Robert Pleasants Letterbook, 1771-1781.

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440

Summary

Extent:
1 item. 154 pages.
Creator:
Robert Pleasants.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Letterbook, 1771-1781, of Pleasants includes letterrs written to family members, friends and to merchants in Philadelphia, New York and England. Subjects include shipping of tobacco and other crops, buying of goods, the Quaker religion, slavery and its abolition, and the coming and progress of the American Revolution. Includes letter, March 1781, to [Benedict Arnold] and a letter, 22 September 1773, to Archibald Cary concerning the treatment of religious prisoners in the Chesterfield County, Virginia jail. Another correspondent was Anthony Benezet. Also includes a deed of manumission.

Biographical / historical:

Robert Pleasants was born at "Curles," Henrico County, Virginia and lived his entire life there. He was an active member of the Society of Friends. His brother Samuel Pleasants (1737-1807) was a successful merchant in Philadelphia. Sometime after 1771, he entered into a mercantile company (Robert Pleasants & Co.) which did business as a consignment tobacco exporter.He organized an abolition society in 1790.

Acquisition information:
In the possession of Swem Library before 1939.
Physical facet:
Bound volume.
Dimensions:
24 1/2 cm.