William A. J. Finney papers, 1849-1876

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Summary

Creator:
Finney, William A. J. and Finney family
Abstract:
William A. J. Finney was a member of a firm of slave traders, of Museville (Pittsylvania Co.), Va. This collection contains business, Civil War, and political correspondence, giving a detailed picture of methods of conducting and financing the slave trade, with accounts of purchases in Virginia, Louisiana, and Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama. Included are notices regarding the slave market in Richmond. Civil War letters show that many members of the Finney family were in the Confederate Army. There are references to Finney's attempts to raise a company, his hiring of a substitute, the battle of Big Bethel, the maintenance of the Danville Railroad, and appeals for food. Letters of the 1870s pertain to Finney's political activities in Virginia.
Extent:
0.1 Linear Feet
Language:
Materials in English
Collection ID:
RL.10031

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains business, Civil War, and political correspondence, giving a detailed picture of methods of conducting and financing the slave trade, with accounts of purchases in Virginia, Louisiana, and Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama. Most of the letters relating to slave trading are dated 1858-1860. The letters frequently report the prices and state of the market for slaves in Richmond. Many of the letters are between William A.J. Finney and Phillip Thomas, another slave trader; these letters give a detailed picture of methods of conducting and financing the slave trade.

Civil War letters show that many members of the Finney family were in the Confederate Army. There are references to Finney's attempts to raise a company, his hiring of a substitute, the battle of Big Bethel, the maintenance of the Danville Railroad, and appeals for food. Letters of the 1870s pertain to Finney's political activities in Virginia.

Biographical / historical:

William A. J. Finney was a member of a firm of slave traders, of Museville (Pittsylvania Co.), Va.

Processing information:

Processed by: Rubenstein Library Staff

Accessions described in this finding aid: 48-2003

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], William A. J. Finney papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m10p6f