Search

Start Over Creator Bruin, Joseph Subjects Enslaved persons

Letter, Joseph Bruin to John Augustine Washington III Box 66, Folder 1845.08.08

Letter from Alexandria slave dealer Joseph Bruin of the firm Bruin and Hill to John Augustine Washington III regarding an enslaved man named Gabriel who escaped from Mount Vernon and is now being held at Bruin's Slave Jail. Bruin writes, "I have to inform you of what I am willing to pay for your man now in my Jail we will give you $565 neat for him at this time if the prices should improve we are willing to pay what ever the prices may be but when you come down I am inclined to think we can trade if you wish to replace him you can inquire of others what he is worth to satisfy your self about his worth he is 5 feet 5 inches he's well formed but has some scars on his back also 2 scars from burns on his arms which are mear eye sore but dont disable him in the smallest degree. He's a very desirable negro - to those wishing to purchase. I have 2 or 3 more at this time that possibly will suit you they are young and likely and not sold for any fault."

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Historic manuscript collection
  3. Series 1. Documents and Manuscripts
  4. Manuscripts Box 66

Content Warning

ARVAS is an aggregator of archival resources. ARVAS does not have control of the descriptive language used in our members’ finding aids.

Finding aids may contain historical terms and phrases, reflecting the shared attitudes and values of the community from which they were collected, but are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical or mental ability; religion; sex; and sexual orientation and gender identity.

Many institutions and organizations are in the process of reviewing and revising their descriptive language, with the intent to describe materials in more humanizing, inclusive, and harm-reductive ways. As members revise their descriptive language, their changes will eventually be reflected in their ARVAS finding aids.

Limit your search