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:

Thank you for your interest in the Boston Public Library’s collections.

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As such, we cannot grant or deny permission to use copies of items held in our collections.

It is the sole responsibility of the user to make his or her own determination about what types of usage might be permissible under U.S. and international copyright law. Provision of a copy from the Boston Public Library should not be construed as explicit permission to use it for any particular reason.

Attribution

If you are using a credit line, please use “Boston Public Library” with the collection or call number, if available.

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 31

Folder 241: Crutchfield, T. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Chattanooga, Tenn., 9 February 1853: On City Marshall's claim for reward for runaway. 1 p.
Folder 242: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 24 February 1855: On boy Caleb; asks old woman owned by Green sent to Sumterville. 2p.
Folder 243: Wilson, William R. A.L.S.to Ziba B. Oakes; Kingstree, S.C., 22 February 1855: Asks about Caleb, now in jail. 1 p.
Folder 244: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 9 February 1855: Cyrus to be sold for $1000, at once if possible. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 1 p.
Folder 245: Williams, J.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Monks Corner, S.C., 16 February 1855: Asks Oakes to investigate pine land offered for sale by Philip Porcher. 1 p.
Folder 246: Barber, F.C. A.N.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; [Augusta?, Ga.], [February 1855?]: On collection of money due him. 1 p.
Folder 247: Carr, Joseph P. A.L.S. to R. Emmett King; [Charleston, S.C.], 27 February 1855: Asks about title to Sue. 1 p.
Folder 248: Stinebeck, A. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Aiken, S.C., 20 February 1855: Trouble over title to farm. 2 p.
Folder 249: Green, William M. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Bishopville, Sumpter District, S.C., 19 February 1855: Asks woman Delia sent to Sumterville if not salable at $375. 1 p.
Folder 250: Stall, J.R. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Summerville, S.C., 19 February 1855: Asks advise on sale of plantion and Negroes. 1 p.
Folder 251: King, Jesse. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Milledgeville, Ga., 11 February 1855: Asks value of several Negroes. 1 p.
Folder 252: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 19 February 1855: On repayment of debt to Oakes. 1 p.
Folder 253: Van Wyck, William. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Pendleton, S.C., 17 February 1855: Asks value of land. 1p.
Folder 254: Cox, John. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Columbia, Tenn., 23 January 1855: Asks assistance in getting Primus out of workhouse for Thomas J. Kelly, secretary of Duck River Slack Water Navigation Co. 1 p.
Folder 255: Loud, P.H. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 8 February 1855: Asks value of several Negroes. 2 p.
Folder 256: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 7 February 1855: Trouble over title to girl; plans to attend Camden sale; W.M. Green's wish to sell Negro for $375 or more. 1 p.
Folder 257: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 6 February 1855: Will send girl at once; must bring at least $600. 2 p.
Folder 258: DeLeaumont, H. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; [Charleston, S.C. ?], [February 1855?]: Asks about sale of Greenville & Co. stock. 2 p.
Folder 259: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 16 January 1855: Negotiations with Miss Fleming over two boys; Brogden wishes $600 loan. 1 p.
Folder 260: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumpterville, S.C., 16 January 1855: Another version of the proceding.
Folder 261: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 17 January 1855: Offers land for sale. 1 p.
Folder 262: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 6 January 1852: Describes Negroes just bought. 2 p.
Folder 263: Bulgre & DeVane. Ms.L.S. to A.J. McElveen; Montgomery, Ala., 19 January 1855: Asks value of Negroes mentioned by McElveen; discusses business in Montgomery. 2 p.
Folder 264: Whaley, William. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Charleston, S.C., 4 February 1855: Comissions Oakes to bid up to $15,000 at Old Dominion plantation auction. 1 p.
Folder 265: Maye, Wyatt. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Aberdeen, Miss., 23 January 1855: Wishes to buy 6 or 8 slaves. 1 p.
Folder 266: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, SC, 3 February 1855: Railroad accident; questions on purchases. 1 p.
Folder 267: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 31 January 1855: Offers Cyrus at $1100, with restrictions. 1 p.
Folder 268: White, J.K. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes and A.J. McElveen; [n.p.], [January 1855?]: Difficulties in selling Doss; buiness slack. 1 p.
Folder 269: Sanchez, Venancio. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; St. Augustine, Fla., 13 January 1855: Asks compensation for unsatisfactory John. In hand of G.B. Slambias. 1 p.
Folder 270: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 13 January 1855: Miss Fleming to take back two boys; Doss not sold; Florida market best. 2 p.
Folder 271: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 4 January 1855: Asks about boy Cyrus; trade dull. In hand of Wm. C. Dawson. 1 p.
Folder 272: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 6 January 1855: is sending two boys, bought at $780 and $600; Doss not sold; business bad in Sumterville. 1 p.
Folder 273: Taylor, Thomas. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Columbia, Tenn., 8 January 1855: Cannot pay Oakes till authorized by Col. Banskett. 1 p.
Folder 274: Brown, S.N. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Montgomery, Ala., 5 January 1855: Advise on purshases; prices low. 1 p.
Folder 275: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 10 January 1855: On forwarding money. 1 p.
Folder 276: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 31 December 1854: Unable to get money for Moses; will soon bring several Negroes to Charleston; chance to sell 6 Negroes to captain of steamer Florida. 1 p.
Folder 277: Ziegler, George P. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Charleston, S.C., 3 January 1855: On sale of Charlotte. 1 p.
Folder 278: Chappell, James M. A.L.S.to Ziba B. Oakes; Hamburg, Tenn. [?], January 1855: Sends bill of sale; wants $500 for woman.
Folder 279: Chappell, James M. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Hamburg, Tenn. [?], 19 December 1854: Sends blank bill of sale; asks enquiries made for leather carpet bag. 1 p.
Folder 280: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 29 December 1854: Unable to buy more negroes for lack of money. 1 p.
Folder 281: Brown, S.N. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Montgomery, Ala., 25 December [1854?]: Orders purchase of girl from Mordecai; offers $500 for Hagar. 1 p.
Folder 282: Barber, F.C. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 23 December 1854: On purchase of land from Barber. 1 p.
Folder 283: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 13 December 1854: Describes 2 boys just bought; plans to purchase more. 2 p.
Folder 284: Chappell, James M. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 22 December 1854: On sale of woman Nancy. 1 p.
Folder 285: Starr, W.P. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 13 December 1854: On woman for sale by J.M. Chappell. 1 p.
Folder 286: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 20 December 1854: On disposal of Negroes sent to Charleston; two others offered. 1 p.
Folder 287: White, L.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumter, S.C., 20 December 1854: Asks about price of Bimbo. 1 p.
Folder 288: Scranton Johnston & Co. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 20 December 1854: Acknowledges statement and draft for Lewis. 1 p.
Folder 289: Corley, H.M. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Hitchings Mill, Orangeburg District, S.C., 15 December 1854: Asks market price in Charleston; poor price for commodities locally. 1 p.
Folder 290: Wright, William. Ms.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 13 December 1854: Asks about possible sale of Cyrus; bill against W.D. Ellis; market dull. In hand of Wm C. Dawson. 1 p.
Folder 291: Wylly & Montmollin. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Savannah, Ga., 13 December 1854: Asks that Cain be shipped to Savannah; season dull. 1 p.
Folder 292: Bohn, George W. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Grooverville, Thomas Co., Ga., 12 December 1854: Asks prices in Charleston. 2 p.
Folder 293: Barber, F.C. A.N.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Augusta, Ga., 11 December 1854: Asks Oakes to cash draft. 1 p.
Folder 294: Tennent, J.S. A.N.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; [n.p.], [n.d.]: Asks if Lousia has been sold. 1 p.
Folder 295: Dickison, H.S. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Taylors, Sumter District, S.C., 11 December 1854: Asks about 4 Negroes in Dickison's care who have been taken away. 1 p.
Folder 296: Stinebeck, A. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Aiken, S.C., 5 December 1854: Intends to leave farm; asks about keys. 2 p.
Folder 297: McElveen, A.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Sumterville, S.C., 11 December 1854: Will send 6 newly bought Negroes to Charleston; Brown buying Negroes. 2 p.
Folder 298: Martin, W.J. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; New Orleans, La., 9 December 1854: Requests bill of sale for Florida girl. 1 p.
Folder 299: Knight, W.H. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes; Santee, S.C., 9 December 1854: Requests balance due from sale of boy Ely. 1 p.
Folder 300: Magrath, A.G. A.L.S. to Ziba B. Oakes, on behalf of T.N. Gadsden; Charleston, S.C., 8 December 1854: On dispute with Henry McAlpin over title to Negro. 1 p.

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