Question About A Scott 24 Type V On Cover

gmot

I think you're right about that. I think cursive writing is called cursive because while reading it all you can do is curse at the sloppy penmanship.

gettinold, very fascinating stuff! This is why covers with contents are so interesting. The Williamsburg Public Hospital burned to the ground in 1885; a reconstructed building and museum now occupies the space of the original facility in Colonial Williamsburg.

Dudley

I couldn't agree more. Further research on the cover revealed the author, at the time of writing, had a wife & 7 children. He was a Deputy US Marshall and had responsibilities under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. I believe the letter was prompted by those duties. During the epidemic the author, and 2 of his seven children died. I found the following newspaper clipping:

It reads, "Y. Obt. Servt. [your obedient servant], W. B. Sorey".

Codehappy

Thank you. I am sending a copy of the letter to the Norfolk Historical Society and will now be able to share that with them. I received the following response from them after offering to send them a copy:

We would love to have a copy of the letter, which we will share with the local history section at Norfolk Public Library. One of my co-workers here at the library has done extensive research on Norfolk's domestic slave trade, primarily in the 1820s-30s so far, and will be interested to know about Mr. Sorey's responsibilities as Deputy Marshall.

You may send the photocopy to my attention at
Norfolk Historical Society