Name/Title
Gray Letters 1852 01 31Entry/Object ID
2024.10.1.199Description
This is a letter to Lucy Gray (Samuel's wife) from her uncle on Samuel's Mother's side, Edward Powers. The letter is written from Columbus, GA. Mr. Powers gives her his advice to stay in Benicia rather than moving to San Francisco. He also tells her to have Samuel build the Cistern and woodhouse and he will deduct the cost from monies owed him by Samuel and Lucy. He then suggests that they decide to have only one more child as children are expensive especially for their education. Regarding his own health, he is having pain in his head and eyes. (Note: Edward Powers passes away in 1855 just a few years after this letter is written.)
At the end, he mentions that Nancy's baby is a "...fine specimen of the Negro race. Apparently, a source of comfort to both Mistress and servant. Negro babies are much more valuable and profitable than White ones. I should look upon it as a great misfortune for the Mistress to become a mother, but the more babies the Servant has, the better."Collection
Benicia Historical Museum Collection
