This collection explores Bushrod’s relationship with the institution of chattel slavery. As a Virginian planter and inheritor of the Mount Vernon estate, Bushrod was a slaveowner. He defended the slaveholder’s property rights because state and federal laws sanctioned them. Bushrod also helped found the American Colonization Society in 1816 and served as its first president. This contradiction opened Bushrod to criticism from contemporary abolitionists, and modern historians classify the effort to send freed slaves to Africa as stemming from an antislavery, as opposed to abolitionist, conviction.
Mount Vernon December 27. 1799
The Will should be proved at the first Fairfax Court, and this can be easily done by Mr Lewis's carrying it up and presenting it to the Court for probate, the whole of it being in the Testator's own hand writing and that well Known by most of the members of the Court.
Jany 26. 1800
My dear Aunt,
The improved Lot in Alexandria; the household furniture including (as I concieve in that description,) the pictures & plate; the kitchen furniture; the liquors, groceries & dead victuals laid in at the time of the General's death belong absolutely to you & may be disposed of by you, when & how you please.
Salem [Mass.] Decr 21. 1821—
My dear Sir
I was about to sit down to give you an account of my autumnal Circuit, when I had the pleasure of receiving your late letter— Before I say one word on this subject, I beg to apologize for not acknowleging before the barrel of hams which you sent me— The barrel of hams safely arrived at Boston, & there by the carelessness of the Captain or Consignee or both, it was left on the wharf for a day or two, & thus all were stolen except five— These I received & they were so good that I regretted extremely my loss—& a