Description:

W. N. Mercer Laurel Hills Plantation Letter, Mentioning 140 Slaves 

1p of a bifolium, measuring 8.25" x 10.75", White Sulphur Springs, Virginia, dated July 18, 1842. Signed by William Newton Mercer as "W.N.M." and addressed to Charles P. Leverich, Esq., who served as a factor for several wealthy southern plantation owners. Mercer writes about business pertaining to the management of his plantation, Laurel Hill and sends 150 bales of cotton to Leverich. Addressed and docketed on verso. With flattened mail folds and a wax seal. Light, uneven toning throughout. Very fine.

Reading in part:
"…If the [illegible] reaches Laurel Hill by the middle of October, about which time I hope to be at home, it will be quite early enough. I leave the matter to your own management. The company here is only 140, scarcely over half of the number at this time in previous years, and there is no likelihood that we shall be at all crowded. This place is in fine order, the farm yard, and on the whole much better conducted than formerly. At present the weather is delightful, clear, and neither too hot nor too cold. Major Shotard is expected here this evening…I have ordered 150 bales to be sent you…It will probably reach you about the middle of Oct. I prefer to send you all my finer cottons…"

William Newton Mercer (1792-1874) served as an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812 and was later stationed in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi, as Army Post-Surgeon. After retiring from military service in 1821, he and his wife, Anna had two daughters and lived at Laurel Hill Plantation in Adams County, Mississippi. With his marriage into one of the oldest Natchez district families, Mercer became one of the wealthiest men in the area. Charles P. Leverich (1811-1880) was an American banker who acted as a factor for several wealthy planters, including Stephen Duncan, Levin Marshall, William St. John Elliot, Francis Surget, Sam Davis, William T. Palfrey, Mary Porter, John Julius Pringle, and William Newton Mercer. A factor is an agent who receives and sells goods on commission.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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November 2, 2022 11:00 AM EDT
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