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Letter from Samuel Strudwick in Arcola, Alabama, to his daughters Martha ("Pattie") Sledge and Mary Holmes in California.

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@ Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36130

Description

In the letter Strudwick discusses family members and acquaintances; expresses remorse for encouraging some of his relatives to move to California; and complains about the improved status of African Americans (whom he refers to collectively as "cuffy") in Alabama: "This country is degraded, wretched, and miserable to the last degree--the bottom rail has got on top at last--the spirit of chivalry of manhood and self respect has dwindled so low, that cuffy is courted, flattered, patted on the shoulder and caressed by many, many, many, whom we once thought could never be made to stoop so low. The present labor system (for a share of the crop) makes cuffy a partner, and thus puts him on an equal footing with the employer. To all who can possibly make a living in California, I say, stay where you are for, had I the money and the health to remove to any grain growing portions of your state, I would not delay an hour--The decline in this country is obvious to the most careless observer." A transcript of the letter is included.
Type:
Text
Format:
600 Ppi Tiff
Created Date:
1872 May 31 1872 05 31
Rights:
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From Collection

Alabama Textual Materials Collection

Record Contributed By

Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36130