[ENSLAVEMENT] Payment for the rental of enslaved persons discussed in 1856 ALS from Virginia farmer.

Letter from Thomas Leigh to Allen K. Jones, Jack's Creek, TN, pertaining to payment for the rental of enslaved persons. Halifax Court House, VA, 27 August 1856.

1 page, 8 x 9 3/4 in., folds, toning and occasional spotting, light chipping. Addressed on verso, "Allen K. Jones, Jack's Creek, Henderson Cty., Tennessee." With original cover with black cancellation, "Halifax C.H., VA Aug. 27."

Thomas Leigh writes to Allen K. Jones, "Enclosed you will find a check for $74.63 money collected on account of your negroes for the year 1855. I hope in a short time to collect & remit the balance of the hires." Leigh also mentions their crops of corn, which "are worse than ever known in this county," while "tobacco is tolerable."

The community of Jack's Creek, Tennessee, was settled in the 1820s in Henderson (now Chester) County. It was the site of a Civil War battle involving 2,500 Confederate troops under General Nathan Bedford Forrest in September 1863. The name of the community was allegedly derived from a young, enslaved male named Jack, about whom there are various legends in local folklore, including that he was captured by Native Americans.

Property from a 35-Year Collection from the Southern United States