 – Letter to Tom Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia from Edm. Cary in Chunnenuggee, Alabama referring to an estate note now due but held up by the sale of his cotton crop. December 22, 1858 – Letter to "Dear Friend" (Thomas Nuckolls) from Moodie of Tuskegee, Alabama concerning a legal matter of Ennis & Co and telling of a town scandal. December 23, 1858 – Letter to Col. Thos. J. Nuckolls in Columbus, Georgia from Nath. Macon Thornton in Gadsden, Alabama, referring to a bond for land sold.