Letter to Reverend David Selden from his son David Selden

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

This letter was written from Charleston, South Carolina, on March 5, 1808, by David Selden to his parents in Chatham, Connecticut. Selden lists several cities he has recently traveled to including New York and Philadelphia, with future destinations including Georgetown and Georgia. After describing the weather and spring blossoms of Charleston, Selden writes, "I cannot but reflect on the awfull sight to be seen at a place called Gadsdens wharf of about four thousand poor africans naked/in a manner/ and lousy[.] The most distressing sight I ever beheld offered for sale every day at Auction to him who will give the most." The letter is posted specifically to his father Reverend David Selden of Chatham, Connecticut, but the salutation reads "Dear parents".

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