Ziba B. Oakes Papers, 1852-1857 | Boston Public Library Archival and Manuscript Finding Aid Database

Collection Overview

Title: Ziba B. Oakes Papers, 1852-1857

Collection Identifier: MS Am. 322

Primary Creator: Oakes, Ziba B., 1806-1871

Extent: 652.0 Items

Arrangement: Original order of the correspondence has been maintained.

Subjects: McElveen, A. J., d. 1874 -- Correspondence., Oakes, Ziba B., 1806-1871 -- Correspondence., Slave trade -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- History -- 19th Century., Slave traders -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- Correspondence.

Languages: English

Abstract

The 652 letters in this collection document the business of Ziba B. Oakes, a slave broker, who lived in Charleston, South Carolina. The letters were written by business associates and cover all aspects of the slave trade business including pricing, selling instructions, and resolving problems with runaways. Oakes’s real estate business and other financial matters are also documented.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The 652 letters in this collection document the business dealings of Ziba B. Oakes, a slave broker, who lived in Charleston, South Carolina. The letters were written by several business associates and cover all aspects of the slave trade such as pricing, selling instructions, and resolving problems with runaways. Oakes’s real estate business and other financial matters are also documented. There is no correspondence from Oakes.

The majority of the letters in the collection are from brokers, agents, and clients from different parts of South Carolina and other southern states with whom Ziba Oakes did business. For example, there are fifty-eight letters written to Oakes by William Wright from Savannah, Georgia; thirteen letters by Burch Kirkland and Company, from Montgomery, Alabama; and twenty-three letters by Thomas Limehouse, from Goulding, South Carolina. In addition, there are letters from traders from Richmond, Virginia and New Orleans, Louisiana. These contain specific details about slaves bought and sold, and give market prices for each city.

Of the approximately 480 letters written by slave traders, 135 were written by A. J. McElveen, whose job it was to travel throughout South Carolina’s Sumpter District and purchase slaves for Oakes. The letters include details about the number of slaves that were purchased on each trip, their gender and physical descriptions, and where on the plantation they should work. Other matters include the problems he had with selling certain slaves and his dealings with other traders. McElveen’s letters also provide insight into the relationship he had with Oakes.

Additional letters document Oakes’s real estate and other business ventures such as the buying and selling of plantations and railroad stock.

Subject/Index Terms

McElveen, A. J., d. 1874 -- Correspondence.
Oakes, Ziba B., 1806-1871 -- Correspondence.
Slave trade -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- History -- 19th Century.
Slave traders -- South Carolina -- Charleston -- Correspondence.

Administrative Information

Repository: Boston Public Library Archival and Manuscript Finding Aid Database

Access Restrictions: Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions:

Items in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. The Boston Public Library does not hold copyright on the material in this collection. Researchers are responsible for identifying and contacting the persons or organizations that hold copyright.

When reproducing material from this collection please include the credit line "Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library/ Rare Books."

Acquisition Method: The Ziba Oakes papers were found in a slave pen in Charleston, South Carolina, on February 20, 1865 by James Redpath. In April 1865, Redpath presented them to William Lloyd Garrison. The collection was donated to the Boston Public Library on November 11, 1891 by Francis Jackson Garrison.

Related Materials: Slave Trade Letters, 1839. MS fAM 1034

Related Publications: Drago, Edmund L. ed. Broke by the War: Letters of a Slave Trader. University of South Carolina Press. 1991.

Preferred Citation: Ziba B. Oakes Papers. MS Am. 322. Rare Books and Manuscripts Department, Boston Public Library. Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library/Rare Books.

Processing Information: Finding aid written by Rare Books and Manuscripts staff.

Finding Aid Revision History: Updated by Kimberly Reynolds, April 2011.

Box and Folder Listing

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[Box 27],
[Box 28],
[Box 29],
[Box 30],
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Box 28

Folder 61: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 6 March 1854: Asks order on J.S. Riggs collected; bought Negro boy for $1025, must be sold in West; unable to sell Henry; message from W.H. Mc.Knight. 2p.
Folder 62: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 2 March 1854: Sends Negro boy on boat Gordon, to be put in workhouse. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 1p.
Folder 63: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 4 March 1854: Misunderstanding about sale of Abram; instructions for sale of Bob. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 2p.
Folder 64: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 1 March 1854: On settlement of Matthews property and claims of sole heir. 3p.
Folder 65: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to [Ziba B. Oakes]; Augusta, Ga., 2 March 1854: On Matthews claim. 2p.
Folder 66: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 25 February 1854: On sale of Abram, Alleck and Toney. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 1p.
Folder 67: Wright, William. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 1 March 1854: About slave Toney; sends bill of sale. 1p.
Folder 68: Hughes & Randolph. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Winnsborough, 20 February 1854: Asks price of Negroes at Charleston. 1p.
Folder 69: King, Jesse. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Milledgeville, Ga., 19 February 1854: On unpaid note of J.M. Gilchrist. 2p.
Folder 70: Kittrell, G.W. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Graham's Turnout, S.C., 17 February 1854: Terms of sale for Negro girl Mariah. 1p.
Folder 71: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 16 February 1854: Financial matters; Tom sold to Spiers; market improving. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 1p.
Folder 72: Kirkland, W.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; [N.p.], 25 February 1854: Offers $1250 for Negro Celia and children John and Anna. 1p.
Folder 73: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 11 February 1854: On payment for Negro Peter; instructions about Alleck and Abram. In hand of Wm. C. Dawson. 1p.
Folder 74: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 11 February 1854: Instructions about boy Henry. 1p.
Folder 75: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to [Ziba B. Oakes]; Augusta, Ga., 11 February 1854: Real estate affairs; business good in Augusta. 1p.
Folder 76: Scranton Johnston & Co. Ms. L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, 11 February 1854: Recommends servant Lewis: value, capacity, types of service. 2p.
Folder 77: Kittrell, G.W. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Graham's Turn Out, 10 February 1854: Asks about runaway Negro woman Mariah. In hand of "H.P.R." 1p.
Folder 78: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 9 February 1854: Asks bill of sale delivered W. Williams; other finances. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 1p.
Folder 79: DeLorme, A.A. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Darien, Ga., 6 February 1854: Proposed sale of swamp land. 1p.
Folder 80: Cook, J.R. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Berry's Hill, 15 January 1854: Will do best in business with Bryant. 1p.
Folder 81: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 8 February 1854: Instructions on sale of slave Lewis for Johnston Scranton & Co.; discusses Abram and alleck. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 2p.
Folder 82: Northrop, C.B. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Charleston, S.C., 3 February 1854: Acknowldges deed for lot of land. 1p.
Folder 83: Limehouse, Thomas. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Goulding, S.C.[?], 5 February 1854: Instructions about sale of some Negroes. 1p.
Folder 84: Porter, A.G. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Springfield, 6 February 1854: Price obtained for Negro Mary satisfacotry; instructions for payment. 1p.
Folder 85: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 6 February 1854: Describes newly bought Negroes; intends to buy more. 1p.
Folder 86: Earle, Ralph. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Charleston, S.C., 8 February 1854: Sale of house in Green Street to Cameron. 1p.
Folder 87: Simons, James. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; [N.p.], 7 February 1854: Execution of Tennent's bond and mortgage; Tucker's to be executed in Georgetown. 1p.
Folder 88: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 7 February 1854: Describes four newly bought Negroes; instructions for sale. 2p.
Folder 89: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 4 February 1854: On financial matters. 1p.
Folder 90: Porter, A.G. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Woodville, 26 January 1854: Discusses woman now in Oakes's hands. 1p.
Folder 91: Butler, Joel. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; St. Matthews, Ky. [?], 26 January 1854: Instuctions about payment for servant sold. 1p.
Folder 92: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 27 January 1854: Doubts about buying Negroes due to high prices. 1p.
Folder 93: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 31 January 1854: Forwards two Negroes bought at $1725. 1p.
Folder 94: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 29 January 1854: Wants to sell land. 1p.
Folder 95: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 24 January 1854: Acknoledges payment; sends bill of sale for Skinner's man Toney. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 1p.
Folder 96: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 16 January 1854: Instructions about James Skinner's boy Toney; disposal of boy Ben; Legare included to give trouble. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 2p.
Folder 97: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 19 January 1854: Describes Negro Isaac, bought for $1100. 2p.
Folder 98: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 19 January 1854: Oakes's unsatisfactory handling of boy Ben, sold legare; Ben to be returned immediately. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 2p.
Folder 99: Porter, A.G. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Woodville, 17 January 1854: Asks value of Negro women in Charleston; describes one he wishes to sell as punishment. 3p.
Folder 100: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 15 January 1854: Boy Ben to be sent to Savannah immediately. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 1p.
Folder 101: Marshall, T.H. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Graniteville, S.C., 15 January 1854: Asks value of family: man, woman, 3 children. 1p.
Folder 102: Limehouse, Thomas. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Goulding, S.C.[?], 11 January 1854: Asks Oakes to buy family of ten or twelve Negros. 1p.
Folder 103: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 12 January 1854: Asks about sale of Washington & New Orleans Telegraph Co. shares. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 1p.
Folder 104: Butler, Joel. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Orangeburgh District, [n.d.]: Asks $1000 for Negro Amsted, to be sold as soon as possible. 1p.
Folder 105: Wilson, Capt. C.H. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Wadmalaw Island, S.C., 11 January 1854: On bills of sale for several Negroes. 1p.
Folder 106: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 14 January 1854: On character of a Mr. Moore. 1p.
Folder 107: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 11 January 1854: Acknowledges check. 1p.
Folder 108: Daly, John. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Charleston, S.C., 7 January 1854: On sale of a lot of land. 1p.
Folder 109: Hanahan, John. A.L.S. to [Ziba B. Oakes]; Edisto Island, S.C., 11 January 1854: Immediate need to borrow $2500. 1p.
Folder 110: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to [Ziba B. Oakes]; Augusta, Ga., 5 January 1854: Asks return of money lent Carew. 1p.
Folder 111: Adams & Wicks. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Aberdeen, Miss., 4 January 1854: Demans for money due Adams. 1p.
Folder 112: Limehouse, R.I. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; The Hill, 6 January 1854: Requests accounting for sale of real estate; offers $20 reward for Negro April. 1p.
Folder 113: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 9 January 1854: Instructions about Negro Ben and adverstisin of runaway Negro Dave. In hand of Wm. C. Dawson. 1p.
Folder 114: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 4 January 1854: Real estate negotiations. 1p.
Folder 115: Bissell, H.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Carlowville, Dallas Co., Ala., 26 December 1853: Wants to buy family Negro workman, blacksmith preferred. 1p.
Folder 116: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 2 January 1854: Has bought two lots of Negroes, is returning to Charleston. 1p.
Folder 117: Limehouse, Thomas. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Goulding, S.C.[?], 3 January 1854: Instructions for sale of four Negroes on way to Oakes. 1p.
Folder 118: Limehouse, Thomas. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Goulding, S.C.[?], 28 December 1853: Bank matters and sale of Negroes. 1p.
Folder 119: Wylly & Montmollin. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, S.C., 26 December 1853: Mary being sent for sale. 2p.
Folder 120: McElveen, A.J. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 27 December 1853: Prevalence of small-pox in South; 100 Negroes owned by L. White for sale. 1p.

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