Lot 1173
A Runaway Slave Is Hunted By "Negroe Dogs". A two-page letter dated October 18, 1850 from a man named Lauren Smith in Wheeling, Missisisippi, to his brother in Humphreysville, Connecticut.; 9¾ x 7¾ in., with integral address leaf. In part: "…I have swaped my land for a runaway Negro…a woman…sold two years ago for six hundred thirty five Dollars….She had been runaway ten days and had been hunted for a week with a full pack of Negroe Dogs but could not be caught in twenty four hours after I bought her….I have had her about six months and she has not attempted to runaway. I could give her twelve hours the start and catch her in six hours with my Dogs and she knows it would be of know use to try it. She is a first rate Negro to work but like all Negroes she needs a little buckskin now and then…." This is the first letter we have seen about dogs being used to track runaway slaves.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
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